Get the Best Dishwasher Cleaners
Choosing the right dishwasher cleaner is essential for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your dishwasher while ensuring sparkling clean dishes. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key factors you should consider when selecting a dishwasher cleaner, including the type of cleaner, ingredients, price, and effectiveness on different types of stains.
Types of Dishwasher Cleaners
Dishwasher cleaners are available in various forms, including liquids, pods, tablets, and powders. The choice among these forms largely depends on personal preference, as they do not significantly differ in cleaning power. Some users may find tablets and pods more convenient for their pre-measured doses, while others might prefer the flexibility of measuring out powder or liquid cleaners.
Ingredients to Look For
The composition of a dishwasher cleaner is crucial for both its cleaning efficiency and safety. Key ingredients to look for include:
- Enzymes: These biological compounds are adept at breaking down stubborn food residues and tough stains, ensuring a comprehensive clean.
- Oxygen-Based Cleaners: Utilizing oxygen, these cleaners effectively tackle stains and odors without harsh chemicals, making them a safer choice for households.
- EPA Safer Choice® Certified Ingredients: Products with this certification meet strict standards for human health and environmental safety, offering peace of mind.
It's advisable to avoid bleach-based cleaners, especially if your dishwasher has a stainless steel interior, as bleach can corrode and damage the surface.
Price Range
Dishwasher cleaners can vary in price, typically ranging from $5 to $9. While it's tempting to opt for the cheapest option, it's important to consider the overall value, including the cleaner's effectiveness and ingredient safety.
Effectiveness on Different Types of Stains
A good dishwasher cleaner should be versatile, capable of handling various types of stains and build-ups, such as:
- Hard Water Build-Up: To prevent spots on dishes and ensure efficient operation.
- Limescale: To maintain the heating elements and other components.
- Mold and Odor: For a hygienic and fresh-smelling dishwasher.
Some cleaners, like Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, are particularly noted for their ability to tackle a range of issues from mold and grease to hidden food particles.
Other Considerations
When selecting a dishwasher cleaner, also consider:
- Scent: Some cleaners are unscented, while others have added fragrances, often citrus-based. If you are sensitive to strong scents, opt for an unscented or lightly scented cleaner.
- Usage Instructions: Some cleaners require an empty dishwasher, while others can be used alongside dishes and detergent. Choose one that fits your cleaning routine.
- Versatility: The cleaner should effectively fight various signs of dirt and stains, ensuring your dishwasher remains in optimal condition.
Conclusion
In summary, the right dishwasher cleaner can make a significant difference in your kitchen routine. Consider the type of cleaner, its ingredients, price, and its effectiveness on various stains. Additionally, factor in your personal sensitivities and preferences, as well as the specific needs of your dishwasher. With these considerations in mind, you can choose a dishwasher cleaner that keeps your machine running smoothly and your dishes sparkling clean.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is vinegar better than dishwasher cleaner?
While vinegar is often considered a versatile cleaning aid, it may not be the best option for cleaning dishwashers. Vinegar can potentially cause damage to your dishwasher, so it's advisable to use a dishwasher cleaner specifically designed for this purpose.
2. How do I clean a smelly dishwasher?
To clean a smelly dishwasher, you can try running empty dishwasher cycles with vinegar and baking soda. In the first cycle, place a bowl filled with distilled white vinegar on the top rack and run a normal cycle. Then, pour a cup of baking soda into the bottom of the dishwasher and run a second cycle. This should help eliminate any unpleasant odors.
3. Is vinegar or baking soda better for cleaning dishwasher?
Both vinegar and baking soda can be effective for cleaning dishwashers. A vinegar rinse can help remove grease buildup, while a baking soda rinse can eliminate lingering odors. After running a cycle with vinegar, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda on the inside floor of the dishwasher and run a short hot water rinse cycle to complete the cleaning process.
4. What kills bacteria in dishwasher?
Most dishwashers run at temperatures between 130 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit, which is sufficient to kill bacteria. Some dishwashers even meet the sanitization standards set by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). Therefore, running your dishwasher at its highest temperature should effectively kill bacteria.
5. How do professionals clean dishwashers?
Professionals typically clean dishwashers by emptying out the contents, placing a dishwasher-safe bowl filled with 1 cup of vinegar on the bottom rack, and running a hot water cycle. They then sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short rinse cycle to complete the cleaning process.
6. Can I run the dishwasher empty to clean it?
Yes, running the dishwasher on its hottest cycle while empty can help clean it. Alternatively, you can use a bowl of vinegar or a commercial cleaner to flush out grease, limescale, and deposits from the pipes and remove foul odors.
7. What does baking soda and vinegar do to a dishwasher?
When using baking soda and vinegar to clean a dishwasher, vinegar helps cut through grease and soap scum, while baking soda neutralizes unpleasant odors. This combination can be effective in freshening up a dishwasher and improving its overall cleanliness.
8. Why does my dishwasher stink so bad?
There are several possible reasons why a dishwasher may have a bad smell. It could be due to a dirty drain filter, a clogged drain, or food particles trapped in soap scum buildup. Regular cleaning and maintenance, including cleaning the filter, can help prevent and eliminate these odors.
9. What causes a dishwasher to smell bad?
The most common cause of a bad smell in a dishwasher is a dirty filter. Food particles can get trapped in the filter, leading to foul odors. Additionally, clogged filters can recirculate dirty water, resulting in poor cleaning performance. Regularly cleaning the filter can help prevent these issues and keep your dishwasher smelling fresh.
Editor's Notes
During our dishwasher cleaner research, we found 24 dishwasher cleaner products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,412,792 customer reviews through our big data system to write the dishwasher cleaners list. We found that most customers choose dishwasher cleaners with an average price of $12.65.
The dishwasher cleaners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of dishwasher cleaners, including Finish, ACTIVE, Affresh, Lemi Shine. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.