The Cleaning Trick People Use to Have a Spotless Dishwasher (And Does It Really Work?)

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When it comes to cleaning, we all rely on our supplies and equipment to keep our daily needs, like dishes and dirty clothes, clean and disinfected. However, what can easily be overlooked is the cleaning of the same machines that clean the other areas of our lives. Think about how often you wash dishes in the dishwasher. Next, think about how often you clean your dishwasher. For many, the answer might even be never.

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If you're new to cleaning your dishwasher, don't panic or resort to risky cleaning tricks just because you wonder if they'll really work. We're also amazed at crazy tips like washing the dishwasher with Tang drink powder. That's why, in exclusive interviews with House Digest, we asked experts Katie Dills, brand president of The Cleaning Authority , and Katie Berry, owner of Housewives How-Tos , to tell us if there's a way Tang can clean a dishwasher. Surprisingly, one expert agrees that this could be the case (with caveats, of course).

Can Tang really clean a dishwasher?

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Claims that Tang can clean food and mineral deposits in the dishwasher are based on the fact that it contains citric acid. Citric acid is known as a mild organic acid and is used for descaling and other deep cleaning tasks. Cleaning a dishwasher is actually the perfect job for citric acid and its naturally acidic nature. "Citric acid is a natural and cost-effective way to deodorize and clean mineral deposits in the dishwasher," confirmed Katie Berry in an exclusive interview with House Digest.

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"You can add it to the detergent dispenser and run the machine on the normal cycle without dishes, or dissolve ⅓ cup in hot water and use it to clean the inside of the empty machine before rinsing. Work without detergent," he said. . stated. When asked specifically about cleaning a dishwasher with Tang, Berry agreed that it might work for those who don't have the option to clean with just citric acid . However, he explained that additional measures were needed to mitigate the risks. "As it contains dyes and sugar, it is necessary to carry out another load immediately afterwards to flush the lines and filters of the machine," he warned.

Expert-Recommended Dishwasher Cleaning Tips

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While Tang isn't the worst thing out there, it's also not thecheapest or easiest way to clean your dishwasher . Speaking exclusively to House Digest, Katie Dills recommended using plain white vinegar and baking soda (separately; cleaning with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda isn't as effective as you think) to clean your dishwasher. He also emphasized the importance of manually removing any food particles or debris from the dishwasher drain before beginning the cleaning process. "First, remove the floor grate and check the drain for food, glass, debris, or anything that could obstruct the drain," he instructed.

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Next, he recommended placing a cup of white vinegar on the top rack of your dishwasher and running a normal rinse cycle without heat drying. The secret? Then do another cycle with baking soda. "To really keep your dishwasher smelling and looking pristine, spread a cup of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and run a quick rinse cycle with hot water," she revealed. After this second cycle, he advised readers to gently wipe the dishwasher's interior walls with warm water and dish soap to achieve sparkling cleanliness.

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