Descale the dishwasher - you have to be careful

Lime in the dishwasher not only affects the cleaning power of the device. In this article, we explain how to descale your dishwasher correctly and thus prevent expensive repairs or even unnecessary new purchases.

Descale the dishwasher: this is how the deposits are formed

• In Germany, the water hardness is very high in most cities. Together with the high operating temperature required to clean the dishes, this affects the formation of lime.
• The hotter the working temperature in this device, the sooner lime will form.
• Deposits affect the performance of the dishwasher. It requires more energy, which has an impact on your electricity costs.
• Even the dishes are no longer really clean. As a result, you may need to rinse or pre-wash. Maybe even by hand. This takes time and negates the effect of having the dishes washed easily and conveniently.
• The lime attacks the seals of the machine and lies on the heating elements. In this way, it promotes the corrosion process. The water nozzles are also clogged.
• Lime therefore tends to age your dishwasher, raise its electricity costs and nullify the cleaning effect.

Removing lime from the dishwasher: Instructions

Regardless of whether you choose special products from the supermarket or drugstore, or use household remedies such as acetic or citric acid: it only takes a rinse cycle to get your machine free of limescale.

• Simply distribute the liquid descaler evenly in the dishwasher according to the manufacturer's instructions and start the cleaning program at approx. 60 degrees without dishes. Most of these cleaners do not require a pre-wash program. You can treat stubborn lime stains separately with a little lime remover on a cleaning cloth.
• Opt for vinegar or lemon essence, put two cups of it in your device. Again, distribute the liquid evenly throughout the interior. Select the normal program (60 degrees) and start the empty machine.
• You can also take acetic or citric acid directly. Please note: only 8 to 10 tablespoons are necessary. Spread them out as usual. Start your dishwasher in the intensive program.
• Important: If this program contains an integrated pre-wash program, do not put the acetic or citric acid in the dishwasher until the pre-wash is finished.
• Decalcify your machine once or twice a year for a lasting and sustainable result.

Here we show you how to clean your microwave without chemicals.