• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
onecreativemommy.com
  • DIY/Crafts
    • DIY for the Home
    • DIY for the Garden
    • Crafts for Kids
    • Sewing Projects
    • Felt Food Tutorials
  • Parties/Gifts
    • All Party Ideas
      • Frozen Party
      • Harry Potter Party
      • Spy Party
      • Un-Slumber Party
      • Minion Party Ideas
      • Art Party
      • Princess Party
    • All Gift Ideas
  • Holidays
    • Valentine's Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas and Winter
    • Thanksgiving and Fall
    • Fourth of July
    • New Year
    • Easter and Spring
    • St. Patrick's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Recipes
    • Gluten Free
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Organization Tips
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Parenting Tips
    • Back to School
    • Cooking Tips
    • Gardening Tips
  • Printables
    • Bingo Games
    • Lunchbox Printables
    • Educational Games
    • LDS Printables and Lesson Ideas
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • DIY & Crafts
  • Parties & Gifts
  • Holidays
  • Recipes
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Printables
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Blog

    How to Clean Your Dishwasher with Tang

    Published: Dec 27, 2021 by Heidi. This post may contain affiliate links 51 Comments

    I'm so excited to share this tip with you!  If your dishwasher has lost it's cleaning power, and you think it's time for a new one, be sure to try this first!  I'm going to teach you how to clean your dishwasher with Tang!  (Yep.  I said Tang.  It's not just for astronauts!)  The citrus tastes yummy, and has great cleaning power.  So much cleaning power that my hubby is actually disappointed that the tip actually worked!

    Clean Your Dishwasher with Tang!  Before you call an expensive repairman, try this simple method to get your dishwasher working like new again! {OneCreativeMommy.com}

    Our dishwasher is loud.  Obnoxiously loud.  Impossible to hear the TV loud.  My hubby was really hoping that the dishwasher was on its last leg and we would get to replace it with a new one.  Sorry honey!  We'll have to deal with the noise a bit longer.

    RELATED: How to Clean Up an Oil Spill in the Kitchen, 15 Best Cleaning Tips for the Kitchen

    A dishwasher should last more than four years, right?  Months ago, my dishwasher started leaving gunk on the dishes.  The plates and bowls stopped coming clean, and the cups and glasses had a gritty mess on the bottom.  Ugh.  Time for a new dishwasher . . . or was it?  I started to wonder if it just needed to be cleaned somehow, but I was not looking forward to taking it apart or calling an expensive repairman.

    When I mentioned it to my mom, she remembered a tip she heard from Joe Gagnon (also known as "The Appliance Doctor") on talk radio in the Detroit area.  Before attempting to take my dishwasher apart, I decided to give it a try.  (And I'm glad I did!)

    How to Clean Your Dishwasher with Tang

    1. Empty the dishwasher.
    2. Run the water in the kitchen faucet until it is hot.  (He suggests you do that before running your dishwasher every time.)
    3. Turn the tap off and start the empty dishwasher.
    4. After two or three minutes, stop the dishwasher and add a container of Tang.
    5. Let it run the whole cycle.

    That's it!

    RELATED:  How to Teach Children to Clean Their Rooms

    I tried it, and it worked!  No more gunk on the dishes, and best of all--no more film of grit on the bottom of the glasses.

    Clean Your Dishwasher with Tang!  Before you call an expensive repairman, try this simple method to get your dishwasher working like new again! {OneCreativeMommy.com}

    I bought my 20 oz container of Tang for $2 at Wal-Mart.  That sure beat the cost of a repairman or a new dishwasher!

    Joe's method is for removing hard water build up in the dishwasher.  If you want to keep your dishwasher clean and avoid the build up, try putting Tang in the detergent bin once a month or so to keep the hard water deposits down.

    I didn't have access to all of Joe's instructions when I tried this.  All I did was fill the detergent container with Tang and dump the rest into the bottom of the dishwasher.  Then I turned the dishwasher on.  That was enough to get my dishwasher working again.  Next time, I'll try it Joe's way.  I bet it will work even better!

    Want more tips?  (Images are linked.)

    Finding Hidden Storage in Your Home {OneCreativeMommy.com} #storage There are 100 cans hidden in this picture!

    #DIY #Dress Up #Storage Ideas for #Kids

    How to Transplant Seedlings from OneCreativeMommy {Tricks to avoid shocking the plant and accidentally killing it}

    Watering Can from Milk Jug {Simple Upcycle from OneCreativeMommy.com}

    How to Teach Children to Clean Their Rooms {OneCreativeMommy.com} Tired of nagging kids to clean their rooms? Your kids might be overwhelmed and not know where to start. (Free Printable Reminder Cards)

    If you enjoy this idea, please "like," "Pin," or "+1" so that others can join the fun! Thanks!

    Heidi

    MORE IDEAS FOR YOU

    • Recipes
    • DIY & Crafts
    • Holidays
    • Parties & Gifts
    • Printables
    • Tips & Tricks

    Reader Interactions

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    About Heidi

    Hi! I’m Heidi, the sometimes scatterbrained, but always creative mind behind One Creative Mommy. I'm a retired teacher, wife, and mom of three beautiful teenage girls and one adorable fur baby. In my spare time, I love to share my ideas (mistakes and all) with anyone who will listen.

    Learn more about me →

    Comments

    1. Charindie @ Couches and Cupcakes

      July 08, 2013 at 5:01 pm

      What? I can't believe this!!! Trying this ASAP. Thanks fro sharing.

      Visiting from ODH :-)

      Reply
    2. Danielle @ Poor and Gluten Free

      July 12, 2013 at 4:39 pm

      Huh, that's really interesting! I wonder what makes it clean like that? I've heard that truck drivers use Coke as an industrial cleaner, which makes me really freaked out that people drink that stuff because what is it doing then to our innards?! Anyway, great tip and glad it worked! Thanks for sharing it on Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Heidi, I've pinned it :)

      Reply
    3. Stephanie Pass

      July 12, 2013 at 8:53 pm

      I so need to do this!! So, you dump the entire container? Not just fill the little place for dishwasher soap, right?

      Reply
      • Heidi

        May 21, 2014 at 10:15 pm

        I think I already responded to this via email last year, but just in case someone else wants the answer . . . Yes, you dump the whole container. That's how I was taught. I bet you could try half, though. It probably depends on how dirty your dishwasher is!

        Reply
    4. Jessi @ Practically Functional

      July 15, 2013 at 11:36 am

      Ugh, we have really hard water here in Chicago and it is sooooo bad for our dishwasher! Definitely need to try this. :-) In case you didn't see it earlier, I featured this on my blog today! I'm stopping by to pin, and to let you know you can grab a Featured button if you don't already have one! http://practicallyfunctional.net/2013/07/12-creative-ideas-2/

      Reply
    5. KC @ The Real Thing with the Coake Family

      July 16, 2013 at 4:02 pm

      Great tip! Thanks! I'm pretty sure it is because of the citric acid in the Tang. You can also use something called LemiShine, but it costs a lot more than the Tang, so this is a great money saving tip.
      Thanks so much for linking up.
      KC

      Reply
    6. Diana Rambles

      July 18, 2013 at 8:00 pm

      My hubby said they cleaned the decks of the navy ship with this! Fun!

      Reply
      • [email protected]

        July 20, 2013 at 3:56 pm

        With Tang? Really? I guess that proves it has real cleaning power! It sure is cheaper than getting your dishwasher repaired (especially if you buy generic). Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Diana!

        Reply
        • Gurinder P Gaba

          May 05, 2017 at 2:08 am

          yeah. I shocked too. Tang? Sounds really interesting and funny also. Surely its cheaper than other dishwasher.

          Thanks to author for this amazing informative article. I never think that Tang can be a cleaner for dishwashers.

          Reply
    7. Brenna

      August 01, 2013 at 7:43 pm

      Thank you so much Heidi for stopping by and sharing this at my first Less Laundry, More Linking party. I have this pinned so I can go back and try it.

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        August 03, 2013 at 7:49 am

        You're welcome, Brenna. Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment. I hope your party was a huge success. It was filling up quickly when I visited. Congrats!

        Reply
      • Kellie Goyette

        February 15, 2021 at 10:16 am

        I was told years ago by an appliance repair man to run the dishwasher with a can of frozen orange juice. Works great!

        Reply
    8. DIYnCrafts

      August 02, 2013 at 4:36 am

      You've been featured in our top 3 all time diy dishwasher maintenance techniques!:)

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        August 03, 2013 at 7:51 am

        Wow! Thanks! I'm on my way over to check it out.

        Reply
    9. Doreen

      August 12, 2013 at 5:27 am

      My husband never believes anything like this will work. Just to make sure... You poured the tang in the bottom of the dishwasher? I want to try this ASAP. Thanks for the help, Doreen

      Reply
      • [email protected]

        August 12, 2013 at 12:36 pm

        Hi, Doreen. Yep. First I poured some Tang into the detergent dispenser, then I poured the rest into the bottom of the dishwasher. Good luck!

        Reply
    10. Charity Johnson

      December 28, 2013 at 12:39 am

      It's the citric acid, Lemon flavored koolaid works as well. and as someone mentioned above, they definitely cost less than lemishine. I do it ab0ut once a month with a packet of koolaid

      Reply
      • [email protected]

        December 28, 2013 at 10:49 pm

        Thanks, Charity! A packet of Koolaid sounds like the cheapest option so far!

        Reply
    11. furniture mart

      February 22, 2014 at 12:36 am

      What's up, for all time i used to check website posts here in the early hours in the dawn, as i
      like to learn more and more.

      Reply
    12. Gardening Soil

      February 25, 2014 at 6:16 am

      You are so awesome! I do not think I have read through something
      like this before. So great to find someone with a few unique thoughts on this subject matter.
      Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is
      one thing that's needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!

      Reply
    13. furnitures

      February 27, 2014 at 9:38 pm

      This article will assist the internet viewers for building
      up new blog or even a blog from start to end.

      Reply
    14. Oliva Jones

      April 01, 2014 at 7:37 am

      I had dark brown stains covering my dishwasher and this worked perfectly! Thank you!!

      Reply
    15. Rosemarie

      April 16, 2014 at 11:47 am

      Fantastic website. A lot of useful info here. I am sending it to several buddies ans
      also sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you on
      your effort!

      Reply
    16. Liz Carroll

      May 19, 2014 at 7:34 am

      Hey Heidi,

      This is the craziest thing I have ever heard, but if it works, it works! I think it's awesome that something so simple can have such a big effect! I cited you for the tip in my latest blog post in How to Clean Your Dishwasher. You can check it out here:

      http://www.goedekers.com/blog/clean-dishwasher/

      Reply
      • Heidi

        May 21, 2014 at 10:16 pm

        Thanks, Liz. I'll go check it out!

        Reply
    17. pokeit

      July 20, 2014 at 8:32 pm

      Go to the dollar store and buy a bottle of lemon juice which has a lot of citrus acid and cheaper.

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        July 21, 2014 at 7:25 pm

        I'll have to try that. Thanks for the idea.

        Reply
    18. ang

      September 11, 2014 at 7:21 am

      What a great idea! I wonder if it would work for a front loading washing machine too instead of the super expensive Afresh tablets?
      ang

      Reply
      • Heidi Fowler

        September 15, 2014 at 11:51 am

        I think it might, Ang, but I've never tried it. It's the citrus that does it. If you try it, I would use lemonade instead, and be sure that the washing machine is empty. I'd sure hate to turn your laundry orange!

        Reply
    19. Rani

      November 30, 2014 at 12:32 am

      Absolutely great idea to use Tang, it's a cost effective product.

      Recently me and my hubby started documenting our DIY projects and found the way to your site. We are collecting the such post that provides cost effective technique to clean dishwasher to write a round up post and definitely yours will be one of them.

      Thanks for sharing!

      - Rani & Sachin

      Reply
    20. Marilyn

      July 08, 2015 at 10:52 am

      Wow, this looks like such a great idea! Now, I just need to get a dishwasher! ;)

      Reply
      • Heidi

        July 09, 2015 at 8:35 pm

        I think I just want someone to wash my dishes! Is that the same as a dishwasher?

        Reply
    21. Camila

      July 09, 2015 at 8:53 am

      WOW I never thought of this! I wonder what does Tang in my stomach! But what you say it's true... better pay $2 than repairing or getting a new one!
      XOXO

      Reply
      • Heidi

        July 09, 2015 at 8:36 pm

        You should definitely try it. It really does work, Camille. (Kind of makes you want to stop drinking it, doesn't it?

        Reply
    22. Cleaners Haringey Ltd.

      September 07, 2015 at 5:47 am

      Great tip! I have never known that I could use Tang for cleaning. I am going to show this to my sister. She adores this juice! I am so glad that I have found your article! Best regards!

      Reply
    23. brezina32

      October 31, 2015 at 8:35 am

      nice
      I never thought of this! I wonder what does Tang in my stomach! But what you say it’s true

      my website algeria : http://wikdz.com/

      Reply
    24. Emmisby

      February 20, 2016 at 2:04 pm

      I listened to Joe Gagnon's radio show when we lived in Michigan years ago. He was always touting the benefits of this cleaning miracle, and we have used it ourselves with great success. Here's a link to his blogspot, with the story of how the Tang trick originated: http://askjoegagnon.blogspot.com/2012/01/consumer-question-tang-formula-for.html

      Reply
    25. TudoDesentupido

      March 14, 2016 at 8:36 pm

      Really, very interesting, and it's something new for me, never known that is possible to clean anything with tang, but even reading this article i can't use tang to clean, it's so delicious to waste :)

      Reply
    26. roberta H

      January 06, 2020 at 11:16 am

      would this work on hard water toilet bowl de[osits?

      Reply
      • Heidi

        January 06, 2020 at 12:04 pm

        I don't know, Roberta. I would suggest researching a little bit more. I would not think that the Tang would hurt the toilet bowl, so it might be worth a try, but I can't be sure. I would think there are things that would work better on the porcelain toilet.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! I’m Heidi, the sometimes scatterbrained, but always creative mind behind One Creative Mommy. I'm a retired teacher, wife, and mom of three beautiful teenage girls and one adorable fur baby. In my spare time, I love to share my ideas (mistakes and all) with anyone who will listen.

    More about me →

    Subscribe

    Popular

    • Olaf Sock Snowman Tutorial
    • Frozen Olaf Valentines {Free Printable}
    • Make your own storage lockers! {Perfect for kids}
    • 27 Creative Classroom Door Decorations for Valentine's Day

    Save Money

    Footer

    Privacy Policy

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Printables Terms of Use

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 OneCreativeMommy

    »
    «