November 12, 2025, 4:29 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Sounds tempting: A simple drinking glass with vinegar and baking soda is said to help clean the dishwasher and remove limescale deposits. But what’s really behind it? myHOMEBOOK spoke with an expert.
How the Glass Trick Works in the Dishwasher
The internet regularly circulates various tricks to make household chores easier. This includes the glass trick for the dishwasher. The idea sounds simple. First, fill a heat-resistant glass about halfway with household vinegar and place it in the top rack of the dishwasher. Then sprinkle some baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run the dishwasher program. This simple combination is said to thoroughly clean the appliance, dissolve limescale deposits, and eliminate unpleasant odors–all without expensive specialty cleaners.
What the Expert Says
Dr. Bernd Glassl from the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association has a clear opinion on the glass trick in the dishwasher: “A cumbersome and not very helpful tip.”
In general, baking soda reacts slightly basic in water as a lye, and lyes can theoretically remove greasy dirt. However, soda is even more effective than baking soda because soda reacts more strongly basic. In the trick, the vinegar is diluted by the running dishwasher program. The diluted vinegar then meets the baking soda at the bottom and neutralizes it, leading to a weaker effect. Therefore, a truly cleaning effect is not present.
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How to Do It Better
To prevent grease deposits in the dishwasher, Glassl suggests running the machine fully loaded once a month. It’s best to choose a program with at least 60 degrees Celsius and use regular dishwasher detergent. “This way, grease deposits in the water-carrying parts of the machine are dissolved,” explains Glassl.
For heavily soiled dishwashers, the expert recommends special dishwasher cleaners, which can be used in either a loaded or unloaded machine, depending on the type.
Why the Dishwasher Should Be Cleaned Regularly
Although it delivers clean dishes daily, the dishwasher itself is one of the most neglected household appliances. Food residues, grease, limescale, and detergent residues accumulate over time in the filter, spray arms, and seals. This can not only lead to unpleasant odors but also impair washing performance or damage the machine in the long run. A regular deep clean–ideally once a month–is therefore essential.