How To Dissolve Congealed Dishwasher Detergent

You use your dishwasher to clean things, but it also needs to be cleaned. With repeated use, stains build up from soap scum and undissolved, congealed dishwasher detergent. A regular, bimonthly cleaning helps keep your dishwasher at top performance. Dissolve congealed dishwasher detergent and remove stains with simple supplies found in your home.

Paper towels
Dishwasher-safe bowl
1 cup white vinegar
Sponge
Baking soda
Toothbrush
Clean cloths

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe out as many clumps of congealed dishwasher detergent as possible using paper towels.
- 2
  Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with 1 cup of white vinegar. Set the bowl in the top rack of your empty dishwasher.
- 3
  Run your dishwasher on a full clean-and-rinse cycle with a hot-water wash. The vinegar steam loosens soap scum and congealed dishwasher detergent.
- 4
  
  Use a nonmetallic sponge to avoid scratching the dishwasher.
  
  Wet a sponge with water. Sprinkle baking soda over the sponge for extra scrubbing power.
- 5
  Scrub the interior of your dishwasher with the baking soda to remove soap residue loosened by the vinegar. Use a toothbrush and baking soda to clean hard-to-reach places.
- 6
  Wipe the dishwasher surfaces with a damp cloth. Dry them with another cloth.

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