Switching to a natural dishwasher detergent is one of those small-but-mighty changes that makes your home more eco-friendly. But, just like swapping your morning coffee spot, it can take your dishwasher a little time to adjust.
Unlike conventional detergents, Nellie’s Dishwasher Powder is free from harsh chemicals, fillers, and synthetic additives. That’s a big win for your family and the planet—but it also means your dishwasher might need a little TLC before it starts delivering the sparkling-clean results you’ve been dreaming of.
Here’s the thing: old detergent residue builds up inside your machine like an unwanted houseguest. Chemical detergents usually hide that mess, but Nellie’s doesn’t play that game. Instead, you may see a bit of cloudiness or haze at first. Don’t panic—it’s just your dishwasher clearing out its old baggage. With one quick maintenance clean, you’ll be back to shining dishes in no time.
Here's our step-by-step method for giving your dishwasher a reset and help it perform at its best.
Dishwasher Maintenance Clean
1. Clean the Filter
Pop out your dishwasher filter (usually at the bottom), rinse it well, and say goodbye to gunk and crumbs.
2. Wipe the Interior
Use a damp Swedish Dishcloth with a bit of vinegar to wipe the door seals, spray arms, and sneaky corners where buildup can hide.
3. Run a Hot Vinegar Cycle
Place a dishwasher-safe bowl with 1 cup of white vinegar on the top rack. Run the hottest cycle—no dishes, no detergent. Think of it as a spa day for your dishwasher.
4. Run a Baking Soda Rinse
Next, sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda in the bottom and run a short hot cycle. This freshens things up and helps kick lingering residue to the curb.
5. Optional Citric Acid Clean
Got stubborn buildup? Add 1–2 tablespoons of citric acid in a dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack and run another hot cycle. Perfect for mineral or detergent deposits.
Vinegar Rinse Aide
Live in a hard-water area? Rinse aids can help prevent spots and streaks, but most are loaded with synthetic chemicals. No thanks. Nellie’s hack: plain white vinegar. It’s natural, it’s effective, and it’s already in your cupboard.
Just fill your rinse aid dispenser with vinegar, refill as needed, and enjoy spot-free dishes without the extra chemicals. Easy peasy.
To use vinegar as a rinse aid:
- Fill your dishwasher's rinse aid dispenser with plain white vinegar.
- Refill as needed, just like you would with a conventional rinse aid.
- Enjoy spot-free dishes without added chemicals
This simple switch not only improves performance with Nellie's Dishwasher Powder but also keeps your cleaning routine safe, simple, and eco-friendly.
Switching to a natural detergent may take a couple of cycles to fully wash away old residue, but once your dishwasher is refreshed, you’ll see why people love Nellie’s sparkle.
Small switch, big difference—for your health, your home, and the planet. With a little patience and care, your dishwasher will love Nellie’s as much as you do. 💚