Dishwasher Cleaning Hacks: How to Get Spotless Dishes

I've got some simple yet effective dishwasher cleaning hacks that can solve the typical dishwasher issues. If you've ever faced the frustration of your dishes coming out of the dishwasher still wet or covered in water spots, you're not alone.


In this step-by-step tutorial, I'll show you how to make your dishes come out completely dry and spot-free. All you need are a few supplies and a little patience. Let's get started!

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If you're dishes aren't coming out spotless after a cycle, try this bestseller dishwasher rinse aid that Amazon reviewers swear by!

Tools and materials

  • Dishwasher
  • Dishtowel
  • Rinse aid (read your dishwasher's manual for specific recommendations)
  • Your dirty dishes
Adding rinse aid to the dishwater

Step 1: Add Rinse Aid to Your Dishwasher

Check your dishwasher for a designated compartment to add rinse aid. This is usually a small, labeled container inside the dishwasher door.


Open the rinse aid container and fill it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be careful not to overfill or spill it, as it can be quite concentrated.

Loading dirty dishes

Step 2: Load Your Dirty Dishes

Load your dishwasher as you normally would, making sure to scrape off excess food particles and avoid overcrowding the dishwasher, which can hinder proper drying.

Hanging a dish towel over the dishwasher drawer

Step 3: Start the Dishwasher

Start your dishwasher using the desired wash cycle and settings. Make sure it's properly connected to hot water to ensure effective cleaning and drying.

Step 4: Hang a Dish Towel Over the Dishwasher Drawer

When the dishwasher cycle is complete, carefully open the dishwasher door. Take a clean, dry dish towel and hang it over the open dishwasher drawer, ensuring it covers the dishes inside. Close the dishwasher door gently, allowing the towel to stay in place.

Waiting while the dishes dry

Step 5: Let It Sit for 5-15 Minutes

Leave the dish towel in place for a duration of 5 to 15 minutes. This allows the residual heat and moisture inside the dishwasher to be absorbed by the towel, aiding in the drying process.

Step 6: Remove the Towel

After the designated time has passed, carefully open the dishwasher door and remove the dish towel. Your dishes should now be completely dry, with no water spots in sight.

Dishwasher cleaning hacks

Step 7: Enjoy Spotless, Dry Dishes

Take out your sparkling clean, dry dishes and put them away, or use them as needed. Admire the beautiful results of this simple hack!


Dishwasher cleaning hacks

There you have it – a straightforward and effective way to ensure your dishes come out of the dishwasher completely dry and free from water spots.


Adding a rinse aid and employing the dish towel trick will make your daily kitchen routine much more convenient. Say goodbye to the hassle of hand-drying your dishes and hello to spotless, dry results every time.


Give these dishwasher cleaning hacks a try, and leave me a comment to let me know what you think. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the difference they make in your dishwashing experience!


Follow @home_reimagined on TikTok for more DIY ideas.

Frequently asked questions
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  • Ljsigler10 Ljsigler10 on Jun 04, 2024
    I don't understand this at all. To put the towel on the door you will need to open the door which means the drying cycle is stopped. So does that mean you are air drying the dishes? If do why not day that, and the fact that would save energy and money.
  • Ljsigler10 Ljsigler10 on Jun 04, 2024
    I don't understand this at all. To put the towel on the door you will need to open the door which means the drying cycle is stopped. So does that mean you are air drying the dishes? If do why not day that, and the fact that would save energy and money.
  • Cgcrittenden1 Cgcrittenden1 on Jun 04, 2024
    What about the door latch?
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  • Debora Sanderson Debora Sanderson on Jun 04, 2024
    Yes, this sounds like a winning solution. Thanks!
  • Nancynfh Nancynfh on Jun 05, 2024
    Wow. This works ! First, if you use a better dish washer pod it has a rinse aid in it so you don’t need to add any. When my dishwasher finished washing I opened it enough to hang the towel over the door. In @ 1/2 hour I went to empty the dishwasher and my dishes were dry ! This is so helpful for us as I have a very small kitchen and if I open the door and pullout the dish racks to dry, it takes up a lot of room and blocks a doorway . I shared this with my helpful family and they are on board to try this. Also the towel lets every one know that the dishes are clean. Win - Win !
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