How to Properly Clean Your Dishwasher

There have been a lot of dirty dishes lately, and with every dishwashing cycle your dishwasher gets slightly dirtier. If your plates and silverware aren’t coming out clean, your glass is foggy, or you notice a funky smell in your dishwasher, it’s time for a deep cleaning.

You can buy commercial dishwasher cleaner, but all the ingredients for a clean machine are probably in your home already. Start by placing a cup of white distilled vinegar upright on the top shelf. Run a hot cycle with the rest of the dishwasher empty.

Then sprinkle baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher and run a hot, empty cycle again. You could alternatively pour lemon Kool-Aid powder in the soap tray. This flavor of Kool-aid is almost entirely citric acid, so it will leave your dishwasher with a fresh scent. (Just be sure not to use any other flavor, which will leave a sugary residue.)

If your dishwasher has a filter, periodically remove it and scrub with a brush. Little bits of food can get trapped in there and prevent proper circulation.

For all these tips and more, check out the video above.