To keep your dishes cleaner, consider adding Tang to your dishwasher.

When one thinks of Tanya, the first thing that comes to mind is its fame as the zesty orange-flavored powdered drink that once accompanied astronauts into space. However, in recent years, Tan has discovered an unexpected new role in the household as a dishwasher cleaner that leaves dishes cleaner and shinier.

The science behind Tang’s purification process lies in its acid composition. The citric acid contained in the mixture is a natural cleaner that is excellent at removing hard water deposits and dishwasher soap scum, which are common culprits in the nasty water spots and cloudy films often found on glasses and dishes. What’s more, Tang’s delicious citrus scent leaves behind a fresh scent, making it even more appealing as a cleaning product.

The main benefit of using Tang is that it is a much safer and eco-friendly option compared to commercial cleaners, which often contain harsh chemicals. Natural citric acid in Thane is biodegradable and non-toxic, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for dishwasher and cookware care. Additionally, Tang is readily available in most grocery stores and is relatively inexpensive, especially compared to specialty cleaning products.

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How to clean your dishwasher with Tang to keep your dishes sparkling clean

Using Tang as a dishwasher cleaner is very easy. Before you begin, empty your dishwasher of all dishes. You want the Tang solution to circulate freely and clean every corner without obstruction. Run a wash cycle in hot water, but set it for a few minutes first to soften dirty deposits and make cleaning easier. After about six or seven minutes, open the dishwasher and pour about 12 ounces of Tang powder into the dishwasher’s detergent cup, as well as some into the bottom of the dishwasher’s interior.

Now close the dishwasher and allow the wash cycle to complete. Hot water combined with Tang works wonders by causing the citric acid in it to dissolve mineral deposits and soap residue. Once the cycle is complete, open the dishwasher and inspect the inside of the dishwasher. You should notice a brighter, cleaner surface. If any stubborn stains remain, you may want to consider doing another cycle of Tan or spot cleaning those areas.

Using Tang to clean your dishwasher about once a month can help maintain its efficiency. This regular maintenance will ensure that your dishes are always sparkling clean and will also extend the life of your dishwasher by preventing the formation of corrosive deposits.

Read the original Tasting Table article.