Most people forget to do this. 10 dishwasher hacks

August 16, 2025 by admin

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### 🍋 4. **Use White Vinegar for a Deep Clean**

Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack and run a hot cycle (no dishes). This **removes grease, odors, and mineral buildup**, keeping your machine fresh and efficient.

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### 🧂 5. **Add Baking Soda for Odor Control**

After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short, hot cycle. It **neutralizes odors** and gives your machine a sparkling clean interior.

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### 🌊 6. **Don’t Overload the Racks**

Stuffing your dishwasher too full prevents water and detergent from reaching all the dishes. It may feel like you’re saving time, but you’ll often end up rewashing — which **costs more in the long run**.

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### 💧 7. **Use Rinse Aid (Yes, It Makes a Difference)**

Even if you’re using pods or tablets with built-in rinse aid, **adding extra rinse aid** can reduce water spots and help your dishes dry better. This is especially important if you have hard water.

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### 🍽️ 8. **Angle Dirty Surfaces Toward the Center**

Load bowls, pots, and heavily soiled dishes with their dirty surfaces **angled toward the center spray arm**. This ensures they get hit directly with water and detergent for a better clean.

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### 🛑 9. **Skip the Pre-Rinse**

Modern dishwashers and detergents are designed to handle food residue. **Pre-rinsing actually makes detergent less effective** by reducing the amount of grime it clings to. Just scrape off chunks and load the dishes.

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### 🔧 10. **Check and Clean the Spray Arms**

Every few months, remove and clean the spray arms to make sure the tiny holes aren’t blocked with food or mineral buildup. This ensures **strong, even water pressure** for every cycle.

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### ✅ Final Thoughts

Your dishwasher is smarter and more capable than you might think — if you treat it right. By incorporating these **10 simple hacks**, you’ll get cleaner dishes, extend your machine’s life, and save money on utilities and repairs.

Most people overlook these easy steps… but now that you know, your dishwasher (and your dishes) will thank you.

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Want more home care tips and cleaning shortcuts? Just ask!