Can You Put Baking Soda in the Dishwasher?
You can put baking soda in the dishwasher after running an initial cycle with vinegar. Additionally, you only need to sprinkle your baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher, rather than in any containers or fillers.
The vinegar and added baking soda cycles can pay dividends in removing remaining residue left in the dishwasher by food waste. Baking soda’s property as a deodorizer may also be beneficial if your dishwasher has been giving off an unwelcome musty stench.
So, how do you clean your dishwasher with baking soda?
How to Clean Your Dishwasher with Baking Soda
Follow these steps to clean the inside of your dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda to give it a renewed look and fresher smell!
Supplies
- 1-2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda
- Small dishwasher safe bowl, measuring cup or container
- Towel
Method
- Start with an empty dishwasher.
- Wipe away any large bits of food that may linger on the bottom.
- Fill a dishwasher safe bowl with 1 to 2 cups white vinegar. Place the bowl upright on the top rack of the dishwasher.
- Run the dishwasher on a hot water cycle. Turn off the heat dry option, and do not use dish detergent.
- After the first cycle is complete, remove the empty bowl and sprinkle 1 cup ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda along the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a quick or short hot water cycle, again without Heat Dry, then see how this deep cleaning method leaves your dishwasher looking clean again!
Note: if your dishwasher has a Self-Cleaning or Sanitizing Cycle, choose that setting for your vinegar cycle and your baking soda cycle. Always turn off Heat Dry to save energy and speed up the process.
Note: do not add any detergent to the empty dishwasher when cleaning it with baking soda and vinegar.
How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter with Baking Soda
You can also use baking soda to help clean and deodorize your dishwasher’s filter, either before you clean the dishwasher itself, or separately.
Note: most newer dishwashers have removable filters that should be cleaned regularly. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for your model. If you have an older dishwasher with a fixed filter, simply follow the process above.
Supplies
- ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda
- White vinegar
- Warm water
- Toothbrush
- Bowl or container large enough to hold the filter
Method
- Follow your manufacturer’s directions to locate your filter on the bottom of your dishwasher and remove filter. Some dishwashers may have a lower and upper filter so check your model.
- Rinse the filter under warm water.
- Sprinkle a small amount of ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda inside the filter and lightly scrub with a toothbrush. The ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda Shaker has a dual-sided dispenser that can help you get the desired amount of baking soda.
- Add equal parts warm water and white vinegar to a bowl and soak the fully submerged filter in the bowl for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse and let air-dry.
- You may also choose to use a baking soda paste to clean your dishwasher filter. Add ½ cup baking soda to 1-2 tablespoons of water. Apply the paste to filter and lightly rub or scrub with the toothbrush. Rinse and let air-dry.
Can You Clean the Dishwasher When It’s Full?
When cleaning the dishwasher with baking soda or vinegar, the dishwasher should be empty for best results. After washing a load of dishes, unload completely, then run the first cycle with white vinegar as well as the second, shorter cycle with baking soda without detergent or any other items.
How Often Should You Clean the Dishwasher?
A good rule of thumb is to put cleaning your dishwasher (filter and interior) on your monthly cleaning checklist. Cleaning your dishwasher regularly will help reduce hard-water deposits and soap scum build-up and can help optimize your dishwasher’s efficiency.
However, if you have a large family or use your dishwasher very frequently, you might opt to clean your dishwasher more often. Conversely, if you only run a cycle every few days, you could get away with cleaning the dishwasher every three months.
Lastly, if you start to catch a whiff of that musty odor or notice a film around the door or dishwasher interior, it may be time to clean the dishwasher regardless of schedule.
Baking Soda is an Easy Way to Clean & Deodorize Your Dishwasher
Does your dishwasher seem like it isn’t working as well? Or perhaps you’re getting a whiff of strange scents coming from the dishwasher? There’s no need for expensive additional products to clean and deodorize your dishwasher and dishwasher filter.
Reach for ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda to help clean your dishwasher and remove those odors so the dishwasher can get your utensils and other kitchenware looking shiny once again!
Plus, after you clean your dishwasher, you can keep the baking soda out to clean burnt pots and pans, polish your silverware, and wash your fruits and vegetables. Or, after you’ve cleaned the dishwasher, you can move on to the microwave! Baking soda really does it all.
