Blog Highlights:
- Lime buildups and hard water can damage your silverware and dishes
- The dishwasher should be cleaned at least once a month so you can avoid the formation of lime buildups
- You can use common household items like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to clean the dishwasher
- The amount of vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice that you need to use will depend on how hard the water is
Are your silverware and dishes stained? You might want to check your dishwasher for lime buildup.
The interior of the dishwasher is often take for granted, this is why this kitchen appliance can easily wear out and produce poor cleaning results.
If you are located in an area where the water has a high mineral content, then the hard water in your water pipe is bound to cause lime buildups.
Homes that have hard water usually get it from a water source that travels underground where it gets exposed to different minerals that can alter its purity and quality.
The lime deposits come from calcium carbonate. And with continued use, your dishwasher’s exposure to hard water and to calcium carbonate will cause the formation of lime scales that will also turn into a buildup over time.
Getting rid of hard water stains on a regular basis
So you can avoid having to deal with stubborn lime buildups, you need to clean the dishwasher regularly. This can help you avoid getting mineral lines on your dishes, and signs of rusting on your silverware. The dishwasher should be cleaned once a month with the help of the following:
Commercial products – You can purchase commercial dishwasher solutions like CLR cleaner, Jet-Dry, and Lime-A-Way so you can effectively remove buildups from your dishwasher. You need to follow the product’s instructions carefully and you should also make sure that you are cleaning the dishwasher according the product manual’s specifications.
Household items – If you do not like to use harsh chemicals to clean up the dishwasher, you can opt for common household items like baking soda, vinegar, borax, and lemon juice to help you get rid of the lime buildup. These items are readily available, and they are also more affordable than commercial products.
To clean the dishwasher with these items, you can mix a few teaspoons of borax or baking soda to your dishwashing soap so you can remove lime buildup. You can also pour vinegar into the jet-dry compartment of the dishwasher so that it will be dispersed in the interior of the dishwasher evenly during the cycle.
You can also fill a dish with any of these items on the top rack of the dishwasher so that when the cycle runs, the cleaning agents will be spread evenly on the dishes and on the dishwasher interior. This can help you remove lime and mineral buildup.
The amount of baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice that you need to use will depend on how hard the water is in your home. You can start by using a few teaspoons and adding more until you are able to pinpoint the right amount that will give you the best results.
Hiring a professional to clean and maintain your dishwasher
If you have hard water at home, the best way to avoid lime buildups is to hire professionals who can do regular cleanings. Professional cleaners can help you get rid of these problems with the help of specialized products and tools that are designed specially for lime buildups or hard water stains.
