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How To Clean A Dishwasher With Citric Acid Powder: Is It a Sufficient Option?

In this blog, we explore how to clean a dishwasher with citric acid in its powder form, delving into the benefits and potential limitations of this magical, natural wonder as a dishwasher cleaning agent.

Questions the Blog Answers:

  • Why do you need to clean your dishwasher?
  • How often does a Dishwasher need cleaning?
  • How and with what can you clean a dishwasher?
  • How to remove limescale from the dishwasher?
  • Where to put the dishwasher cleaning agent?
  • What to do when your dishwasher smells?
  • How to freshen up the dishwasher?
  • How to clean the dishwasher?
  • How often do you clean a dishwasher?
  • How to remove bad odors from the dishwasher?
  • Why should you clean your dishwasher?

Why Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

Regular cleaning of dishwashers is crucial as grease, food residues, and limescale can accumulate, impairing washing efficiency and causing unpleasant odors. Regular cleaning ensures that your dishwasher operates effectively and keeps dishes clean.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

It is recommended to clean your dishwasher with citric acid about once a month, or more often if needed, especially if you use it frequently or notice unpleasant odors.

However, it is also recommended to clean the dishwasher from grease approximately every six months. We will revisit this later in the text.

How and With What Can You Clean Your Dishwasher?

You can clean your dishwasher in various ways:
  • With Citric Acid: A natural and affordable option that effectively removes lime scale and freshens the machine.
  • With Manufacturer’s Cleaning Agents: Many manufacturers offer specific cleaning products for dishwashers.
  • With Home Remedies: Online forums often suggest methods like using baking soda and vinegar, but their effectiveness and safety can vary.
How to clean your dishwasher with citric acid powder
Dishwasher Cleaning With Citric Acid

Citric acid, a natural and environmentally friendly substance, is an excellent choice for cleaning your dishwasher. It not only effectively removes limescale but also freshens and disinfects the interior.

While citric acid in dishwashers is very effective at removing lime scale and mineral deposits, it is not as efficient at removing grease. Grease typically requires an alkaline cleaning agent, such as baking soda or a specialized grease remover, which can break down and dissolve grease.

For example, to remove grease from the dishwasher’s pipes, consider using specialized cleaning tablets or products designed for this purpose. These are effective in dissolving and rinsing away grease and food residues from the machine’s interior parts. You can find a good product for grease removal here: Electrolux Super Clean For Dishwashers

Using citric acid is still beneficial as part of regular dishwasher maintenance, as it helps keep the machine’s interior clean from lime scale and can also help freshen the interior. However, for grease removal, other methods are recommended. This might occur less frequently than the monthly use of citric acid.

Before we get started, I recommend you check out our conveniently packaged citric acid, which you can find here.

citric acid for dishwasher

How To Clean A Dishwasher With Citric Acid Powder

  • Dosage: Use 2 tablespoons (about 30 g) of citric acid.
  • Application: Pour the citric acid either into the detergent dispenser or directly onto the bottom of the dishwasher.
  • Rinse/Wash: Run an empty machine on a full wash cycle with hot water (about 60-65°C). This removes limescale and freshens the machine.

Here’s a link to our instruction video.

Conclusion

Dishwasher cleaning with citric acid done regularly is an effective way to ensure its longevity and maintain good washing performance. It is an easy and environmentally friendly solution that keeps your dishwasher fresh and clean.

While citric acid as a dishwasher cleaning agent is an excellent choice, it is also recommended to use different manufacturers’ cleaning agents periodically for grease removal. For grease removal that I suggest something like Electrolux Super Clean For Dishwashers.

Therefore all you have to do is order a package of citric acid and clean your dishwasher with it from time to time to extend the life of your dishwasher.