Is a dishwasher just for the lazy? Not necessarily! Even if the device does us a favor by keeping our dishes clean, it needs to be cleaned regularly to remain efficient. The dishwasher is a practical, but also capricious device. It calcifies quickly, especially if the water is too hard and contains lime. Food particles and grease buildup that build up in the pipes can also result in a smelly dishwasher. But how can you use your dishwasher naturally and effectivelyclean and disinfect? We'll show you how you can extend the life of your device using a few home remedies.
How often do you have to clean the dishwasher?
Just like the refrigerator, the extractor hood and the washing machine, the dishwasher also needs to be cleaned thoroughly every month. The door seals, the filter, the detergent compartments and the rollers of the baskets quickly become dirty with regular use. So remember to clean them regularly with a brush and detergent. Your machine will thank you!
How to clean the dishwasher thoroughly?
If your dishwasher is too dirtyand calcifiedyou should carry out a thorough cleaning. This requires 6 steps:
- Unplug the machine and remove all removable parts, including the filter.
- Wipe the rinse arms with a sponge soaked in soapy water. If the holes are clogged, insert flexible wire into each hole to remove the debris.
- Do the same if you have theClean the dishwasher filter, but with a brush.
- Also take out the seals and clean them with a brush and white vinegar.
- Turn the machine back on and drain it by adding a few tablespoons of citric acid and two cups of vinegar.
- Finally, wipe off the residue.
Your household appliances need to be cleaned regularly so that they remain efficient and last longer. This is especially true in the dishwasher, where dirt accumulates after every wash cycle (even if you can't always see it). Regular cleaning not only extends the life of the machine but also increases its performance. In other words: A machine that is clogged with dirt and grease cannot work cleanly. Here's how to clean and disinfect your dishwasher with three simple home remedies to keep it running smoothly for years to come!
Clean the dishwasher with white vinegar
Household vinegar can really work wonders when cleaning your home. Once a month or two months, add 250 ml of white vinegar to a bowl and place it on the top drawer of your dishwasher. Set the dishwasher temperature to the highest setting and run a fast idle. Thanks to its natural cleaning and disinfecting properties, white vinegar will dissolve grease and eliminate bad odors. Deodorizing, disinfecting and anti-limescale – this natural product does everything right in the household.
Clean the smelly dishwasher with baking soda
After cleaning with white vinegar, sprinkle the bottom of your dishwasher with two good handfuls of baking soda. Then set the machine back to the highest temperature and do a short idle. The refreshing and cleaning effects of baking soda make it a valuable ally when thoroughly cleaning the dishwasher. It becomes the deviceremove musty smellsand remove dirt residue at the same time.
Use washing soda to degrease
To degrease your machine, pure soda is the perfect solution. The grease buildup in your dishwasher clogs the pipes and is often the cause of bad smells in your home. However, after cleaning with washing soda, these smells will be a thing of the past. Simply add three tablespoons of pure soda before running your dishwasher.
You can also find these tips at theCleaning the washing machineapply!
Care tips for a high-performance dishwasher
In order for your dishwasher to function well for years, it not only needs to be cleaned, but it also needs to be used properly. Here are a few tips for using your dishwasher every day to extend its lifespan and ensure optimal results.
- Before you start your dishwasher, first run the water from the faucet in your sink until it is hot. This means the water will be warm right at the start of the rinse cycle, making cleaning easier.
- Then check the temperature of the selected program. The water should be warm enough for clean dishes, around 50 degrees.
- To save energy, wait until your dishwasher is full before starting it. However, avoid packing the dishes too tightly. There must be enough space between the bowls and plates so that they can be easily cleaned by the dishwasher nozzles.
- Do not rinse (completely) dirty dishes as the dishwasher tabs require a small amount of grease and dirt to do their job.
