Ever open your dishwasher and get hit with a funky smell? Or notice a weird white film on your dishes? If so, you’ve probably heard that vinegar and baking soda are the ultimate natural cleaning duo. But is this DIY trick actually good for your dishwasher—or could it cause more harm than good?
Let’s break it down!
Why Do People Use Vinegar and Baking Soda?
Vinegar and baking soda are basically the dynamic duo of natural cleaning. Why?
- Vinegar (especially white or cleaning vinegar) is acidic, meaning it breaks down grease, grime, and hard water deposits.
- Baking soda is a mild abrasive and deodorizer, great for scrubbing away stuck-on residue and neutralizing odors.
Sounds like a perfect match, right? Well… not so fast.
Can You Use Vinegar and Baking Soda in the Dishwasher?
Yes… but not together. Here’s why:
When vinegar (an acid) and baking soda (a base) mix, they neutralize each other into mostly water with a little bit of fizz. This reaction might look cool (hello, elementary school volcano experiments! 🌋), but it doesn’t actually deep clean.
What Happens If You Use Them at the Same Time?
- Fizzy foam that doesn’t clean deeply
- Can leave behind residue
- Might damage dishwasher parts over time
So while vinegar and baking soda are both great cleaners, using them together at the same time inside your dishwasher is not the best idea.
The Right Way to Use Vinegar & Baking Soda in Your Dishwasher
Want to clean your dishwasher the right way? Follow these steps:
Step 1: Vinegar Rinse
- Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack.
- Run a hot water cycle (no detergent, no dishes).
- This helps dissolve hard water deposits, grease, and soap scum.
Step 2: Baking Soda Refresh
- After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run a short hot water cycle to deodorize and scrub any remaining grime.
Step 3: Clean the Filter & Spray Arms
- Remove the dishwasher filter and rinse it under warm water.
- Use a toothpick or small brush to unclog spray arm holes.
Final Verdict: Is Vinegar & Baking Soda Good for Your Dishwasher?
✅ Yes—IF you use them separately!
❌ No—if you mix them together at the same time!
Vinegar helps remove buildup, while baking soda freshens and scrubs. Just make sure to use them one after the other—not together.