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If there’s one household appliance I dislike cleaning (or rarely clean), it’s inside my dishwasher. And even if you have one of the best dishwashers, it’s essential to give it a thorough deep clean regularly to prevent the build-up of food residue, scum, grease, and, of course, mold.
That unsightly buildup within your dishwasher is typically hidden inside the rubber door gasket or deep within the appliance's crevices. Believe it or not, this substance actually consists of various yeast strains, which are usually caused by small openings or defects in the door's seal.
Although household bleach has become a go-to product to remove mold and germs, it’s also known to be highly toxic, especially when used with other cleaners, such as acidic white vinegar around the home. What’s more, the idea of using harsh bleach in the same space where you wash your dinner plates is far from appealing.
However, experts recommend using this one alternative that can instantly tackle mold in dishwashers. Not only is it less harsh, but safe to use around the home.
How to use hydrogen peroxide to remove mold
Similar to the superpowers of white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide is a fast way to tackle mold and kill spores. Once it comes into contact with these spores, hydrogen peroxide effectively destroys them by breaking down their internal proteins and components.
First, fill a spray bottle with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution before applying it to the moldy areas in the dishwasher. Allow the solution to sit and work its magic for about 15 minutes. A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is much less harsh for household use compared to toxic bleach, and you can use it undiluted for maximum impact or dilute it with water for lighter chores.
Then, use an old toothbrush to scrub the areas, ensuring every trace of mold and unsightly staining is completely lifted and removed. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Make a DIY natural solution
Alternatively, you could make a homemade cleaning solution by combining hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, and distilled white vinegar to effectively get rid of mold. These are all natural ingredients that are commonly found in our kitchens — and won’t break the bank either.
Simply combine two cups of water, ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide, and ¼ cup lemon juice to make your solution. To really give your dishwasher a thorough deep clean, it’s best to dismantle the appliance as much as possible, taking out the spray arms, racks, and filters.
Next, soak a sponge in your cleaning solution before thoroughly scrubbing down the machine and all its components. After cleaning, simply reassemble the appliance and put your dishwasher on a high-temperature cycle to ensure a thorough rinse.
In addition, don’t forget to clean your dishwasher filter, as this can often get clogged up with a build-up of food residue, soap scum, and grease, which inevitably leads to unpleasant smells and lingering odors inside your appliance.
So the next time you're battling gross mold inside your dishwasher and want a non-toxic solution, hydrogen peroxide could be the next best thing.
Cleaning essentials we love
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