Vinegar cleans the dishes and the dishwasher safely.
The unmistakable tang of vinegar often graces the dinner table in salad dressings, relishes and pickled vegetables. However, vinegar is as useful as a cleaning ingredient as it is as a culinary ingredient. Vinegar cuts through hard-water stains and residual food stains, leaving both the dishes and the dishwasher sparkling clean. Does this Spark an idea?
White Vinegar
Vinegar comes in many varieties such as wine, balsamic, rice, herbal and many more. Most of these vinegars are used in cooking or pickling. White distilled vinegar with at least a 4 percent acidity is used for both cooking and cleaning. The acidity level is strong enough to cut through dirt, grime and germs, but the vinegar is clear and won't leave a stain behind.
Cleaning the Dishwasher
Cleaning the dishwasher may seem redundant because the inside of the dishwasher should be getting clean during each wash cycle. However, soap residue, leftover food stains and odors, and hard-water deposits are left behind from regular use. Pour 1 cup of white distilled vinegar into an empty dishwasher and run the dishwasher through a full cycle monthly.
Vinegar in the Wash Cycle
Hard water can leave a cloudy film on dishes and glasses. One and a half to 2 cups of white distilled vinegar poured into the bottom of the dishwasher before washing dishes on a full cycle will rinse away that hard water residue. Alternatively, you can run the dishes on the air-dry cycle first. Remove the metal items, then add 2 cups of white distilled vinegar to a dishwasher-safe glass or cup placed upright on the bottom rack. Run the dishes again on the air-dry cycle but without any more soap.
On the Outside
While vinegar is busy cleaning the dishes and the dishwasher on the inside, it can also clean the outside of the dishwasher. Spray tough spills and splatters on the outside of the dishwasher with full strength vinegar and wipe clean. For general cleaning of the dishwasher door, use a solution of one part vinegar to one part water.
Tags: distilled vinegar, dishes dishwasher, white distilled vinegar, air-dry cycle, cups white, cups white distilled