Can I use vinegar to clean my KitchenAid dishwasher?

Can you use vinegar to clean your KitchenAid dishwasher is yes, but with precautions, as KitchenAid and Whirlpool Corporation recommend affresh dishwasher cleaner or white vinegar in moderation, though excessive vinegar can damage rubber gaskets over time if used too often. To clean KitchenAid dishwasher like KDPM604KPS with vinegar, follow safe method: first, clean filter under lower rack monthly by removing lower rack, twisting filter, and rinsing under hot water to remove food particles that cause odor. Second, clean spray arms by removing lower and upper spray arms and clearing holes with toothpick. Third, run vinegar cycle: place 2 cups of white distilled vinegar in dishwasher-safe cup or bowl on bottom rack upright, not pouring directly on door gasket, run normal cycle with hot water and no detergent and no dishes, vinegar dissolves mineral buildup from hard water and grease. KitchenAid manual says you can use vinegar once per month, but do not use vinegar with affresh in same cycle and do not pour vinegar directly on stainless steel tub for long soak as acid can etch. For heavy odor, use affresh tablet in detergent dispenser and run normal cycle. Avoid using bleach in stainless steel tubs as it corrodes steel. Always use rinse aid to prevent mineral buildup. Vinegar cleaning once monthly is safe and effective for odor and hard water deposits.