Best Rust Removal Tips for Cleaning Your Dishwasher
Your dishwasher is an invaluable appliance in your kitchen. The machine helps significantly cut down the amount of cleanup required after cooking a meal. It also properly washes your dishes and sanitizes them for future use.
However, you must perform routine maintenance to keep the unit in good working order. Removing rust buildup is one of the most critical components of upkeep that you need to do. Here are some of the best rust-removal tips for cleaning your dishwasher.
How Does Rust Form in the First Place?
The most likely culprit behind rust inside your dishwasher is hard water from your water supply, particularly water with high iron concentrations. There’s also another potential reason behind the rusting. When the coating on the racks within the dishwasher wears off, the metal below gets exposed to water. Then, rust forms. If you find that there’s an excessive amount of rust even after cleaning, you may need to consider replacing the dishwasher to prevent rust flakes from constantly seeping into dishware.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is available as a solid or a liquid. However, if you have a stainless-steel machine, you should use the liquid since the crystals in the solid version might damage the steel. First, fill the detergent holder with four ounces of detergent (four ounces should be plenty if measuring at home) and run the dishwasher for a complete cycle.
Then repeat the process with ordinary detergent as needed to eliminate the rust. You can physically brush away any remaining rust if necessary.
White Vinegar
White vinegar requires a somewhat distinct set of methods. It genuinely works by removing rust from the dishwasher’s surfaces, although it takes a little longer.
You have two options with it. You can pour it over the rusted spots and let it sit for a bit or run a vinegar cycle. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a moist towel.
Potatoes and Salt
Isn’t that an odd combination? Still, it works because of a particular type of chemical collaboration. The oxalic acid in potatoes dissolves rust on dishwashing surfaces, while the salt acts as an abrasive to remove it.
The process behind using potatoes and salt is simple once again. Salt the sliced surface of the potato after cutting it in half lengthwise. You’ve now just transformed Mr. Potato into a scrub brush, which you may use to scrub the rusty surfaces. Just make sure to clean it afterward.
Baking Soda
This all-purpose household cleaner works on dishwashers, too. And using it is one of the best rust-removal tips for cleaning your dishwasher. Once again, spread it over the rusted areas, but make sure you add water if it gets too dry or lumpy. Use a cloth or sponge to wipe off the rust when you finish.
