Natural Ways to Deodorize My Dishwasher

Vinegar

• White distilled vinegar is a powerful substance that cleans and deodorizes a number of surfaces naturally, including dishwashers. Once the dishwasher is empty, simply place 1 cup of vinegar in a bowl and place it on the top dishwasher rack and then let the machine run on its shortest cycle. The white vinegar will wash away built-up grime and the smells that go along with it.

Lemon and Bleach

• "Popular Mechanics" magazine offers a simple and effective solution to deodorize dishwashers. The publication suggests placing a bowl in the bottom rack of the dishwasher and fill it with 1 cup of bleach and then running the dishwasher through a cycle. When the cycle ends, add a packet of unsweetened lemonade mix in the soap compartment and let it run again. If you don't have lemonade mix, freeze some lemon juice into a cube and put it in the silverware container. Run the machine a third and final time without any items or cleaning agents, and it is ready to be used again.

Baking Soda

• Just like white vinegar, baking soda is another inexpensive, but effective, cleaning agent. To deodorize a dishwasher with baking soda, simply sprinkle a cupful around the bottom of the unit and run a short wash cycle. Not only will the baking soda cut through the odor, but it will also remove any stains in the dishwasher.

Cleaning Tips

• To help remove built-up, hidden grime, use an old toothbrush to scrub around the crevices and grooves of the dishwasher door. Be sure to dip the toothbrush in hot soapy water for best results.