Everything works flawlessly until... not. Your dishwasher, which was your most loyal kitchen assistant until recently, suddenly starts leaving stains on your glasses, smells unpleasant and, above all, no longer washes as well as it should. Many people first think of a malfunction, problems with the detergent or the wrong program. But the truth is often much more... calcareous. Limescale is that invisible culprit that slowly but surely builds up inside the machine and causes problems before you even notice them.
The problem is not merely aesthetic. Limescale It interferes with the heater, clogs nozzles and filters, and increases electricity consumption. Which means: poorer efficiency, higher consumption, shorter appliance life, and in the worst case scenario – failure. The good news? Cleaning is not complicated and does not require expensive chemicals. You probably already have everything you need at home – literally in the cupboard under the sink.
Why does limescale form and how does it endanger your machine?
Limescale is caused by hard water, which is rich in calcium and magnesium. As the water in your dishwasher heats up, these minerals begin to precipitate and build up on the heating elements, nozzles, inner walls and – most critically – in the filters and inner tubes. Over time, this layer acts as a thermal insulator, meaning the heater has to work longer and harder to reach the desired temperature. This directly affects energy consumption and wash times.
In addition to reduced efficiency, mechanical problems can also occur – nozzles covered with limescale no longer spray water properly, leading to poor cleaning and stains on the dishes. And if the dishwasher starts to smell bad? This is often due to a combination of limescale and food residue in the filter – the perfect recipe for a microbiological “cocktail”.
How to effectively remove limescale – without chemicals and in 15 minutes
1. Natural solution: alcohol vinegar
Alcoholic vinegar acts as a mild but extremely effective acidic cleaner that dissolves mineral deposits without damaging the machine's components.
Process:
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- Pour 1 to 2 cups into a plastic (heat-resistant) container of alcoholic vinegar.
- Place the container on the top rack of an empty dishwasher.
- Start program with the highest temperature (usually “intensive wash” at 65–75 °C).
- After the program ends, open the machine door and let the interior dry thoroughly.
The result? Limescale will be removed from the heaters, interior walls and nozzles, while any unpleasant odor will also be neutralized.
2. A more advanced approach: citric acid
For those who swear by a slightly stronger (but still natural) alternative, it's a great choice citric acid powderIt works similarly to vinegar, but has a stronger effect on more stubborn deposits.
Usage:
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- Pour 2-3 tablespoons of citric acid directly into the bottom of the machine.
- Run a hot wash cycle without dishes or detergent.
- If necessary, repeat the process once a month, depending on the hardness of the water in your area.
Don't neglect the filter – it's the lungs of your machine
The filter in your dishwasher is a key part for trapping food residue, grease, and small particles. If it gets clogged, the machine's efficiency drops drastically, and the smell becomes, at best, strange, at worst, unbearable.
How to clean it properly:
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- First of all disconnect the machine from the electrical network – safety first.
- Remove filter (usually located at the bottom of the machine interior).
- Rinse it under hot running water with a few drops of dishwashing detergent.
- If necessary, use an old toothbrush to remove more stubborn residue.
- Before putting it back, make sure all channels and meshes are completely clean and flowing.
Regular cleaning = long life and shiny dishes
To avoid regular problems, it is recommended monthly preventive cleaning machine. If you have very hard water, also consider installing a water softener, which will reduce limescale build-up in the long term and improve the efficiency of all household appliances.
Finally…
Dishwasher is one of those appliances that we only really notice when it stops working optimally. But with timely and simple maintenance – without expensive cleaning agents and without technical knowledge – we can prevent most problems. And if you also save some electricity, water and nerves? So much the better.
