Natural Removal of Hard Water in a Dishwasher

If you've seen white deposits in your dishwasher and its contents, you may be encountering stains caused by hard water. The term "hard" applies to water in which the concentration of calcium carbonate is 75 parts per million or more. The minerals found in hard water react with other substances like soaps and detergents over time to form deposits that are often referred to as "hard water scale" or "lime scale." Dishwashers are prime locations for these deposits to occur, due to the presence of detergent soaps and frequent exposure to water.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Sponge
• Toothbrush

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Wet a cleaning sponge with white vinegar and use it to wipe out the inside of your dishwasher.

   • 2

     Wet a toothbrush with vinegar and use it to clean areas that are hard to access with the sponge.

   • 3

     Add ½ cup of white vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher prior to each wash to prevent future hard-water deposits. This also will protect your glasses, plates, dishes and flatware from accumulating hard water stains.