If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning as well as it used to, chances are the filter is clogged with food bits, grease, and other debris. The good news? You don’t need any fancy cleaning products or a professional. In general Indian homes, simple white vinegar ought to do the trick.
This article will tell you exactly how to clean dishwasher filter with vinegar, a tried-and-proven method I use at home. Cheap, easy, and effective: it will keep your dishes sparkling clean and your dishwasher running efficiently.
Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher Filter Matters
Over a period, food particles, grease, and soap scum accumulated in the dishwasher filter are common problems in Indian kitchens, as one will be frequently using food with an abundance of masala and oil. If not cleaned regularly:
- Your dishes stay dirty.
- The machine starts to smell.
- Water may not drain properly.
- It can damage the performance of your dishwasher.
Most dishwashers have lower filters that need to be cleaned every 3–6 weeks depending on usage.
Also Read: What Is Place Setting in Dishwasher?
Things You’ll Need:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| White Vinegar | Natural disinfectant & degreaser |
| Baking Soda (Optional) | Removes odors & buildup |
| Dish Soap | Helps break greasy goo |
| Hot Water | For soaking the filter |
| Soft Brush or Old Toothbrush | For scrubbing gently |
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Dishwasher Filter with Vinegar
Step 1: Remove the Filter
- Pull out the bottom rack and find the filter assembly at the bottom of your dishwasher.
- Turn clockwise or anti-clockwise (depending on your model), and gently pull out.
Step 2: Soak the Filter
- In a bucket, mix a half cup of vinegar with three cups of hot water.
- Add a few drops of dish soap (optional) – Vim and Pril are good choices.
- Soak the filter for 15 to 20 minutes to dissolve grease and build-up.
Pro Tip: Soak in hot water and vinegar with a few drops of dish soap for stubborn debris, or apply baking soda before soaking.
Step 3: Scrub Gently
- Scrub with a gentle brush to remove food particles adhering to the mesh.
- Do not use steel wool-it may scratch the filter.
Step 4: Clean the Inside of Your Dishwasher
- Pour half a cup of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser or the bottom of the washer.
- Run the washer empty on a hot cycle to deep clean the inside of the dishwasher.
Step 5: Reinsert the Filter
- Let the filter dry completely.
- Return the lower filter and lock it safely by turning clockwise until it clicks.
Monthly Deep Clean
Want your dishwasher to smell fresh all the time?
- Once a month, sprinkle baking soda at the bottom and run a hot cycle.
- It stops clogging, prevents build-up in the filter, and keeps the dishwasher tub free and clear.
Why This Matters More in Our Homes
When cooking in an Indian kitchen, there is always Ghee, oil, and tadka, and adapting the dishwasher with utmost care, which ultimately clogs these machines. Whirlpool and IFB are good names now. Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda to remove dirt from cookware ensures that this may be kept shining even after enjoying heavy dal-chawal.
How Often Should You Clean the Filter?
I usually clean the dishwasher filter once every 15 days, especially during the festive season or after back-to-back guests.
A cleaning schedule for Indian homes:
- Light use: Once a month
- Regular use: Every 2 weeks
- Heavy/family use: Weekly
FAQs
Is it safe to put vinegar in your dishwasher to clean it?
Using vinegar in your dishwasher is completely safe when done occasionally, as it helps break down grease, remove limescale, and also freshens the inside by not causing damage to the components.
Can I use vinegar to clean my dishwasher filter?
Vinegar is safe and effective for cleaning your dishwasher filter. One can soak the filter in hot water and vinegar to loosen any greasy or food particle deposits naturally.
How to clean a really dirty dishwasher filter?
Remove the filter and soak it in a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and a few drops of dish soap for 15-20 minutes. Then, a gentle scrub with a soft brush is needed to remove stubborn food bits and grime.
Final Thoughts
So next time you will not know how to clean your dishwasher filter, just forget those fancy things, and grab some white vinegar and hot water. So simple and clean and cheap, and it works like a charm, much like Nani’s old-school tricks.
Don’t forget that a clean filter helps your dishwasher perform for a longer time, dishes that shine, and especially keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
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