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My dishwasher gleams when I clean it with 1 cheap natural ingredient—not vinegar

It's important to clean a dishwasher regularly.

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By Sophie Harris, Senior Audience Writer, Spare Time

Dishwasher open

My dishwasher gleams when I clean it with 1 cheap natural ingredient—not vinegar (Image: Sophie Harris)

Over time, dishwashers can accumulate limescale, grease, and food waste, which can affect performance and cause odours. Even if your dishes look clean, your machine may harbour hidden buildup. Regular cleaning can prevent clogged filters and dirty dishes.

Keeping your dishwasher clean might not be the most glamorous household task, but it’s essential for ensuring your dishes come out sparkling and germ-free. I recently used one ingredient to clean my appliance, and it worked wonders. I decided to try citric acid after I couldn’t find anything else in my cupboards, and it said it was dishwasher-safe.

Citric acid tub

I use Elbow Grease's citric acid (Image: Sophie Harris)

It’s especially effective against mineral deposits and soap scum, perfect for this appliance.

Firstly, empty the dishwasher, making sure there are no dishes or cups present in the appliance.

I then poured a few tablespoons of citric acid into the bottom of the dishwasher and selected the longest, hottest cycle to let it work its magic.

My dishwasher came out fresh, sparkling, and free from any odours. I was impressed with how well the cheap, simple solution could work.

Citric acid in the dishwasher

Citric acid in the dishwasher (Image: Sophie Harris)

Dishwasher after cleaning

The dishwasher was clean and free-from odours (Image: Sophie Harris)

Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, this eco-friendly ingredient can be used to clean many household items.

I’ve used it previously to clean my air fryer, but it also works to descale kettles.

I use Elbow Grease’s citric acid, but there are many brands out there, and it can be picked up for as little as £2.

According to Bosch Home UK, dishwashers should be cleaned once a month. An easy way to remember to do this is to add a reminder in your calendar for the first or last day of the month.

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