Dishwashers are a popular household appliance that saves time and effort when it comes to washing dishes. However, they can sometimes develop unpleasant odors that can ruin the experience. If you're looking for ways to eliminate these odors and keep your dishwasher consistently clean, there are natural remedies you can try without spending money on store-bought cleaning products that may not be effective.
Lemon: A Natural Antibacterial Option
Lemons have natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties, thanks to the vitamin C they contain. This makes them an effective remedy for maintaining your dishwasher and preventing the onset of foul odors. To achieve this, simply place a deseeded half lemon in the dishwasher basket after each cycle. This will leave your dishwasher with a pleasant fragrance.
Craft Your Own Detergent
If you want to prevent malodorous scents from your dishwasher, you can create your own detergent using simple ingredients. To make this DIY cleanser, you will need a glass, a spoon, 300 grams of baking soda, 100 milliliters of demineralized water, Marseille soap, thyme essential oil, orange essential oil, and glycerin. Combine the baking soda, demineralized water, liquid Marseille soap, 15 drops of each essential oil, and 15 drops of glycerin in a bowl. Mix well and store the mixture in airtight jars. Just one tablespoon of this homemade detergent per wash cycle is enough to deodorize and perfume your dishwasher.
Marseille Soap and White Vinegar
To remove limescale, neutralize odors, and eliminate malodorous residue from your dishwasher, you can use a mixture of one tablespoon of Marseille soap and half a glass of white vinegar. Thoroughly scrub this solution onto the walls of your dishwasher using a brush to get rid of any build-up.
Maximize the Power of White Vinegar
To make white vinegar even more effective, you can pour it into a basin inside your dishwasher before running a complete wash cycle at a temperature higher than 60 degrees Celsius. The acidic properties of the vinegar will efficiently remove any malodorous residue, leaving your dishwasher clean and fresh.
Boost with Baking Soda
In addition to white vinegar, you can also dilute a tablespoon of baking soda in it to enhance its degreasing and refreshing effects. Baking soda is known for its ability to absorb unpleasant odors, making it a great addition to your dishwasher cleaning routine.
Add Essential Oils
If you're concerned about the lingering scent of white vinegar in your dishwasher, simply add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the bowl containing the vinegar solution. This will leave your appliance with a pleasant aroma while keeping it clean and odor-free.
Stick to Water and Dishwashing Liquid
For daily cleaning, you can prevent foul odors by using water and dishwashing liquid only. Mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with a glass of water and use a cloth soaked in this mixture to clean the interior of your dishwasher. Afterward, run an empty wash cycle to rinse any remaining residue.
Maintain with White Vinegar
To ensure a thorough cleaning of your dishwasher, it's recommended to use white vinegar at least once a month. This cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution is capable of absorbing any type of odor without harming the environment. Regular maintenance with white vinegar will help keep your dishwasher clean and odor-free.
