How to Get Rid of That Nasty Dishwasher Scum (For Good!)
Alright, let’s talk about something gross for a second—dishwasher scum. You know, that weird, filmy gunk that shows up out of nowhere, making your supposedly “clean” dishwasher smell like a swamp? Yeah, that.
If you’ve ever pulled out a plate and thought, uhh, why does this still feel greasy?, or noticed a weird white or brownish buildup inside your dishwasher, congrats! You’ve got yourself a case of the dreaded dishwasher scum. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back.
Let’s go over what causes it, how to get rid of it, and—most importantly—how to make sure it never comes back.
What Even Is Dishwasher Scum?
So, what exactly is this nasty buildup? Well, it’s a lovely mix of soap residue, hard water minerals, grease, and leftover food particles that don’t get fully washed away. Over time, all that junk sticks to the inside of your dishwasher, clogging up the works and making everything look (and smell) pretty questionable.
And the worst part? It can actually make your dishwasher less effective. That means more spots on your glassware, dull-looking plates, and a machine that’s working way harder than it needs to.
The Easiest Way to Clean That Gunk Off
Alright, now that we know what we’re dealing with, let’s get rid of it. The good news? It’s actually stupidly easy. You don’t need fancy cleaners or expensive products—just a few basic household ingredients.
Step 1: White Vinegar to the Rescue
Vinegar is like the superhero of natural cleaning. It cuts through grease, breaks down mineral buildup, and disinfects—all without any harsh chemicals.
Here’s what you do:
- Empty your dishwasher (obviously).
- Pour one cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl or measuring cup.
- Place it on the top rack of the dishwasher.
- Run a hot water cycle with no detergent.
That’s it! The vinegar will work its magic, breaking down all that nasty residue and leaving your dishwasher feeling fresh again.
Step 2: Baking Soda for That Extra Shine
Vinegar does the heavy lifting, but baking soda adds the finishing touch.
- After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda across the bottom of your dishwasher.
- Run another short, hot cycle.
- Enjoy the sparkle!
Baking soda helps scrub away any lingering grime and gets rid of odors, so your dishwasher doesn’t just look clean—it smells clean too.
Step 3: The Filter (Yep, You Gotta Clean It Too)
If you’ve never cleaned your dishwasher’s filter before… brace yourself. It’s probably disgusting.
- Find the filter (usually at the bottom of the dishwasher).
- Pull it out and rinse it under hot water.
- Scrub it with a toothbrush and some dish soap if it’s extra nasty.
- Put it back and try not to think about how long you went without cleaning it before.
Trust me, this one little step makes a huge difference in how well your dishwasher works.
How to Keep Scum from Coming Back
Now that your dishwasher is squeaky clean, let’s keep it that way.
✔ Use vinegar once a month – Run that vinegar cycle regularly to stop buildup before it starts.
✔ Rinse dishes before loading – You don’t need to pre-wash everything, but scraping off chunks of food helps.
✔ Use the right detergent – Some cheap detergents leave more residue behind. Go for a good quality one.
✔ Check your water – If you have hard water, consider using a rinse aid or a water softener to cut down on mineral buildup.
And that’s it! Super easy, right? A little vinegar, some baking soda, and a quick filter clean, and you’re good to go. Do this every few weeks, and you’ll never have to deal with gross dishwasher scum again.
Now go show your dishwasher some love—it deserves it.