Put vinegar in your dishwasher. Here’s why. This is something technicians will never tell you

 

Put Vinegar in Your Dishwasher. Here’s Why — And Why Technicians Rarely Mention It

If you’ve ever opened your dishwasher only to find cloudy glasses, lingering odors, or a film on your plates, you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with buildup caused by hard water and trapped grease. But there’s a simple kitchen staple that can make a surprising difference: white vinegar.

And although it works, it’s also something many appliance technicians don’t openly recommend—and for good reason. Here’s the full story.

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Why People Put Vinegar in the Dishwasher

1. It Quickly Removes Hard-Water Buildup

Mineral deposits from calcium and magnesium cling to the inside of your dishwasher and your dishes. Vinegar’s mild acidity dissolves these minerals, leaving surfaces shiny.

2. It Cuts Through Grease and Soap Scum

Over time, dishwashers accumulate layers of detergent residue mixed with fats from dirty dishes. Vinegar helps break down that film, improving the machine’s cleaning power.

3. It Neutralizes Bad Odors

If your dishwasher smells musty, vinegary steam can help sanitize the interior and reduce bacterial odor.

4. It Can Make Cloudy Glassware Look New

That hazy film on your cups? Often it's just mineral deposits. Vinegar can remove it without scrubbing.

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How to Use Vinegar Safely in the Dishwasher

While vinegar is useful, pouring it directly into the dispenser or letting it splash around the machine during a full wash cycle can damage components. So here’s how to do it the safe way:

✔ The Safe Method

1. Fill a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl with 1 cup of white vinegar.

2. Place it upright on the top rack.

3. Run a hot, empty cleaning cycle.

The vinegar stays contained while the steam distributes the cleaning power throughout the dishwasher.

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So Why Don’t Technicians Tell You This?

Technicians often avoid recommending vinegar for three main reasons:

1. Vinegar Can Damage Rubber Seals Over Time

The acidity can wear down rubber gaskets, hoses, and soft plastics if used too frequently or incorrectly.

2. It Can Corrode Some Metal Parts

Dishwasher manufacturers warn that concentrated or repeated vinegar exposure can harm stainless steel components.

3. They Prefer Manufacturer-Approved Cleaners

Commercial dishwasher cleaners are formulated to be safe for all parts of the machine, so technicians stick to what’s guaranteed.

In other words: vinegar works, but only when used sparingly and correctly.

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How Often Should You Use It?

• Once a month is generally safe for most machines.

• Avoid using vinegar in the rinse-aid compartment—it can cause leaks or damage.

If you have very hard water, consider alternating vinegar cleaning cycles with manufacturer-approved dishwasher cleaners to reduce wear.

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The Bottom Line

Yes, vinegar can be a powerful, inexpensive way to refresh your dishwasher, eliminate odors, and remove cloudy buildup. But it comes with a catch: use it the wrong way, and you could shorten your appliance’s lifespan.

Technicians don’t always talk about it because they’ve seen the damage caused by misuse. But when done correctly—contained in a cup, on a cleaning cycle—vinegar can be a safe and effective maintenance trick that keeps your dishwasher running and your dishes sparkling.