For many housewives, the dishwasher is the number one helper in the household alongside the washing machine. After eating, dirty dishes are quickly placed in the dish racks, a detergent in the form of tabs is placed in the designated device, and you're ready to go. Economically speaking, a dishwasher is supposed to be really worth it – the ultimate for every kitchen. But it's not always that easy.
Besides the fact that a dishwasher can sometimes go on strike, the smell should also not be underestimated. You cannot simply put dirty dishes into the dishwasher – some certain rules must and should be observed so that you can enjoy your dishwasher for a long time.
What can I do about bad smells in the dishwasher?
To ensure that you are not constantly met with rancid and unpleasant odors as soon as you open the dishwasher, you can take a few precautions. However, you don't always have to resort to expensive chemicals here; you can banish the stench with simple tips.
Leave the door ajar
If the machine is empty, you can easily leave the dishwasher door ajar. This allows plenty of air to get into the dishwasher and circulate.
Temperature management
The temperature can also cause a musty smell in the machines. If the dishes are always treated with low-temperature wash cycles, odors are encouraged. Depending on how dirty the dishes are, a higher temperature setting is therefore not a bad idea. This cleans the machine itself as well as plates and cups.
Clean the filters!
Even though the machine is constantly in contact with water and cleaners, a few machine parts must be cleaned by hand every now and then. The filters, for example, are such candidates: food residues often get stuck here. If these are not removed, they begin to rot and smell accordingly. Lukewarm water and dish soap in between will therefore drive away bad smells for a long time.
Baking soda
Simply sprinkle 1 tbsp baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher after unloading; this binds the odors.
Lemon peels
Another way to avoid unpleasant odors in the dishwasher is to place squeezed lemon peels in the cutlery basket before every wash.
Dishwasher cleaner
Every now and then, it is also advisable to use a dishwasher cleaner. This is placed in the empty dishwasher and is intended to remove dishwasher tab residues as well as deposits in drains and hoses with the help of a normal wash cycle.
Don't forget the door seals!
Too often we forget the small details, yet the formation of odors can also emerge from the tiny seals in the door mechanism of the dishwasher. The area between the door and the interior is very often populated with food residues and similar dirt. However, with a damp cloth and lukewarm water, you can easily reach even the furthest corners. If the dirt is very stubborn, vinegar water is the right remedy.
Spray arms and co.
Now that the machine has been thoroughly cleaned, you must also think about the main little helpers. The spray arms – without this device, the dishes in the machine would never, ever get clean. Clean these machine parts and ensure that limescale deposits are removed as best as possible. This way, the dishes can be cleaned perfectly and odors will be a thing of the past in the future.
Fragrance items for the dishwasher
Whether from well-known manufacturers or private labels from drugstore chains – the scent deodorants and air fresheners specifically for dishwashers are a nice idea to bring a touch of freshness into the machines. Similar to in a car, the fragrance items are usually hung in the upper rack and spray a lemon or sea scent there for up to several weeks.
Read also:Â Clean the oven with household remedies
Photo by Janine, meinhaushalt.at
