Is It Safe To Use Baking Soda In A Dishwasher?

Baking soda is something of a miracle product, capable of cleaning and deodorizing anything from carpets to ovens. It is also incredibly affordable when compared to other types of detergent — you can usually purchase baking soda for less than $2 per box, according to How Much Is It, which makes it one of the least expensive cleaning products on the market. Additionally, it does not contain any harsh chemicals or additives that could be potentially harmful to your family or the environment.

When it comes to cleaning our dishwashers, many have likely considered baking soda as a natural, safe alternative to harsh chemical cleaners, meaning you don't have to worry about exposing your dishes and glasses to any dangerous or toxic substances. But, is it safe to use baking soda inside such an appliance? Well, before you start sprinkling it into your dishwasher, there are a few things you should consider.

While there are some benefits associated with using baking soda in your dishwasher, there are also some drawbacks. When added to warm water, baking soda helps dissolve food particles and grease that may have become stuck on dishes during washing cycles. The alkalinity of baking soda also helps to break down tough stains and make them easier to scrub away. 

However, baking soda alone might not be as effective as other dishwasher detergents when it comes to getting rid of tough stains or grease buildup on dishes and cookware. As such, you might need to soak your dishes and pans if you want those tough spots gone. Additionally, if you don't rinse your dishes thoroughly after washing them with baking soda, they may end up with a chalky residue on them — which isn't ideal.

A popular social media hack recommends using a combination of dish soap and baking soda when you run out of dishwashing detergent. Verify disagreed with this idea, though, concluding that the combination would create suds that would potentially damage the dishwasher. A representative from Dallas-area appliance repair company Appliance Rescue Service says, ​​"Any amount of dish soap is going to create suds," adding "Even if you don't see them spilling out, they are there," reports Verify.

While baking soda may not be the best choice for cleaning your dishes, according to Ad It Yourself it can be used to clean the inside of your dishwasher. To do this, mix one cup of baking soda with one gallon of hot water and pour the mixture into the bottom of the dishwasher. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then turn on the dishwasher and let it run through its cycle. This will help to remove any soap scum and grease that has accumulated in the interior of the dishwasher over time.

Everyone has heard of the many uses of baking soda and vinegar as DIY cleaning solutions, but this combo should never be used to clean a dishwasher. While the two ingredients are safe to use separately, when mixed together, a chemical reaction can occur that is corrosive to rubber and plastic, which can damage the seals on the door and parts of the drain, per The Shroom Company.