Should I run vinegar through my dishwasher to clean it?

Should you run vinegar through your dishwasher to clean it is yes, running vinegar is effective and recommended monthly by many manufacturers including KitchenAid and GE for removing hard water deposits and grease, but with precautions to avoid damaging rubber gaskets and stainless steel if overused. Vinegar is natural acid that dissolves mineral scale from hard water that clogs spray arm holes and inlet valve at 15 to 40 dollars, and removes grease and odor that cause poor cleaning. Safe method: first, clean filter under lower rack monthly by removing lower rack, twisting filter, and rinsing under hot water to remove food. Second, place 2 cups of white distilled vinegar in dishwasher-safe cup or bowl upright on bottom rack, not pouring directly onto door gasket or tub floor, as direct prolonged contact with acid can degrade rubber gasket over time. Third, run normal cycle with hot water, no detergent, no dishes, vinegar will wash through spray arms and pump. Use vinegar once per month, not every wash, as excessive acid can damage rubber and stainless over years. For heavy odor and grease, alternate with affresh dishwasher cleaner tablet that is manufacturer recommended and less acidic. Do not use vinegar and bleach together as they create toxic fumes. Do not use vinegar if dishwasher has standing water that does not drain, fix drain pump first. Always add rinse aid to prevent future mineral buildup. Vinegar is cheap at 3 dollars and effective for maintenance.