Alright, let’s get real for a second—
When’s the last time you actually cleaned your dishwasher?
Exactly. Most of us just assume it magically cleans itself while it’s cleaning the dishes. Like some kind of self-sustaining superhero.
But spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
And yeah, that funky smell or cloudy dishes you’ve been noticing? That’s your dishwasher literally begging for a little TLC.
Wait… Clean a Thing That Cleans Stuff?
I know—it sounds weird. Like brushing your toothbrush. But your dishwasher works hard, collecting all the gunk, grease, soap scum, and tiny food bits from every dinner party, midnight snack, and “oops I left that in the sink too long” situation.
So, if you want your dishes to come out sparkling instead of smelling like last week’s lasagna? You gotta show your dishwasher some love.
Why Baking Soda, Though?
You might be thinking: “Why not just use some fancy cleaning tablets?”
Sure, those work. But you know what else works and doesn’t cost you $9.99 for a pack? Baking soda.
Good ol’ pantry staple. Cheap, non-toxic, eco-friendly, and kinda magical.
It neutralizes odors, lifts grime, and basically leaves your dishwasher smelling like… well, nothing, which is exactly how a clean appliance should smell.
Okay, So How Do I Actually Clean It?
Let’s break this down step-by-step. No complicated tools, no expensive products. Just you, your dishwasher, and a sprinkle of science.
Step 1: Give It a Quick Check
Open your dishwasher and just… take a look around.
See any gunk at the bottom? Bits of food in the filter? That slimy stuff that looks like it belongs in a horror movie?
Yeah, scoop it out. No shame.
You can even take out the filter (it usually just twists out), rinse it under hot water, and scrub it with an old toothbrush if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 2: Run a Vinegar Cycle First (Optional but Recommended)
This isn’t strictly about baking soda, BUT—if your dishwasher smells extra funky, you might wanna do this first:
- Pour a cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl or mug.
- Place it on the top rack.
- Run a hot water cycle (no detergent, no dishes, just vibes).
The vinegar will break down grease and kill bacteria. It’s like a pre-clean before the baking soda magic kicks in.
Step 3: Sprinkle That Baking Soda
After the vinegar cycle (or just straight away if you’re skipping it), here comes the fun part:
- Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
- That’s it. Just dump it in like you’re seasoning a giant dish of “clean machine stew.”
Then—
- Run a short hot water cycle.
No need for the full hour-long drama. Just a quickie will do.
Now open that baby up when it’s done and… boom—smells fresh, looks shiny, feels new.
How Often Should You Do This?
Once a month is solid.
More if you use your dishwasher daily and it sees a lot of action (looking at you, big families and cooking enthusiasts).
Less if it’s just you and the occasional lonely fork.
Make it part of your monthly reset routine.
You know, right after you finally throw out those leftovers from two weeks ago.
Real Talk: Does This Actually Work?
Absolutely. Ask anyone who’s tried it. Baking soda is like that quiet kid in school who turns out to be insanely talented—humble, effective, and totally underrated.
Plus, you’re saving money and the environment. Win-win.
Final Thoughts (or… Pep Talk for Your Dishwasher)
Your dishwasher puts up with a lot.
Sticky sauce, greasy pans, mystery crumbs—it doesn’t complain.
All it asks in return? A little clean-up love every now and then.
So next time it smells like a science experiment gone wrong?
Skip the panic. Grab the baking soda. And give your machine the spa day it deserves.
Try it today—your dishes (and nose) will thank you.
Want more quirky cleaning tips like this?
Stick around. We’re not done de-gunking the world just yet. 💦