How to Clean Dishwasher with Citric Acid

Your dishwasher works hard every day, removing grease, food particles, and stains from your dishes. Over time, however, mineral deposits, soap scum, and hard water buildup can accumulate inside your appliance, reducing its efficiency and leaving your dishes less than sparkling clean. While commercial dishwasher cleaners are readily available, they often contain harsh chemicals and come with hefty price tags.

Learning how to clean dishwasher with citric acid offers a natural, effective, and budget-friendly alternative that tackles even the toughest buildup. Citric acid, a naturally occurring compound found in citrus fruits, dissolves mineral deposits and lime scale while being gentle on your appliance’s internal components.

This powerful cleaning agent costs a fraction of commercial cleaners and delivers superior results without exposing your family to unnecessary chemicals. Unlike harsh detergents that can damage rubber seals and plastic components, citric acid safely removes buildup while extending your dishwasher’s lifespan.

Whether you’re dealing with cloudy glassware, spotted dishes, or strange odors coming from your machine, this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to restore your dishwasher to peak performance using this simple household ingredient.

Why Cleaning Your Dishwasher with Citric Acid Matters

Regular dishwasher maintenance prevents costly repairs and ensures your appliance operates at maximum efficiency for years to come. Hard water deposits and soap residue gradually build up on internal components, clogging spray arms, blocking filters, and reducing water flow throughout the system.

Citric acid excels at dissolving these mineral buildups that cause poor cleaning performance, water spots on dishes, and unpleasant odors. Unlike commercial cleaners that often contain phosphates and synthetic fragrances, citric acid provides deep cleaning power while remaining environmentally friendly and safe for septic systems.

This natural cleaning solution costs significantly less than branded dishwasher cleaners while delivering superior results, making it an economical choice for regular maintenance schedules.

7 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Dishwasher with Citric Acid

Step 1: Empty the Dishwasher Completely

Remove all dishes, utensils, and dishware from both the upper and lower racks to ensure the cleaning solution can circulate freely throughout the entire appliance. Take out any removable parts such as the bottom dish rack, utensil holders, and cup shelves to provide maximum access to all interior surfaces. Check the bottom of the dishwasher tub for any food debris, broken glass, or small items that may have fallen during previous wash cycles. Removing everything allows the citric acid solution to reach every corner and crevice where buildup typically accumulates, ensuring the most thorough cleaning possible.

Step 2: Remove and Inspect the Bottom Rack and Spray Arms

Pull out the bottom dish rack completely and locate the lower spray arm, which typically lifts out or unscrews from the center mounting point. Some models require you to twist counterclockwise to remove the arm, while others simply lift straight up. Examine the spray arm closely for clogs in the holes where water typically flows, as food particles and mineral deposits often block these openings. Remove the upper spray arm as well if your dishwasher model allows easy access. These components require individual attention since buildup in the spray arm holes significantly reduces cleaning effectiveness and water pressure throughout the wash cycle.

Step 3: Clean the Filter and Drain Area

Locate the cylindrical filter at the bottom of the dishwasher tub, usually positioned beneath where the lower spray arm sits. Most filters twist out counterclockwise, though some models have a lift-out design. Rinse the filter under warm running water, using an old toothbrush to scrub away accumulated food particles and grease buildup. Check the drain area for any visible debris that could interfere with proper drainage during the cleaning cycle. A clean filter ensures optimal water circulation during the citric acid cleaning process, allowing the solution to reach all areas effectively while preventing recontamination from trapped food particles.

Step 4: Prepare the Citric Acid Solution

Measure four to six tablespoons of citric acid powder, depending on your dishwasher size and the severity of buildup you’re addressing. Pour the citric acid directly into the bottom of the empty dishwasher tub, distributing it evenly across the floor of the appliance. The powder will dissolve during the wash cycle, creating an effective cleaning solution that circulates throughout the system. Avoid placing citric acid in the detergent dispenser, as this can prevent proper dissolution and reduce cleaning effectiveness. The direct application method ensures maximum contact time between the acid and mineral deposits throughout the entire wash cycle.

Step 5: Run the Cleaning Cycle to Remove Hard Water Deposits

Close the dishwasher door and select the hottest, longest wash cycle available on your machine, typically labeled as “heavy” or “pots and pans.” Hot water activates the citric acid more effectively, enhancing its ability to dissolve stubborn mineral deposits and soap scum. Start the cycle and allow it to run completely without interruption, as the extended wash time ensures thorough cleaning of all internal components. The heated citric acid solution will circulate through spray arms, filters, and hidden areas where buildup typically accumulates. This process effectively removes lime scale, hard water stains, and soap residue that regular detergent cannot address.

Step 6: Wipe Down Interior Surfaces and Door Seals

Once the cleaning cycle completes, open the dishwasher door and allow the interior to cool slightly before proceeding. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down all visible interior surfaces, including the door, walls, and bottom of the tub. Pay special attention to the rubber door seals where mold and mildew often develop, as these areas benefit from manual cleaning even after the citric acid treatment. The loosened buildup should wipe away easily, revealing the original finish underneath. Focus on areas around the door hinges and bottom seal where food particles and soap residue typically collect during normal operation.

Step 7: Clean and Reinstall Removable Components

Rinse the spray arms under hot running water, using a toothpick or thin wire to clear any remaining debris from the holes. The citric acid treatment should have dissolved most buildup, making this final cleaning step quick and easy. Reinstall the lower spray arm by aligning it with the mounting post and ensuring it spins freely without obstruction. Replace the clean filter by twisting it clockwise until it seats securely in the drain area. Reinstall the bottom rack, ensuring it slides smoothly on its tracks. These components should now operate like new, with clear water flow and optimal cleaning performance restored.

Final Rinse Cycle for Optimal Results

Execute one final rinse cycle using only hot water to remove any remaining citric acid residue from the system. This step ensures no acidic taste or odor remains that could affect your next load of dishes. Select a quick rinse or light wash setting without adding any detergent or cleaning agents. The rinse cycle flushes away dissolved mineral deposits and confirms that all internal components are functioning properly after the cleaning process. Your dishwasher should now operate more quietly and efficiently, with improved water circulation and enhanced cleaning performance for future wash loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Clean My Dishwasher With Citric Acid?

Clean your dishwasher with citric acid every 1-2 months for optimal performance, or more frequently if you have hard water. Signs that cleaning is needed include cloudy glassware, white film on dishes, reduced cleaning performance, or unusual odors. Regular maintenance prevents severe buildup that requires more intensive cleaning efforts and helps extend your appliance’s lifespan significantly.

Is Citric Acid Safe for All Dishwasher Types and Materials?

Citric acid is safe for most dishwasher materials including stainless steel, plastic, and rubber components. However, avoid using it on natural stone dish racks or components, as acid can damage marble, granite, or limestone surfaces. Always check your owner’s manual for specific cleaning recommendations, and test on a small, inconspicuous area if you’re unsure about material compatibility.

Can I Use Citric Acid If My Dishes Are Still In The Dishwasher?

Never run a citric acid cleaning cycle with dishes inside, as the acid concentration can damage delicate items and leave residue on your dishware. Always empty the dishwasher completely before cleaning. The cleaning solution needs to circulate freely without obstruction to effectively reach all areas where buildup occurs, and dishes would interfere with this process.

What’s The Difference Between Citric Acid and White Vinegar for Cleaning?

While both are acidic cleaning agents, citric acid is more effective at removing mineral deposits and doesn’t leave the strong odor that vinegar produces. Citric acid also doesn’t risk damaging rubber seals and gaskets like vinegar can over time. However, vinegar is more readily available in most households and can serve as an adequate substitute for light cleaning needs.

Where Can I Purchase Food-Grade Citric Acid for Dishwasher Cleaning?

Food-grade citric acid is available at most health food stores, online retailers, canning supply stores, and some grocery stores in the baking or canning sections. Always choose food-grade quality to ensure purity and safety. A small container provides enough product for many cleaning cycles, making it very economical compared to commercial dishwasher cleaners.

Conclusion

Mastering how to clean dishwasher with citric acid transforms routine appliance maintenance into an simple, effective, and economical process that delivers professional-quality results. This natural cleaning method removes stubborn mineral deposits, eliminates odors, and restores your dishwasher’s peak performance without exposing your family to harsh chemicals.

Regular citric acid maintenance prevents costly repairs while ensuring your dishes come out sparkling clean every time. This simple cleaning routine takes less than an hour of your time but provides months of improved dishwasher performance. Your glassware will emerge crystal clear, your dishes will be spot-free, and your dishwasher will operate more quietly and efficiently than ever before.