If your dishwasher smells bad or isn’t cleaning well, using the right cleaner makes a big difference. Finish Dishwasher Cleaner, vinegar, and baking soda all clean dishwashers—but they work in very different ways. The best option depends on how dirty your dishwasher is and what problem you’re trying to fix.
This guide compares Finish vs vinegar vs baking soda so you can choose the most effective and safest option.
How Each Dishwasher Cleaner Works
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner (Deep Clean)
Finish Dishwasher Cleaner is a commercial product designed to clean hidden dishwasher parts like spray arms, pipes, and heating elements.
Best for:
- Heavy grease buildup
- Bad odors that won’t go away
- Monthly maintenance
- Hard water areas
Pros:
- Strong grease and limescale removal
- Easy to use (no measuring)
- Safe for most dishwasher brands
Cons:
- Costs more than DIY options
- Not eco-friendly for some users
Vinegar (Natural Descaler)
White vinegar is a natural acid that breaks down mineral deposits and light grease.
Best for:
- Limescale and hard water stains
- Mild odors
- Eco-friendly cleaning
Pros:
- Cheap and widely available
- Removes mineral buildup well
- Natural and non-toxic
Cons:
- Not strong enough for heavy grease
- Frequent use may weaken rubber seals
Baking Soda (Odor Neutralizer)
Baking soda is a mild abrasive and odor absorber.
Best for:
- Freshening the dishwasher
- Light surface cleaning
- Removing mild smells
Pros:
- Very safe and gentle
- Excellent deodorizer
- Affordable
Cons:
- Does not remove grease or limescale well
- Not effective alone for deep cleaning
| Feature | Finish Cleaner | Vinegar | Baking Soda |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removes grease | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Moderate | ❌ Poor |
| Removes limescale | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Very good | ❌ Poor |
| Removes odors | ✅ Very good | ✅ Good | ✅ Excellent |
| Safe for seals | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Monthly only | ✅ Yes |
| Eco-friendly | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ease of use | ✅ Very easy | ⚠️ Some prep | ⚠️ Some prep |
Which Dishwasher Cleaner Should You Use?
Use Finish Dishwasher Cleaner if:
- Your dishwasher smells bad
- Dishes are coming out cloudy
- You want a deep monthly clean
- You live in a hard water area
Use Vinegar if:
- You want a natural cleaner
- You have light limescale buildup
- You clean your dishwasher regularly
Use Baking Soda if:
- Your dishwasher smells musty
- You want a gentle freshening clean
- You already cleaned with vinegar or Finish
Best Cleaning Method
For best results, use a combined approach:
- Monthly: Finish Dishwasher Cleaner (deep clean)
- Every 4–6 weeks: Vinegar cycle (limescale control)
- As needed: Baking soda cycle (odor removal)
⚠️ Never mix vinegar and baking soda in the same cycle.
Conclusion
Each dishwasher cleaner has a purpose. Finish Dishwasher Cleaner delivers the strongest deep clean, vinegar handles mineral buildup naturally, and baking soda keeps odors away. Using the right one at the right time keeps your dishwasher clean, fresh, and working efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- Finish = deep cleaning & grease removal
- Vinegar = natural limescale control
- Baking soda = odor removal
- Best results come from using them strategically, not interchangeably
