Can You Really Clean Your Dishwasher with Kool-Aid? Here’s What Happened When We Tried
From funky to fresh using only Kool-Aid? OH YEAH!
Forget the pricey chemicals! Have you heard about the dishwasher-cleaning hack that involves using only a 24¢ packet of Kool-Aid?
We have hard water that leaves a white film on the inside of our dishwasher, and we’re starting to notice it on our glassware, too. I was also eager to see if this cleaning trick would help with the funky odor that greeted us when we first opened our dishwasher after being away for a week. 🤢
Here’s how the Kool-Aid dishwasher hack works:
- Use only the unsweetened lemonade flavor. It has the right citric acid content to loosen limescale and other mineral deposits. It’s also not a color that will stain the inside of your dishwasher, and it won’t leave behind any sticky residue from sugar. You don’t have to use Kool-Aid brand, though; Aldi sells its own 6-count version for $1.19 (only 20¢ per packet)! If you’re using a scoop from a large canister of unsweetened lemonade mix, a tablespoon is the recommended amount.
- Remove any dishes from the dishwasher. This cleaning method works best with an empty machine.
- Use the entire packet of Kool-Aid. Simply empty it into the same reservoir where you would normally add dishwashing detergent.
- Run your dishwasher through a normal cycle. The Kool-Aid will do its thing while the dishwasher runs. Use the other packet to make yourself a drink while you wait! 🍋
- Wipe away any remaining residue. I was shocked at how easy it was to wipe away the white residue and the gross gunk that had been gathering around the seal of my dishwasher. I didn’t need to do any scrubbing or use abrasive cleaning pads. One swipe with one of these gentle microfiber cleaning cloths, and I was done!
Hip Tip: Try to time your cleaning cycle so that you’re home to wipe out the residue immediately after it’s finished (when the inside of the dishwasher is still warm and steamy). Although I haven’t tried waiting, it’s probably a lot easier to wipe out the gunk and mineral deposits before they have a chance to dry and harden again.
Tada!
The inside of my dishwasher looks like new, and the swampy smell is gone. I don’t really smell anything lemony, either… it’s just a really fresh and pleasant fragrance.
This cleaning method completely removed the white residue and gunk from the inside of my dishwasher, and my glassware is definitely coming out cleaner, too.
I loved being pleasantly surprised by this super easy and affordable cleaning hack that sounded too good to be true. I will definitely repeat this process every month or so to keep my dishwasher looking shiny, smelling fresh, and getting my dishes clean.
Like cleaning hacks? You won’t believe what denture cleanser can do!
Kool! 😉
🙌😂
Does this work if your dishwasher isn’t stainless on the inside?
Hey Lisa! Thanks for asking. For best results, if your dishwasher is not stainless steel on the inside, make sure to use Lemon flavored Koolaid only, as any other flavors with dyes could stain.
Do you think this would work to get the musty smell out of the clothes washing machine?
Hmm, good question! I have never tried it, however with a quick google search it seems some have done it. Hope that helps!
Buy a 5 pound bag of pure citric acid from Amazon and add a quarter teaspoon to each load of dishes. It completely solved our hard water problem and for cheap. A bag lasts us for about 2 years for $13.99. If you add it to every load it keeps your dishes and glassware much cleaner.
Oh interesting! Thanks for the helpful suggestion, Lana!
Try the product Lemi Shine. Add to each dishwasher load to keep dishwasher clean and glasses clear. Can also use to clean coffee pot and washing machine. Around 3 a bottle last a long time.
Thanks, Amanda! I have used that one before! It did work well!
I love Lemi Shine in my ss dishwasher!
If adding to a front load washer, would you put it where the clothes go or in where you normally put detergent? Curious if adding a little of the citric acid might help with that too. My parents’ frontload gets really gross in the rubber seal but the cleaners are a bit pricey.
I’m not sure on that, Vera. You could try what you think is best Or search for additional tips and experiences on that. Hoping that helps!
Vera, I’ve had my front load washer for 7+ years, and the rubber gasket is still fresh. The key is to wipe down the gasket (including inside the folds), interior of the window, and leave the door open once you’ve finished washing, so the interior dries. I also run a cleaning cycle once a month to clear out anything that might be lingering. I put the cleaning agent inside the washer itself.
Years ago someone told me that Tang would work to clean a dishwasher. I run an empty load with Tang every 3 months or so to keep mine smelling fresh. This is actually a (slightly) less expensive option, I’ll try this next!
Thanks for sharing your Tang tip, Mel! It’s always fun to find surprise uses for products!
My dad swears by Tang!