We all know baking soda’s a bit of a kitchen superhero. It deodorizes fridges, freshens drains, even moonlights as a toothpaste. So it’s only natural to wonder:
“Can I toss some into my dishwasher too—and is it actually doing anything?”
Good question. And the answer is… yes, baking soda can be a total game-changer for your dishwasher. But like anything in life, the magic is in how you use it.
Let’s break it down.
1. Why Use Baking Soda in the Dishwasher at All?
Here’s the scoop: baking soda (aka sodium bicarbonate if you’re feeling scientific) is:
- A natural deodorizer
- A mild abrasive (great for lifting grime)
- pH-balancing (it helps with hard water)
- And totally non-toxic
So basically, it helps:
- Neutralize funky smells
- Gently scrub food gunk and mineral deposits
- Prevent cloudy film on glassware
- Boost your regular detergent’s cleaning power
Imagine this: Your dishwasher’s been working overtime, and it’s smelling… less than fresh. You toss in a little baking soda, and boom—minty clean vibes without harsh chemicals.
2. How to Actually Use Baking Soda in Your Dishwasher
Let’s be real: just dumping it into the bottom of your machine won’t hurt, but it won’t maximize the benefits either. So here are a few smart ways to use it:
For a Cleaning Boost (with your normal detergent):
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of baking soda on the floor of the dishwasher before running a load.
- Add your usual detergent in the dispenser.
- Start the cycle as normal.
This gives your detergent a little backup without interfering with its chemistry. Think of baking soda as a detergent’s supportive bestie.
For Deodorizing Between Loads:
- Just sprinkle a light layer of baking soda inside your empty dishwasher overnight.
- No need to run a cycle—just let it sit and soak up the stink.
Bonus: This also helps absorb moisture and keeps mold/mildew in check.
3. Can Baking Soda Clean the Entire Dishwasher?
Totally. Baking soda isn’t just good for your dishes—it’s also a gentle, effective way to clean the dishwasher itself.
Here’s a super simple DIY deep-cleaning trick:
Step 1: Clean with Vinegar (first)
- Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup.
- Place it on the top rack of your empty dishwasher.
- Run a hot water cycle (no detergent, just the vinegar).
This loosens grease, clears out mineral deposits, and kills lingering germs.
Step 2: Deodorize and brighten with Baking Soda
- After the vinegar cycle finishes, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda along the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run a short hot rinse cycle.
The result? A clean, deodorized, and surprisingly sparkly dishwasher interior.
Think of it like a spa day for your appliance—vinegar gets rid of the gunk, and baking soda leaves it glowing.
4. Should You Mix Baking Soda and Vinegar at the Same Time?
Let’s bust a common myth here.
Yes, vinegar and baking soda together make a cool fizzy reaction (great for volcano science projects). But when it comes to actual cleaning? That combo can cancel each other out.
Why? Because baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid. When they react, they neutralize into water and carbon dioxide—which means less cleaning power.
Try this instead: Use vinegar first, then baking soda in a separate step. That way, each ingredient gets to do its job at full strength.
5. What NOT to Do with Baking Soda in Your Dishwasher
Baking soda is pretty safe, but a few heads-ups:
- Don’t overdo it. Using too much too often can leave a powdery residue or clog components over time.
- Don’t use it as a total detergent replacement—it helps, but it won’t remove heavy grease or sanitize on its own.
- Don’t mix it directly with bleach or strong commercial cleaners. Stick to vinegar if you’re going DIY.
When in doubt, a light sprinkle is better than going full snowstorm.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use Baking Soda in Your Dishwasher?
Absolutely. Just do it smartly.
Use it to:
- Boost your detergent’s performance
- Fight odors naturally
- Deep clean the dishwasher once a month
It’s cheap, effective, and eco-friendly. Basically, baking soda is the low-key MVP of your kitchen cleaning routine.
So the next time your dishwasher smells funky or your glasses look cloudy, skip the pricey chemicals—and grab that humble orange box from the back of your pantry.