How to permanently eliminate odors from your dishwasher: tips from professional cleaners

We will tell you what to do to avoid this problem and what to do if you encounter it.

Professional tips for preventing dishwasher odors aren’t just a list of products you should add to the water during a deep clean. There are a few rules you need to follow to ensure that crystal-clean dishes come off the shelves, time and time again. .

“Don’t expect miracles: The most effective method for eliminating dishwasher odors is to clean it regularly, so add this item to your cleaning checklist. Clean the filter, make sure no food residue remains at the bottom, remove detergent deposits – and the stench will never bother you, says Vanessa Bossart, cleaning expert and owner of a cleaning company.

It’s paradoxical, but true: if you rinse pots or cups before putting them in the dishwasher, you will only spoil everything – the sensors will record the transparency of the water, the device will “think” that the dishes are not that dirty, and will start a simplified wash cycle.

At the same time, you should not place the plates on the shelves without shaking the remains of food from them. “Want to know how to get rid of bad odors from your dishwasher? Simply start by throwing excess waste in the trash to prevent food from entering the filter: a clogged filter is the most common cause of stench, says cleaning service manager Jade Piper.

“The main secret of cleaners to eliminate dishwasher odors, which we all use at home, is loading correctly. If there are too many dishes, the water and detergent will not reach all surfaces and dissolve all the grease. As a result, it will stay inside and become food for bacteria,” explains Vanessa.

“Professional products to eliminate odors in the dishwasher can replace regular ventilation. Fungi and mold love moisture, which means you need to get rid of them. Keep your dishwasher open when it’s not running: Air circulation will help prevent or slow the growth of microorganisms, says Eliana Coca, owner of a cleaning company.

“This is another common problem that can cause an unpleasant odor. Be sure to check the drain hose, especially if water collects at the bottom of the dishwasher after each cycle. Make sure it’s not kinked or pinched, and if the hose can come loose, make sure it’s not clogged with food, advises Eliana.

Here are the natural ways to eliminate odors in your dishwasher that cleaners recommend using.

“There are many good products on the market today for deep cleaning dishwashers. But if you’re looking for something simple, natural, and cheap, consider vinegar: it works wonders when it comes to removing dirt and mineral deposits. Place a cup of 9% white vinegar on the top shelf, then run the cycle on the highest temperature. Never pour vinegar directly into your car, it must be mixed with water, otherwise the acid could damage parts of the device,” explains Daniel Vivanco, owner of a cleaning company.

“Vinegar is great for breaking down food and detergent residue, but baking soda is a champ at neutralizing unpleasant odors. Wash your car with vinegar first, then cycle again with a glass of baking soda on the bottom,” recommends Vanessa.

“If you need to clean the appliance drain, you need to do it differently: heat a cup of vinegar in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds until hot, add two tablespoons of baking soda soda to the liquid, then pour the mixture into the drain hole at the bottom of the machine,” advises hardware store manager Amanda Poole.

Attention! Never mix vinegar and bleach; this will cause a reaction and release a dangerous gas. And in general, you should not wash your dishwasher with bleach, it may damage the metal parts.

“Lemon juice is another great remedy if dishwasher problems and bad odors have become inseparable friends. You should use it the same way as vinegar: place the cup on the top shelf and run a wash cycle with hot water. This method is good because citrus fruits leave a pleasant aroma that we associate with freshness. Lemon can be replaced with citric acid crystals – add three to four spoons to the detergent compartment, ”says Vanessa.

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