Thank goodness for modern appliances. Could you imagine making bread without a bread machine – all that kneading? And if I have to wait for my coffee from an old fashion stove top percolator I might lose my mind. I need my morning java to start my brain much less my day.
I am particularly fond of my dishwasher. It saves so much time. It does almost all the work for me. In fact, I am so fond of it I actually know how to do some small repairs. I just can’t imagine my life without it. Washing dishes by hand is so grueling and it hurts my back. So keeping my dishwasher in optimal performance mode by keeping it clean is a priority to me. Plus, nobody wants a filthy dishwasher.
image via DIY&Crafts
BAKING SODA & VINEGAR
This classic mixture has a myriad of uses for cleaning. It is easy to make. Separately, these ingredients are relatively harmless. However, together, it becomes acid so care is needed. Follow these steps to get rid of unpleasant smells in your dishwasher.
- Remove the filter and soak it in a mild soap and water solution in the sink for about 10 minutes.
- Once your filter is done soaking, replace it and pour a cup of white vinegar in the bottom and run on the heaviest cycle setting on your dishwasher.
- Finally, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and let it sit overnight.
- Finish the cleaning process by running another heavy cycle.
SODIUM BORATE
Sodium borate, also known as borax, is a naturally occurring cleaning agent with many uses. You can use it the scrub the inside of the dishwasher as well as the door and the inside edge of the door. Finish the cleaning technique off by running your next load of dishes with a quarter cup of borax in the bottom of the dishwasher. You can use your normal cleaning agent along with the borax. It will leave your dishes super clean and your glasses spotless.
BLEACH
If you have a stainless steel dishwasher, DO NOT USE bleach. It is harmful to stainless steel. However, for all other dishwashers, it is a great way to kill mold. The vinegar and baking soda method will help control mold but, if you have particularly stubborn mold bleach is the best choice. Fill a cup with bleach, place it on the top rack and run your dishwasher on the hottest possible setting and you mold will be no more.
KOOL-AID or TANG
As unbelievable as it sound using a citrus flavored Kool-Aid like drink is a great way to get rid of hard water stains from your dishes and your dishwasher. Follow these steps for a way to clean the hard water deposits and make your dishwasher smell super yummy.
- Run the tap until the water is hot
- Begin your dishwasher cycle
- Stop the dishwasher after 5 minutes and add tang to the detergent slot. (If using Tang you can sprinkle the remainder of the mix in the bottom of the dishwasher.)
- Run a full cycle of your dishwasher.
Keeping your dishwasher clean is one of the best ways to lengthen its life, keep your dishes clean and help you stay sane. Try these tips next time you have a cleaning day.