How to De-Lime a Home Dishwasher

Running your dishwasher with detergent and a full load of dishes is not enough to clean the dishwasher itself. Over time, lime deposits build up inside, particularly if you have mineral-rich water. Commercial lime removers are available, but you can save money by using common household ingredients instead. For instance, vinegar is highly acidic, which helps dissolve the tough deposits.

Paper towels
2 cups vinegar

Instructions

- 1
  Pull out the bottom rack of the dishwasher, and wipe out the bottom with paper towels. Remove any food particles and other debris.
- 2
  Add 2 cups of vinegar to the dishwasher. Pour the vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher instead of in the detergent holder.
- 3
  Run the dishwasher on its usual cycle. Stop the cycle before it rinses, or about halfway through the cycle.
- 4
  Allow the vinegar to sit in the dishwasher with the cycle paused for about 20 minutes. This allows the vinegar to work on dissolving the lime deposits.
- 5
  Start the dishwasher again, and allow it to complete the cycle. When the cycle stops, wipe the inside of the appliance with paper towels to remove any lime residue.

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