Today I tackled the job of cleaning my dishwasher and microwave using natural cleaning methods.
Our dishwasher had been acting strange a few months ago, so we had taken everything out of the inside, basically taking it all apart. Then we washed all of the parts thoroughly. It was quite an ordeal, so today’s job wasn’t as bad as that.
However, there were still plenty food particles and mold to clean today. I will say one thing, I have found that when using natural dishwasher detergents the dishwasher gets dirty more quickly.
As you can see, I wasn’t joking about the dishwasher being dirty. It is kind of ironic that something that cleans dishes could get so dirty.
To clean my dishwasher I used an old rag and dipped it in a water and vinegar mixture. Then I cleaned all of the seals, edges, inside and front of the dishwasher.
Finally, I ran an empty load with vinegar and citric acid. I put a cup of vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher and then filled the detergent cups with the citric acid. I was able to purchase citric acid at a nearby bulk foods store, but I have heard that unsweetened lemon drink packets will work as well.
Next, I got started on the microwave. I am aware of how bad microwaves are, but we haven’t been able to get rid of ours totally. We try not to use it too much, though.
To clean the dishwasher I filled a bowl with water and a tablespoon of vinegar. I put it inside and turned the microwave on high power for 5 minutes.
While I was waiting, I cleaned off the outside of the microwave.
When the 5 minutes were up I took out the bowl, the plate and the wheel thing that spins around out. I wiped out all of the gunk and food particles that were loosened thanks to the steam from microwaving the water.
Finally, I washed the the glass plate and spinny thing. I dried everything with a towel and now feel like I have a new microwave.
How often do you clean your dishwasher and/or microwave? I am determined to keep my dishwasher working as long as possible. :)
Tomorrow I will be cleaning out the refrigerator. Hopefully, I won’t find any science experiments.
