Why Your Dishwasher Needs a Deep Clean
While you might assume that your dishwasher is capable of self-cleaning, the reality is quite different. Over time, remnants of food, undissolved detergent, and hard water deposits accumulate inside, hindering its performance. This buildup can lead to unsightly spots and a film on your dishes, glasses, and silverware. Fortunately, cleaning your dishwasher is a straightforward task, and you can achieve excellent results without resorting to harsh chemicals.
Essential oils and other natural cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, and citric acid can effectively de-gunk and deep clean your dishwasher. To simplify the process, I’ve organized the information into two main sections:
- A list of the top essential oils for cleaning your dishwasher
- Step-by-step instructions for cleaning your dishwasher
Let’s dive right in!
10 Essential Oils to Enhance Your Dishwasher Cleaning
Feel free to use any of these essential oils in the recipes that follow, or mix and match them for an even more potent cleaning solution. One of my favorite combinations is lemon, lavender, and eucalyptus. The lemon effectively cuts through grease and grime, lavender purifies and neutralizes odors, and eucalyptus combats mold and mildew that can develop in dishwashers. Not only do these oils leave my dishwasher sparkling clean, but they also fill my kitchen and home with delightful aromas.
1. Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon is a powerhouse when it comes to deep cleaning, adept at breaking down stubborn grease and grime. Its invigorating scent also leaves your kitchen feeling fresh.
2. Orange Essential Oil (Wild Orange or Sweet Orange)
Similar to other citrus oils, orange is excellent at dissolving grease and stuck-on food particles. Plus, its uplifting aroma creates a cheerful atmosphere whenever you open the dishwasher.
3. Lime Essential Oil
Lime is rich in limonene and other natural compounds that make it effective for deep cleaning. Its fresh scent also purifies the air, making it a fantastic addition to your cleaning routine.
4. Grapefruit Essential Oil
With its antimicrobial properties, grapefruit helps disinfect and cleanse your dishwasher. Its sweet, citrusy aroma balances the vinegar smell in your DIY cleaners.
5. Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium has a sweet floral scent that pairs beautifully with other potent cleaners. Blend it with lemon for a refreshing fragrance or mix it with eucalyptus and lime for an ocean breeze-like scent.
6. Lavender Essential Oil
Known for its calming effects, lavender also serves as an antibacterial and odor-neutralizing agent, perfect for eliminating lingering food smells in your dishwasher.
7. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea Tree oil is a robust cleaning agent that effectively tackles bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew. You can use it on its own or combine it with other essential oils for a unique scent.
8. Pine Essential Oil
Pine is a staple in many household cleaners due to its effectiveness against germs and mold. It also purifies the air, leaving a fresh scent behind.
9. Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary oil boasts impressive antimicrobial properties. While it can be a bit overpowering on its own, it works wonderfully when mixed with oils like orange and lavender.
10. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus is a potent cleaning agent that excels in killing germs and disinfecting surfaces. It’s particularly effective against mold and mildew.
3 Steps to a Sparkling Clean Dishwasher
By performing daily maintenance, weekly cleanings, and occasional deep cleans, you can keep your dishwasher in optimal condition. Below are detailed instructions for each cleaning method:
- Daily Preventative Care – After unloading the dishwasher, promptly remove any food debris or gunk from the bottom and wipe the front of the appliance.
- Weekly Cleaning – Once a week, take out the filter and spray arm to soak and thoroughly clean them.
- Monthly Deep Clean – Monthly or whenever you notice performance issues, utilize baking soda, essential oils, and either vinegar or citric acid for a thorough clean.
Step 1: Daily Preventative Cleaning
1. After unloading your dishwasher, remove the bottom rack for easier access.
2. Clear out any food particles from the bottom. While modern dishwashers are efficient, some larger food remnants can accumulate and obstruct the drain, leading to standing water and poor performance. Regularly scooping out these bits is crucial.
3. Wipe down the exterior of the dishwasher as needed. I recommend using a homemade stainless steel polish for this task, which consists of just two ingredients plus essential oils. It effectively eliminates fingerprints and grime without much effort.
Step 2: Weekly Cleaning
1. As with daily maintenance, pull out the bottom rack and check for any blockages. Remove any debris.
2. Unlock and take out the filter located beneath the bottom spray arm. This area can trap a surprising amount of debris over time.
3. Using a soft brush, scrub the mesh screen and plastic frame of the filter to eliminate grease and food particles.
4. Soak the filter and spray arm in hot, soapy water for about 10 minutes.
5. Rinse both the filter and spray arm under hot running water until they are clean.
6. Once clean, reinstall them in the dishwasher.
7. Wipe down the control panel and front door with a disinfecting cleaning spray.
8. Open the dishwasher door to clean the top and sides, using a toothbrush or small scrub brush to reach into grooves.
9. Don’t forget to clean the inside of the door with your disinfecting spray.
10. If your dishwasher has a stainless steel door, finish this weekly routine with a quick polish to keep it looking vibrant.
Step 3: Monthly Deep Clean
In addition to your daily and weekly routines, perform a deep clean once a month. You have two options for this:
- Option 1: Uses citric acid, baking soda, and essential oil.
- Option 2: Uses vinegar, essential oil, and baking soda.
Option one is suitable for traditional plastic interiors, while option two is gentler on stainless steel interiors, preventing potential damage.
Option 1
1. Start with an empty dishwasher.
2. Combine 2 tablespoons of citric acid in a small bowl.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the mixture.
4. Incorporate 2 drops of tea tree essential oil. If you don’t have tea tree, feel free to substitute with any of the other recommended essential oils.
5. Mix thoroughly.
6. Sprinkle the mixture at the bottom of the dishwasher.
7. Run a short cycle on the hottest water setting.
Option 2 (Best for Stainless Steel Interiors)
1. Start with an empty dishwasher.
2. Place a bowl with 1 cup of vinegar on the top rack. White vinegar works best for this purpose.
3. Add 5 drops of tea tree essential oil to the vinegar.
4. Run a short cycle on the hottest water setting.
5. Once the vinegar cycle is complete, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda at the bottom of the dishwasher.
6. Run another short cycle on the hottest setting.
Where to Find Your Supplies
Disclaimer: Please note that this website contains affiliate links. This means if you click on certain links and subsequently purchase a product, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
- Soft cleaning cloths
- Gloves
- Stainless steel polish (recipe available here)
- Old toothbrush or small scrub brush
- Disinfecting spray (recipe available here)
- Citric acid
- Baking soda (available in the baking aisle or at wholesale stores)
- Distilled white vinegar (found at grocery stores)
- Your choice of essential oils
- Printable instructions for cleaning your dishwasher
With these steps, your dishwasher will be sparkling clean both inside and out, running more efficiently than ever.
Want to Clean Your Dishes with Essential Oils Too?
Check out some of my favorite DIY recipes using essential oils:
- Homemade dishwasher detergent tabs
- DIY powdered dishwasher detergent
- Homemade dish soap (for handwashing)
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Please note: The products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information provided here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always seek professional medical advice for your health concerns.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that this website contains affiliate links. If you click on certain links and purchase a product, I may earn a small commission without any additional cost to you.
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