Ever since I posted about how to clean a top-load washing machine I’ve gotten questions asking me for a similar tutorial about how to clean your dishwasher-so finally today’s the day! It’s so funny to me that these appliances that by their very nature clean things can get so grimy but they do and it’s an easy fix (without harsh chemicals too!)
The first thing you need to do is empty your dishwasher completely-be sure to check under the bottom rack (remove it if necessary) that there is nothing at the bottom where the dishwasher drains-you’d be amazed at the gunk that can end up down there-yuck!
Next, place a dishwasher-safe measuring cup with two cups of white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher. If you’re an essential oil user like myself add five drops of Young Living Thieves Essential Oil blend for added sanitation.
OUR LATEST VIDEOSShut the dishwasher (remember-NOTHING else is inside) and turn the dishwasher on the hottest cycle you have-on my Kenmore I choose the “Pots and Pans” cycle and choose the “High Temp” option.The vinegar and hot water work together to loosen grime, deodorize, and the Thieves helps to sanitize the interior of the dishwasher. If you have a stainless steel dishwasher use the time while it’s running to use my tutorial for cleaning and treating stainless steel to prevent fingerprints.
For added freshening you can run the dishwasher through another short cycle after sprinkling the bottom with baking soda-I usually don’t feel the need to do this if I use the Thieves with my vinegar but probably do it once or twice a year for an extra deep clean.
That’s it! I recommend doing the rinse with vinegar and Thieves about every other month-I try to do it monthly if I remember because with the three kids (and trying to teach them to put their own dishes in the dishwasher) I feel like we get a lot of “gunk” in there that adds to the grimy stuff.
When’s the last time you cleaned your dishwasher? Are there any other natural cleaning tutorials you’d like to see here on The Happier Homemaker?
Gwen says
I think we’ve done that once…in five years! Thanks for the tips!!!
Melissa Riker says
Thanks for popping by Gwen!
Laura @ The Turquoise Home says
Thanks for this! I’ve done this once, but think it’s time to do again. And now that I have my Thieves, it’ll be extra clean!
Melissa Riker says
I think the Thieves makes a big difference Laura!
Manda says
Hello, I am confused about the Thieves…I see it in the picture and read about it in the comments but I don’t see where it is in the post/instructions. Am I missing it??
Melissa says
That was so odd Manda, the post somehow reverted to an earlier draft-I’ve fixed it now, thanks for letting me know!
Emily @ Two Purple Couches says
I’ve never tried to clean my dishwasher before, but it surely couldn’t hurt! Thanks for the how-to!
Melissa Riker says
You’re very welcome Emily!! Hope you had a great weekend!
Sharron says
How do you clean your clothes dryer make it run more eficiently ?
Melissa Riker says
I actually have a post about that scheduled on April 1st! I’ll be sure to come back and reply to this comment again when it’s up to let you know it’s published! 🙂
Jacci says
My dishwasher will so thank you for this. Can I use tea tree oil? I’m new to using essential oils, but need to learn more!
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Reliable data, Regards!
polly plum says
I’ve been running white vinegar through my dishwasher and washing machine about once/month since I read about it here!I keep a bottleor 2( from dollar tree) in my pantry at all times, thanks!
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Cleaners Highbury Ltd. says
Great tips! I have never known that I have to clean my dishwasher! I found your article very useful. I am going to try your method next time when I clean. I hope I will make my dishwasher looks like a new one. Best regards!
Jean says
Thanks!!! I was looking for a way to clean my dishwasher and came upon this site. Cleaned it better then the commercial cleaners. I only had about a cup of vinegar so thats what I used and 5 drops of thieves. Then I sprinkled baking soda on the bottom with a few drops of lemon eo and ran a short cycle as you suggested. My dishwasher looks sparkly new again 🙂
Melissa says
I’m so glad it helped Jean!
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