Can You Use CLR In A Dishwasher? (Find Out Now!)

Matthew Mountain
by Matthew Mountain

When your dishwasher gets clogged, it won’t be able to function properly. You can do a variety of things to unclog a dishwasher, and one common method is using calcium lime and rust remover (CLR).

CLR is a household cleaning product, and it can be used with a variety of appliances. In this article, attention will be paid to how CLR is used in a dishwasher. If your dishwasher isn’t clean, the system will be pretty much useless. After all, dishes are put in the dishwasher to get clean—not to get dirtier by the dishwasher’s unchecked environment.

Yes, you can use CLR to clean a dishwasher. Just make sure you’re using the right kind of CLR product. You should only do CLR dishwasher cleaning when the dishwasher is empty. You can leave a dish rack in, however, if you want to. Don’t mix CLR with any other chemicals, and make sure the CLR is thoroughly rinsed from your system.

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How You’ll Know It’s Time for Dishwasher Cleaning

If your dishwasher is dirty, you may notice bad orders, greasy corners, and a few other undesirable factors. A dishwasher may not function properly when it’s dirty, and it may not finish a cycle because there’s too much grime or buildup somewhere.

When your dishwasher gets dirty, you shouldn’t avoid this problem. Instead, you should pursue cleaning, whether it be DIY dishwasher cleaning or hiring a professional. If DIY cleaning isn’t for you, don’t be afraid to get in touch with a professional plumber or a technician who can service your dishwasher.

Using CLR in a Dishwasher

You can put CLR in the dishwasher when you want to clean it, but you should keep in mind that not all CLR products are suitable as dishwasher cleaners. Just make sure you’re using the right product before you attempt cleaning. Here’s how you can use CLR to make your dishwasher clean:

Step one is removing any dishwashing detergent that’s in your dishwasher. The next step is dumping a half cup of CLR on the bottom of your empty dishwasher. The word “empty” here is important, as you’ll want to make sure that there are no glasses, dishes, or silverware present.

You can leave a dish rack inside if you’d like this to get cleaned as well. The next step is running the cycle on normal, and you’ll want to do this two times.

Using CLR is a simple dishwasher cleaning method, and when you’re done with cleaning you should notice a difference immediately. It will not only clean your dishwasher but break up clogs as well. Just make sure that you’re not using any other chemicals at the same time you’re using CLR, as this could create a dangerous situation and possibly damage your appliance.

Other Things to Keep In Mind

Don’t use CLR bathroom and kitchen cleaner in your dishwasher when you suspect that there are lime and rust deposits. This product is not suitable for dishwashers, and it may render your dishwasher inoperable.

You should also avoid putting CLR in a dishwasher drawer. These appliances utilize plumbing systems that don’t rinse the CLR out properly, and when rinsing is not done the right way, then corrosion is likely to take place. But if you have a system that can accommodate CLR, then you should use it, as this is a simple DIY dishwasher cleaning method.

Making Sure Your System’s Filter Is Clean

If you have a newer dishwasher, then you probably have a manual-clean filter. This filter replaces the grinder that a self-cleaning dishwasher utilizes.

While the filter-based system is quieter, this quietness comes at the cost of food scraps sometimes getting stuck in the filter. Of course, this can lead to unpleasant odors. To correct this, all you have to do is pull out the bottom rack of the dishwasher and then remove the filter.

If your system has a bunch of interlocking parts, then look for a cylinder in the center that unscrews. Then you’ll be able to take the system out. Clean each part of the filter individually, and you can also use the sink sprayer to make the process easier. A sponge will also be useful when you need to get rid of small particles.

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Alternative Cleaning Methods

CLR isn’t the only way to clean a dishwasher. You can also use vinegar to clean a dishwasher. Take two cups of vinegar and place them in the center of the bottom part of your dishwasher.

Now run the dishwasher on regular and without using any detergent. The vinegar will deodorize and sanitize the dishwasher in an eco-friendly and natural way.

A dishwasher will not stay in good condition forever, and when a system begins to break down, such won’t only put your dishes at risk but your health too. Then there are the bad smells to deal with. If you don’t want to do DIY cleaning, get in touch with a professional.

Matthew Mountain
Matthew Mountain

Matt loves everything DIY. He has been learning and practicing different trades since he was a kid, and he's often the first one called when a friend or family member needs a helping hand at home. Matt loves to work with wood and stone, and landscaping is by far his most favorite pastime.

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