What can I use to clean out my dishwasher?

[Balthamos]

I guess the title says it all...

I only use Ecover and vinegar/bicarb for cleaning around the house these days but I don't know what to use to give the dishwasher a good clean through.

I used to use Finish type 'dishwasher cleaners' but I'd rather avoid that and would like a chemical free and enviromentally friendly solution.

Thanks!

Don't avoid the specialist chemical cleaner if you want your dishwasher to live a long time! Which is also the most ecological option...

Bicarb and white vinegar is what I use. 1 Cup of bc and 1/2 of wv.

It works a treat. Then a good wipe around with hot water and a very small smidge of cleaning something or other.

Sorry, bc & wv on a hot wash in empty d/w.

But I second what BonsoirAnna says.

Once every 6 weeks is not gonna hurt.

Is there such a thing as an enviromentally friendly dishwasher??

However, ignoring that, totally agree with BonsoirAnna. You can steam clean and bicarb away but only a decent bottle of dishwasher cleaner on an empty hot wash will really keep the internal system clean and working longer. Also, if in a hard water area, make sure your regular dishwashing tablets contain a water softener and keep your salt level topped up. (I learned the hard way - same with washing machine)

For inbetween cleaning, I recommend a steam cleaner for chemical free, dishwasher friendly cleaning. Using only water, great way to kill bugs safely and in an environmentally friendly way. Also saves a lot of cash on cleaning stuff (incl. bicarb and vinegar which can still end up being pricey if you clean a lot). Nice that it will also clean most of your kitchen, all your windows, mirrors, tiles, bathroom, taps etc too so saving on not needing multiple specialist cleaning stuff. Will even clean up the grubbiest of ovens (I know - mine used to be a pit)

Thanks all.

I am secretly pleased to know that it is ok to use my high chemical Finish cleaner - but I will try to do it less frequently than in the past and in the in-between times I will try the bicarb and vinegar idea.