THE RIGHT WAY TO CLEAN DISHWASHER WITH VINEGAR & SODA

Imagine opening your dishwasher after a long dinner with friends, expecting spotless dishes, but instead, you’re hit with a sour, musty smell. The inside looks cloudy, the silverware feels greasy, and suddenly that “automatic cleaner” doesn’t seem so automatic anymore.

Dishwashers handle more than just plates and glasses. Every cycle collects grease, soap scum, and bits of food that slowly build up inside the filter, spray arms, and drain. Over time, this residue affects water flow, spreads odor, and leaves your dishes looking dull.

According to Consumer Reports (2024), dishwashers that aren’t cleaned monthly lose up to 20% of their efficiency, meaning longer cycles, higher energy bills, and less sparkling results. The good news? You don’t need expensive cleaners or chemicals to fix it.

Two simple household ingredients, vinegar and baking soda, can do the job better than most commercial products. Vinegar dissolves grease and limescale while baking soda deodorizes and polishes the interior. Together, they create a powerful, natural cleaning routine that restores your dishwasher’s performance and keeps it smelling fresh.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to clean your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda using an easy step-by-step method. You’ll also discover how often to do it, what mistakes to avoid, and how to maintain your dishwasher so it keeps working like new for years.

Why Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Clean Your Dishwasher

Your dishwasher deals with grease, detergent residue, and hard water buildup every day. While commercial cleaners promise fast results, natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda offer the same cleaning power without harsh chemicals or added cost.

Vinegar’s Cleaning Power

White distilled vinegar is one of the most effective natural cleaners for appliances. It contains acetic acid, which breaks down limescale, mineral deposits, and soap scum that cling to the interior surfaces of your dishwasher.
A cup of vinegar during a hot cycle helps dissolve grease and clears blockages inside the spray arms and drain. It also neutralizes lingering food odors that detergents can’t reach.

Research from the Good Housekeeping Institute found that using vinegar monthly can reduce internal residue by nearly 40%, keeping your dishwasher running smoothly. It’s gentle enough for most stainless steel interiors and safe for all major brands when used correctly.

Baking Soda’s Role

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, complements vinegar perfectly. It acts as a mild abrasive that removes stains, neutralizes odor, and refreshes the interior.
After the vinegar cycle loosens dirt and grease, baking soda helps polish the tub and restore the natural shine of the dishwasher walls and racks.

A small amount sprinkled across the bottom of the tub can eliminate stubborn smells and brighten stainless steel surfaces. It’s non-toxic, safe for the environment, and doesn’t leave chemical residue on your dishes.

Why the Two-Step Method Works Best

The secret lies in using vinegar and baking soda separately, not together. When mixed, they neutralize each other and lose effectiveness.
Running vinegar first breaks down grime and limescale, while the baking soda rinse afterward removes loosened debris and refreshes the appliance.

This two-step process is not only affordable but also proven by home appliance experts to maintain performance, eliminate odor, and extend your dishwasher’s lifespan.

When and How Often Should You Use This Method

Just like any other home appliance, your dishwasher performs best when it’s cleaned on a regular schedule. Even though it washes dishes daily, leftover food particles and mineral residue can accumulate fast inside the system.

How Often You Should Clean It

If you use your dishwasher every day, it’s best to clean it thoroughly with vinegar and baking soda once a month. This keeps buildup under control and prevents unpleasant smells.
For smaller households that run the dishwasher a few times a week, cleaning it every two to three months is usually enough to maintain good performance.

According to Whirlpool’s Home Care Guide, monthly cleaning can extend your dishwasher’s lifespan by up to 25% and prevent clogged filters or spray arms from reducing efficiency.

Signs Your Dishwasher Needs Cleaning

You don’t have to wait for a specific date on the calendar. Your dishwasher will give you clear signs when it needs attention.
If you notice a sour or musty smell when opening the door, cloudy dishes, or water standing at the bottom after a cycle, it’s time for a vinegar and baking soda treatment.

Other warning signs include slower drainage, longer cycles, or visible white spots inside the tub from hard water. These indicate that grease and minerals are interfering with performance.

Best Time to Clean

Choose a time when the dishwasher is empty, preferably after the last load of the day. The tub should be dry or only slightly damp for the vinegar cycle to work effectively.
Avoid running a cleaning cycle while dishes are inside, as food residue can interfere with the reaction between vinegar and baking soda.

Experts recommend cleaning on a weekend morning or evening when you can supervise the process and inspect filters afterward.
Making this a part of your monthly routine ensures your dishwasher stays hygienic, efficient, and odor-free all year round.

Pre-Cleaning Checklist (Before You Start)

Before running the vinegar and baking soda cleaning cycle, a little preparation ensures the process works effectively and safely. Skipping these steps can make the cleaning less efficient or leave debris behind.

What You’ll Need

Gather a few simple household items before you start. You’ll need white distilled vinegar, baking soda, a soft cloth or sponge, an old toothbrush, and a small bowl or measuring cup that can safely sit on the dishwasher rack.
Optional tools include a bottle brush, microfiber towel, and rubber gloves if you prefer extra protection from grime and hot water.

Always use plain white vinegar—avoid apple cider or flavored versions, as they may leave residue or scent inside the machine.
Make sure the baking soda is pure, with no added fragrances or cleaning additives, since you’re using it inside an appliance that cleans dishes.

Safety and Preparation Steps

Turn off the dishwasher completely before cleaning any removable parts. If it has a plug or circuit switch, flip it off for safety.
Open the door fully to inspect the interior. Remove the bottom rack so you can access the filter, drain, and spray arms easily.

Check for sharp debris, such as broken glass or plastic, that might have fallen to the bottom. Carefully remove these before continuing.
Wipe away any visible food particles or residue using a damp cloth. A quick pre-clean ensures that vinegar can target grease and buildup instead of loose debris.

Inspect Filters and Spray Arms

Your dishwasher’s filter is the most common source of odor and poor cleaning performance. Twist or unlock it based on your model’s instructions.
Rinse the filter under warm running water and scrub gently with an old toothbrush to remove grease or soap film.

Next, check the spray arms. Their small holes can get clogged by food particles or mineral deposits.
Use a toothpick or fine brush to clear the holes, ensuring water can flow freely during the cleaning cycles.

Once your filter and spray arms are clean, place them back securely. These small steps make a big difference when you start the vinegar and baking soda cleaning process.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda takes less than an hour but delivers powerful results. This simple two-step process removes grease, odor, and mineral buildup without using any harsh chemicals.

Step 1: Empty and Inspect the Dishwasher

Start by making sure your dishwasher is completely empty. Remove all dishes, utensils, and racks if possible, to expose the bottom surface and spray arms.
Check the corners, door edges, and drain area for food particles, paper, or labels that might be blocking the filter or water flow.

Wipe away any visible residue with a damp cloth. Doing this before the cleaning cycle helps vinegar and baking soda target deep grime instead of loose debris.

Step 2: Run a Vinegar Cycle

Pour one to two cups of white distilled vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl or measuring cup and place it on the top rack of the empty machine.
Vinegar works as a mild acid that breaks down grease, soap scum, and limescale while also killing bacteria that cause bad smells.

Run a hot-water cycle (preferably the longest one your dishwasher offers) without adding detergent.
As the water heats up, the vinegar vapor circulates throughout the interior, dissolving stuck residue and disinfecting every corner.

According to Good Housekeeping Institute, this step can remove up to 98% of grease and bacterial buildup when done monthly.
Once the cycle ends, open the door slightly and let the steam escape for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda for a Second Cycle

After the vinegar cycle, remove the bowl and sprinkle one cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom of the dishwasher.
Baking soda acts as a gentle scrubber and deodorizer, neutralizing vinegar odor while polishing the interior surfaces.

Run a short, hot rinse cycle without detergent. The baking soda will dissolve and foam lightly, lifting any remaining grime and brightening stainless steel surfaces.
Once the cycle finishes, open the door again and let the interior air dry naturally for at least 20 to 30 minutes.

Your dishwasher should now look cleaner, smell fresher, and feel noticeably smoother inside.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior

When both cycles are complete, use a microfiber towel or soft sponge to wipe down the door, seals, and inside walls.
Focus on the rubber gasket and the bottom edges of the door, where grease and soap film tend to collect.

For tough stains, dip your cloth in a mixture of warm water and a few drops of vinegar, then scrub gently until clean.
Finally, dry the inside with a towel or let it air dry overnight by leaving the door slightly open.

Step 5: Optional Deep Descaling for Hard Water Areas

If your home has hard water, you might notice white spots or chalky residue inside your dishwasher.
To fix this, place two tablespoons of citric acid powder or a commercial dishwasher descaler on the bottom of the tub and run a hot cycle.

This step removes calcium deposits that vinegar alone might not fully dissolve. According to Appliance Science Review, regular descaling improves heating efficiency by up to 20% in hard-water homes.

By following these five steps, you’ll restore your dishwasher’s shine, eliminate odors, and extend its lifespan—all with simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

Regular Maintenance Between Deep-Cleans

A dishwasher that’s cleaned regularly stays fresh, efficient, and long-lasting. You don’t need to deep-clean it every week — just a few simple habits between vinegar and baking soda treatments can keep your machine in perfect shape.

Weekly Maintenance

Once a week, do a quick inspection before starting a load. Check the bottom for bits of food, small bones, or broken glass that might clog the drain.
Wipe the door edges and rubber gasket with a damp microfiber cloth to remove grease or detergent splashes that collect over time.

If you often cook oily meals, run an empty rinse cycle with hot water midweek to flush away grease and soap film.
This simple routine helps maintain fresh airflow and prevents odor buildup inside the tub.

A report by GE Appliances found that dishwashers cleaned weekly had 60% fewer odor issues than those left untouched for months.

Monthly Maintenance

Once a month, repeat the vinegar and baking soda method. This keeps limescale, grease, and detergent residue from building up.
Inspect and rinse the filter and spray arms under warm water to clear any trapped food particles or mineral deposits.

Refill the rinse aid compartment if it’s low — this improves drying performance and prevents cloudy spots on glassware.
If you have hard water, consider adding a dishwasher cleaner tablet or descaler every two to three months to maintain heat efficiency.

A Whirlpool Service Study (2024) showed that dishwashers cleaned monthly used 25% less energy and 30% less water compared to neglected ones.

Every 3 to 6 Months

Inspect the drain hose, spray arms, and heating element twice a year to catch early signs of buildup or corrosion.
Remove racks and clean them under warm soapy water if they feel sticky or discolored.

If you live in a hard-water region, run a citric acid cycle or use a descaling solution every few months to remove mineral buildup.
This helps water circulate properly and keeps heating consistent.

Yearly Maintenance Check

At least once a year, give your dishwasher a full inspection. Look for leaks around the door seals, check the hose connections, and listen for unusual noises during a cycle.
You can also apply a thin layer of silicone lubricant on the door gasket to keep it soft and prevent cracking.

If your dishwasher seems to run longer or doesn’t dry well even after cleaning, it may be time for a professional service check.
Routine maintenance ensures your dishwasher lasts 10–12 years instead of the typical 6–8.

Regular attention doesn’t take much time, but it saves you costly repairs later. With these habits, your vinegar and baking soda deep cleans will be quicker, easier, and far more effective every time.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Cleaning your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda is simple, but a few common mistakes can reduce the method’s effectiveness or even harm your appliance over time. Avoiding these will make your cleaning routine smoother and safer.

Mistake 1: Mixing Vinegar and Baking Soda Together

Many people pour vinegar and baking soda into the dishwasher at the same time, thinking it will double the cleaning power.
In reality, mixing them causes a chemical reaction that neutralizes both, creating only water and carbon dioxide.

The fizzing looks satisfying, but it stops the ingredients from cutting through grease and odor effectively.
Always run the vinegar cycle first, then use baking soda separately in the second short cycle.

According to Simply Recipes Science Review, cleaning tests showed that separate cycles removed 85% more residue compared to mixed use.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the Filter and Spray Arms

Even if you use vinegar and baking soda correctly, clogged filters and spray arms will keep your dishwasher from cleaning properly.
When water can’t flow freely, dirt and detergent residue circulate back onto your dishes.

Take a few minutes to remove the filter and rinse it under warm running water every month.
Use a toothpick or fine brush to clear the spray-arm holes so water jets can spin and reach every corner of the tub.

Mistake 3: Using Too Much Vinegar

Vinegar is powerful, but using too much can damage certain parts over time.
Excessive acidity may wear out rubber gaskets or dull stainless-steel interiors if used too frequently.

One to two cups of white distilled vinegar per month is more than enough for effective cleaning.
Avoid pouring vinegar directly into detergent compartments—it can harm seals or affect dispenser performance.

Mistake 4: Cleaning Without Emptying the Dishwasher

Running a cleaning cycle with dishes still inside is one of the biggest errors homeowners make.
Food particles and detergent residue block vinegar and baking soda from working properly and may redeposit dirt onto your dishes.

Always start with an empty dishwasher, ensuring the racks are clear and the bottom area is unobstructed.
This gives both ingredients full contact with the tub walls, drain, and spray arms for a complete clean.

Mistake 5: Using Cold Water Cycles

Vinegar and baking soda need heat to activate properly. Cold or eco cycles don’t reach high enough temperatures to dissolve grease or kill bacteria.
Always choose the hottest setting or the sanitize cycle for the best results.

A Good Housekeeping Institute test found that using vinegar at 60°C or higher removed up to 95% of limescale buildup, while lower temperatures removed less than 60%.

Mistake 6: Forgetting to Wipe Seals and Edges

Even after a thorough cleaning, odors can return if you ignore the rubber seals and door edges.
These hidden spots trap moisture, soap residue, and bacteria that cause musty smells.

Wipe the seals and edges with a cloth dipped in warm vinegar water after each deep clean.
This small habit prevents mold growth and keeps your dishwasher smelling fresh for longer.

Mistake 7: Skipping Regular Maintenance

Some homeowners clean once, then forget about it for months. Unfortunately, buildup returns quickly, especially in hard-water areas.
Without monthly cleaning, grease and minerals start accumulating again after just a few weeks.

Create a reminder to repeat the vinegar and baking soda cleaning method every 30 days.
Regular maintenance is the easiest way to keep your dishwasher efficient, odor-free, and long-lasting.

Avoiding these simple mistakes ensures your dishwasher stays in peak condition, your cleaning cycles remain powerful, and your dishes come out sparkling clean every time.

FAQs About Cleaning a Dishwasher with Vinegar and Baking Soda

1. Can I use vinegar and baking soda to clean my dishwasher?

Yes. This combination is one of the safest and most effective natural ways to clean your dishwasher. Run one hot cycle with vinegar first to break down grease and limescale, then a second short cycle with baking soda to deodorize and polish the interior.

2. How much vinegar should I use?

Use 1–2 cups of white distilled vinegar placed in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack. This amount is strong enough to dissolve buildup without damaging internal parts. Avoid pouring vinegar directly into the detergent compartment.

3. How much baking soda do I need?

After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short hot rinse cycle to let it deodorize and brighten the interior surfaces.

4. Can I mix vinegar and baking soda together in one cycle?

No. Mixing them cancels out their cleaning power due to a chemical reaction that neutralizes both. Always run the vinegar and baking soda cycles separately for the best results.

5. Is this method safe for all dishwasher models?

Yes. The vinegar and baking soda cleaning method works safely on all major dishwasher brands, including stainless-steel and plastic tubs. Always check your user manual for specific model recommendations.

6. How often should I clean my dishwasher using this method?

If you use your dishwasher daily, clean it once a month. For occasional use, every 2–3 months is fine. Regular cleaning helps maintain water flow, prevents odor, and extends your dishwasher’s lifespan.

7. Why does my dishwasher still smell after cleaning?

Odors that persist after cleaning are usually caused by debris trapped in the filter or drain hose. Remove and rinse the filter thoroughly, then flush the drain area with warm vinegar water.

8. Can vinegar damage rubber seals or stainless steel?

Not if used correctly. Using one to two cups monthly is safe. However, avoid soaking rubber seals directly in vinegar for long periods, as the acid can weaken them over time.

9. What type of vinegar should I use?

Always use white distilled vinegar. Avoid apple cider or flavored vinegars because they can leave stains, residue, or unwanted scents inside the dishwasher.

10. What if I have hard water?

In hard-water areas, minerals build up faster. Add a tablespoon of citric acid or use a dishwasher descaler every 2–3 months along with your vinegar and baking soda cleaning routine.

11. Can I use this method after every load?

No. It’s not necessary and may wear out the rubber seals. Stick to a monthly cleaning schedule, and simply wipe the door and seals weekly to maintain freshness.

12. Is baking soda safe for my dishwasher’s filter?

Yes. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that won’t damage filters or metal surfaces. It also helps loosen stuck-on grime around the filter and drain area.

13. What’s the best temperature setting for cleaning cycles?

Use the hottest water setting available, ideally 60°C (140°F) or higher. Hot water enhances vinegar’s dissolving power and helps baking soda remove odors effectively.

14. Why do my dishes still look cloudy after cleaning the dishwasher?

Cloudy dishes are often caused by mineral buildup or detergent residue. Try running a vinegar cycle at high heat, and refill the rinse aid compartment to help water dry evenly.

15. What can I do to prevent odor between deep cleans?

After each wash, leave the door slightly open to allow airflow and prevent moisture buildup. You can also place half a lemon on the top rack before a rinse cycle for a fresh scent.

Keeping up with these answers ensures you clean your dishwasher correctly, safely, and efficiently using simple household ingredients.

Conclusion 

Your dishwasher works hard every day to make your life easier, but it also needs a little care in return. A regular cleaning routine using vinegar and baking soda keeps it running efficiently, smelling fresh, and producing spotless dishes every time.

This simple two-step method is inexpensive, eco-friendly, and proven by home appliance experts to remove up to 90% of grease, limescale, and odor-causing residue when done monthly. You don’t need harsh chemicals or special products — just ingredients already in your kitchen.

By running a vinegar cycle to dissolve grime and a baking soda rinse to neutralize odor, you’re protecting your dishwasher’s filter, spray arms, and heating element from long-term damage. Regular maintenance means shorter wash cycles, cleaner results, and a machine that lasts years longer.

So don’t wait until your dishwasher starts to smell or leave streaks on your dishes. Schedule your cleaning day today — pour a cup of vinegar, sprinkle some baking soda, and let your dishwasher sparkle like new.

If you found this guide helpful, share it with others who rely on their dishwasher daily. Small habits like this don’t just keep your kitchen cleaner — they make every meal cleanup faster, easier, and more satisfying.