How do you disinfect a dishwasher?

[Purple*Lotus]

I just recently got a dishwasher. I use Bio Kleen automatic powder in it. Someone told me the other day that they disinfect theirs every once in a while. They don't use any natural home products, so I wonder what you all suggest for disinfecting my dishwasher?

Also, is that even important? I can't imagine why it would be, but I suppose that because I have never used one before, I am hardly an expert

[SusanInItaly]

Why would you need to? I think the water gets hot enough inside when it washes (which has soap too LOL) that I would think it might kill any germs that would be inside. I've never thought to disinfect my DW.

[mommyof3andcountin]

I don't. Sometimes the door is icky looking down at the bottom, and I just wipe it with the vinegar/water soultion I use in the bathroom.

If it smelled funky or something, I'd probably scatter baking soda on the bottom and run, then run with a cup or two of vinegar (not at the same time, you've seen the homemade volcano's right!!) on really hot or sanitize or something.

[Ninnifer]

if you want something to keep it smelling nice, (usually a problem after a while) then cut a lemon in half and put it on the top rack for a few washes. other than that i dont disinfcet mine as such.

HTH x

[slymamato3]

I don't think you need to disinfect them but if you have a rinse aid dispenser you can use vinegar instead of jet dry. Ecover makes a great rinse aid too, I use that and there tablets. But I have found the vinegar works perfectly well.

[Best Feeling]

Originally Posted by SusanInItaly

Why would you need to? I think the water gets hot enough inside when it washes (which has soap too LOL) that I would think it might kill any germs that would be inside. I've never thought to disinfect my DW.

I was thinking the same thing.

I always get squicked out to find a dish in the cabinet that has food still on it after being run through the dishwasher. DH usually empties the dishwasher and his response is always, "it's food but it's disinfected food." He'll still eat off or drink out of the offending dish. Blech!

[Purple*Lotus]

Oh my gosh, disinfected food?? That is the funniest thing I have heard in a long time

[SusanInItaly]

I use vinegar as my rinse aid too.

[hibana]

Well, if the dishes are getting clean wouldn't the washer be clean inside, too? (Provided you don't have stagnant water and funk in the tubing and such... but if you're running it regularly, that shouldn't be an issue.)

[mk12]

Disinfecting the dishwater? Jeez, some people take their "germ" paranoia waaaaay too far IMO.

[applejuice]

Originally Posted by mk12

Disinfecting the dishwater? Jeez, some people take their "germ" paranoia waaaaay too far IMO.

It is an American cultural thing.