What To Use To Clean Dishwasher? (Never Expected)

There are various products in the market that can clean dishwashers. But how many of them will actually accomplish what they claim? Let’s see…

Here is the list of 10 cleaners that should use to clean dishwashers:

1. Liquid Dishwashing Soap 
2. Powdered Dishwasher Detergent
3. Borax Solution
4. Dishwasher-Safe Vinegar
5. Dishwasher-Safe Baking Soda
6. Hydrogen Peroxide
7. Oxygen Bleach Powder 
8. Ammonia Solution 
9. Bleach Gel
10. Liquid Chlorine Bleach

Depending on the type of dishwasher, you may have to use one or more of these products.

For example, if you have a high-end dishwasher that has electronic controls and touchpads, then you should definitely avoid using anything with ammonia in it because it can damage the electronic parts.

Now let’s see how each product works!

1. Liquid Dishwashing Soap

Liquid dishwashing soap is probably the most commonly used cleaner for this purpose. It has grease-dissolving properties and can also act as a disinfectant.

This product gently breaks down fatty substances found on dirty dishes, making it easier to clean your dishes with water alone.

Powdered dishwasher detergent is designed specifically for dishwashers to remove dirt from dishes.

It also dissolves fatty substances and prevents a greasy film from forming over time.

Both types of dishwashing soap can be safely used in high-efficiency dishwashers because they produce little suds that will not interfere with the performance of the machine or clog your faucet.

2. Powdered Dishwasher Detergent

Powdered dishwasher detergent is not as effective as liquid dishwashing soap. But if it’s the only one available, you can use it to clean your dishes.

This product does a good job of dissolving grease that accumulates on dirty dishes and prevents a greasy film from forming on your dishes during the cycle.

It is best to use powdered dishwasher detergent with a high-efficiency machine because it produces little suds that will not interfere with the performance of the machine or clog your faucet.

Just make sure you read and follow the directions on the label, as these products may come with specific instructions for optimal results.

3. Borax Solution

Did you know that borax can not only clean your dishwasher but also eliminate odors? You should try it!

All you have to do is mix equal parts of borax and baking soda in a small jar, shake well until combined, then sprinkle it along with your dishwasher’s rubber gasket.

That’s it! You can also sprinkle a little bit of this mixture into your dishwasher as well as empty the detergent drawer both before and after running a cycle to eliminate odors from your machine. Borax is a mild abrasive and effective cleaner.

4. Dishwasher-Safe Vinegar

Another effective way to clean dishwashers is by using white vinegar. You can use this solution to remove tough stains, odors and food particles that accumulate in the machine’s sprayer arms, filters and interior surfaces.

Just pour three cups of white vinegar into one cup of baking soda in a bowl, then add hot water until you have one gallon of liquid or enough to fill your detergent compartment when poured directly in the machine before adding dishes.

Run a complete cycle with this solution after mixing it well until combined, allowing about 30 minutes for the cleaning product to dissolve any dirt on your dishes.

Then run another cycle with just plain water to rinse all traces of vinegar and baking soda away, leaving your dishes sparkling clean and free of any stains or odors.

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another effective cleaner for dishwashers. You can try this solution to remove stains from your dishes if you run out of dishwasher detergent or if you cannot find the powder form in stores.

All you need is one part baking soda and two parts water. Mix them in a bowl, then wet a sponge and dip it into the solution.

Begin by wiping down any dried food on your dishes, then gently rub the sponge over other parts of your machine until you remove all stains.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide

You can also use hydrogen peroxide to clean dishwashers. Mix one cup of this product with two or three cups of water in a bowl or spray bottle, then dampen a sponge and apply the solution directly onto your dishwasher’s exterior surfaces.

Spray the cleaner inside your machine as well. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before running an empty cycle on your dishwasher with just hot water to rinse away all grease, stains and odors.

7. Oxygen Bleach Powder

Oxygen bleach powder is another product that can dissolve stains from dirty dishes.

Just mix one tablespoon of oxygen bleach powder with two cups of hot water, then pour the solution into the detergent compartment.

Run a short wash cycle to dissolve food stains on your dishes, then rinse them thoroughly before using them again.

Oxygen bleach powder should not be used if you have hard water because it can cause mineral deposits that are difficult to remove from your machine.

8. Ammonia Solution

Ammonia solution is another product that can dissolve hard water stains, limescale and mineral deposits from your dishwasher.

To use this method, you need to mix slightly more ammonia than the maximum amount suggested on the label of a cleaning product designed for home dishwashers.

For example, if the label recommends two ounces per load, you need to pour four ounces of ammonia solution into your machine.

9. Bleach Gel

Bleach gel is a product that you can find in any grocery store or home improvement store.

You should be careful when using it because it contains chlorine bleach, which is a harsh chemical that can break down the rubber gasket and other materials used to seal your dishwasher.

This could cause water to seep into your machine’s motor and destroy it.

You should try to find a dishwasher-safe product instead of using bleach gel, although you can use it only if your machine does not contain any rubber pieces or other materials that could be damaged by chlorine.

10. Liquid Chlorine Bleach

You can use liquid chlorine bleach to remove tough stains. Just mix one part of it with 10 parts of water, then pour the solution into your detergent compartment.

Avoid using chlorine bleach on aluminum or colored dishes because they could be damaged by this cleaning product.

That’s It! You are Ready to Go!

No matter which method you choose, these ten options are effective ways to clean dishwashing machines fast and easy.

They allow you to save not only time but money too because they require fewer supplies than other cleaning products do.

But if you want to make your job easier, you can always use dishwasher-cleaning tablets.

What is the best dishwasher detergent to buy?

Nowadays, you can find a lot of different types of dishwasher detergents in stores like Costco or Walmart.

However, I also found that these products are not always effective when it comes to cleaning dishes; they might make your dishes smell better but they don’t do much for getting rid of tough water stains.

The best product I’ve used so far is Cascade Complete All-in-1 ActionPacs Dishwasher Detergent. It has special enzymes that break down food particles while also removing hard water stains from my dirty dishes easily.

FAQs About What To Use To Clean Dishwasher

Final Words

Now you know what should you use to clean your dishwasher. No matter which method you choose, they will help you to speed up this process and save you time and money.