{"id":20917,"date":"2022-07-13T18:28:36","date_gmt":"2022-07-13T18:28:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/?p=20917"},"modified":"2025-01-31T18:45:09","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T18:45:09","slug":"how-to-clean-a-dishwasher-5-eco-conscious-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ecos.com\/live-cleaner\/how-to-clean-a-dishwasher-5-eco-conscious-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clean a Dishwasher: 5 Eco-Conscious Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our dishwashers do a lot for us. They can make our plates squeaky clean in a flash, give the baby\u2019s teethers a much-needed shine, and most importantly, save our hands from a lot of scrubbing when all we want to do is sink into the couch and relax<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re lucky enough to have a dishwasher in your kitchen, you might be faced with a conundrum that occurs to many\u2014<\/span>how do you clean the thing that does all the cleaning?\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a good question\u2014and while we can hope that one day dishwashers will be able to give themselves a self-care cleaning day alongside your silverware, we can tell you how to clean a dishwasher with <\/span>sustainable cleaners<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

#1 Use the Right Dishwashing Detergent (And Skip the Pre-Wash)<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When it comes to giving your dishwasher a pristine power-up, one of the first questions to ask is, <\/span>what are you putting in that thing?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

No, we\u2019re not talking about the unrinsed alfredo sauce or broccoli food particles on your plates. Believe it or not, small amounts of food residue aren\u2019t as much of a problem as you may think. Most dishwashers can handle some debris as long as you scrape off the big stuff.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, Consumer Reports suggests that not rinsing even allows your dishwasher\u2019s sensors to work better.<\/span><\/p>\n

Skipping that extra rinse before you pop in the plates is good for the planet. Why? For every minute you spend pre-washing dishes, you use between 1.7\u20136 gallons of water, plus any energy required to run the hot water.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, the most important thing to consider when loading your dishwasher is what detergent you\u2019re using. For best results, use a dishwasher detergent that has a our formula is 100% vegan formula, is effective on grease, avoids harsh chemicals, and won\u2019t leave harmful residues on your plates or the dishwasher, such as our <\/span>ECOS Wave Dishwasher Gel.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

#2 Don\u2019t Skip the Rinse Aid<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Nothing puts a damper on a night of toasts and celebrations than taking those crystal-clear glasses out of the dishwasher to find them practically opaque with water spots.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tap water that contains higher levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium can react with your soap and cause residue that leaves dishes looking less-than-fresh.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It can also result in multiple problems for you and your dishwasher, including:<\/span><\/p>\n