Tips&TricksDishwasher hygiene: demystifying mouldy scent and maintaining cleanliness

Dishwasher hygiene: demystifying mouldy scent and maintaining cleanliness

The smell from the dishwasher is a common problem.
The smell from the dishwasher is a common problem.
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10 February 2024 14:53

The dishwasher is among the highlighted inventions that have completely revolutionized our lives. Until recently, it was a luxury few could afford until affordability improved significantly a few years ago, as prices dropped to below £200. Owners of dishwashers concur on the fact that they cannot imagine life without it.

The time, money, and water-saving attributes of a dishwasher render it an invaluable home appliance. All you need to do to enjoy clean, shining dishes is to load the dirty dishes into it, add a detergent tablet, select a program, and wait about an hour. Nevertheless, oftentimes, a unpleasant odour begins to pervade the appliance. What is the solution to dishwasher smell? We’ll fill you in.

What sparks the foul smell in a dishwasher?

The concoction of water, leftovers, and inadequate ventilation births an ideal breeding ground for mold. Consequently, it’s unsurprising that a dishwasher can become a haven for bacteria, even with prior rinsing of dishes. The unpleasant odor occurs when even minimal food remnants enter the filter.

Regular cleaning is vital for a dishwasher. You can opt for commercial products or capitalize on available home ingredients. Vinegar is an excellent choice for this task. Coupled with baking soda, vinegar eliminates dirt, mold, and lingering odor.

Empty the appliance, sprinkle approximately 100 grams of baking soda at the bottom, then pour in about 250 milliliters of vinegar. Close the device and start the highest temperature cycle. Upon cycle completion, your dishwasher will be gleaming clean. Doing this cleaning routine at least once a month will extend your appliance's lifespan.

Use this to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh

A nasty odour from the dishwasher can be very off-putting. Ideally, no unpleasant smell should persist after deep cleaning. However, there is a tried-and-true method that will ensure your dishwasher maintains a pleasant scent always. This magic ingredient is a lemon peel. Simply position it on the upper rack and start the dishwasher. The essential oils in the peel, responsible for the distinctive citrus scent, will permeate your dishwasher. With this easy trick, you can eliminate bad odour from your dishwasher.

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