Lemon Juice to Remove Lime Deposits in a Dishwasher

Lime Deposits

• Consisting of calcium and magnesium, lime deposits in the dishwasher appear as discolored areas of gray and green. The deposits can transfer to the dishes, leaving behind a white, cloudy film. Acidic cleaning solutions such as lemon juice work to dissolve the lime scale. Lemon juice doesn't cost much, and you will help the environment by not using harmful chemicals.

Fresh Lemon Juice

• Pour 2 to 3 cups of lemon juice into the bottom of the dishwasher. You can use freshly squeezed lemon juice or purchase commercial lemon juice. Run the dishwashing machine on the lowest load setting. When the machine runs, the lemon juice covers the interior surface of the dishwasher to remove the lime deposits. The juice will also leave behind a fresh scent and help clean the appliance.

Powdered or Frozen Lemon Juice

• Without frequent use, a dishwasher appears dingy. Lime scale may be the culprit, but mold and mildew can also grow inside the appliance. Clean it thoroughly to remove any bacteria, mildew or lime deposits. "Popular Mechanics" suggests running the dishwasher with a cup of chlorine bleach placed on the lowest shelf. Avoid filling the dispenser with soap and run the dishwasher so it completes one full cycle. Fill an ice tray with lemon juice and freeze it or purchase a packet of unsweetened powdered lemonade mix. Place the ice cubes or powdered lemonade into the soap dish or silverware compartment and run the machine again through one complete cycle.

Lemon Juice Paper Towels

• Soak paper towels or washcloths in lemon juice, place the towels over the lime deposits and allow them to sit for 10 minutes. Wipe down the dishwasher with the paper towels or washcloths to remove the deposits and rinse with clean water. Replace the lemon juice with white distilled vinegar if the deposits remain. White vinegar works just as well as lemon juice because the acidic liquid works to remove alkaline minerals.