If you would like to add to our dishwasher cleaner blog, feel free to contact us.

There are two types of dishwashers: steel and plastic, and both need a dishwasher cleaner. One might think that as they are dishwashers, they should basically clean themselves. Well, that is like thinking that a hairdresser and a manicurist have chic hairstyle and outstanding nails. Dishwashers get dirty. It is therefore important to keep your dishwashers clean by using a dishwasher cleaner as dirt and oil often gets trapped in the dishwashing tub.

There are commercial brands that are sold as a dishwasher cleaner like Dishwasher Magic. However, with the budget conscious housewife and the concerns for a cleaner environment, sometimes ingredients commonly found in the house are the best cleaners for anything, including  dishwasher cleaner.

Natural homemade dishwasher cleaner

Here are some easy to follow steps in keeping your dishwasher as clean as can be. You will be surprised at what can easily clean your dishwasher.

First, it is always best to preset the temperature before you put in your dishwasher cleaner. Different dishwashers require different temperature levels, so check the make and model as listed in the user’s manual. Try to see if the dishwasher has a pre-heating mechanism which can check if the water gets too cold. If there is none, measure manually with a thermometer.

Next, identify and locate what type of cleaner is required by your machine. Scale, rust, mold, discoloration and food stains are the most common problems that may require regular cleaning. If you cannot find any dishwasher cleaner, you can make one of your own by the combined cleaning powers of bleach, vinegar, orange Tang drink mix and baking soda.

Can I use bleach as a dishwasher cleaner  ?

To get rid of mold and mildew, the best dishwasher cleaner is  bleach. Add one tablespoon of  bleach, after emptying the contents of the dishwasher. Run at full cycle. This will clean out the mold that had built up inside the dishwasher tub, leaving it spanking clean.

Surprisingly, the best way to clean out the discoloration and scale of your dishwasher is to add one half of a container of Orange Tang Drink Mix. The citric acid present will tease apart the hardwater deposits and as it removes them, the scales peel off. Run regular cycle with this.

Last is to place one coffee cup full of vinegar in the dishwashing rack and run full cycle. This will clean everything inside the dishwasher. This is one of the easiest techniques and also is a preventive dishwasher cleaner, but  if there is no vinegar, try substituting with baking soda.