How To Clean a Dishwasher With Borax

Are you tired of your dishwasher not cleaning your dishes properly?

Did you know that using borax can help solve this problem?

That’s right, borax is a natural and effective way to clean your dishwasher and leave it smelling fresh.

In this post, we’ll go over some tips and tricks on how to clean your dishwasher with borax. So, let’s get started and make your dishwasher shine like new again!

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What is borax?

Borax is a natural mineral that has been used as a cleaning agent since the 1800’s.

One of the main benefits of using borax as a cleaner is that it is natural and non-toxic, making it a safe alternative to many chemical cleaners. Borax is also affordable and readily available at most stores.

Borax can be used to clean a variety of household surfaces, including sinks, toilets, and tubs. It is particularly effective at removing buildup and stains caused by hard water and mineral deposits. Borax can also be used to remove odors from fabrics, carpets, and upholstery.

In addition to being a great cleaner, borax also has other household uses. It can be used to control pests such as ants and cockroaches, and can even be used as a laundry booster to brighten whites and remove stains.

Is it safe to put borax in a dishwasher?

Borax is a natural and safe cleaning agent that can be used on dishwashers, including those with stainless-steel interiors.

While borax is generally safe to use, it’s important to take appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing gloves when handling it.

Overall, as long as you use borax as directed and take the necessary precautions, it is unlikely to cause any damage to your dishwasher.

How to clean your dishwasher with borax

Cleaning your dishwasher with borax is a simple and effective way to clean your dishwasher.

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to clean your dishwasher with borax:

Empty the dishwasher. Remove dishes and utensils.
Clean out debris. Remove any large pieces of food or debris from the bottom of your dishwasher.
Add borax. Fill the detergent dispenser with the appropriate amount of borax according to the instructions on the box. Typically, you’ll only need to use a few tablespoons of borax.
Run a hot cycle. Choose a hot water cycle and run your dishwasher as you normally would. The borax will work its magic, cleaning and deodorizing your dishwasher while it runs.
Wipe the interior. If there are any remaining buildup or stains, use a toothbrush or sponge, or microfiber cloth to scrub away any remaining stubborn stains.

Don’t forget the filter and spray arms. I recommend removing those and washing in some hot water with some dish soap or washing soda crystals. Here’s more:

That’s it! By following these simple steps, you can clean and deodorize your dishwasher with borax, leaving it sparkling clean and smelling fresh.

Using borax and vinegar to clean a dishwasher

If you’re looking for an even more effective way to clean your dishwasher, you can try using a combination of borax and vinegar.

However, don’t mix the two, as they will cancel each other out chemically, and so will be rendered useless.

The best way to clean your dishwasher with borax and vinegar is to add a cup of vinegar to the top rack of your empty dishwasher and run a hot wash. Then repeat the wash, this time with borax.

Use the directions above for more details.

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How professionals clean dishwashers

While there are many ways to clean a dishwasher, professionals often have specialized techniques and products that they use to ensure a deep and thorough clean.

Here are a few of the methods that professionals use to clean dishwashers:

Disassemble and clean the spray arm: Professionals will often disassemble the spray arm and clean each individual part thoroughly. This ensures that there is no buildup or debris blocking the water flow, which can lead to poor cleaning performance.
Clean the filter: The filter is an important part of the dishwasher that helps to trap food debris and other particles. Over time, the filter can become clogged and hinder the dishwasher’s performance. Professionals will remove and clean the filter thoroughly to ensure that it is working properly.
Check the dishwasher’s plumbing: Sometimes, a dishwasher’s poor performance can be attributed to issues with the plumbing. Professionals will often check the dishwasher’s plumbing to ensure that there are no clogs or other issues that could be affecting the dishwasher’s performance.

The great news is that you can clean your dishwasher like a professional too. Check out my post on how to clean a dishwasher.

Frequently asked questions

Is borax safe for stainless-steel dishwashers?

Yes, borax is safe to use inside stainless-steel dishwashers.

Can I use borax to clean my dishwasher every time I run it?

No, it’s not necessary to use borax every time you run your dishwasher. Using borax once a month or as needed should be sufficient to keep your dishwasher clean and odor-free.

Is borax safe to use if I have a septic system?

As long as it is used properly, borax is safe for septic systems and will not cause any damage.

Can I use borax to clean the spray arm and other removable parts of my dishwasher?

Yes, you can use borax to clean the spray arm of your dishwasher and other removable parts.

Simply soak the parts in a solution of borax and hot water for a few hours, then rinse thoroughly with water.

Can I use borax to clean other household surfaces?

Yes, borax can be an effective cleaner for many household surfaces, including sinks, countertops, and toilets.