Are you fed up with the unpleasant smell that greets you every time you open your dishwasher? You’re not alone! Many people struggle with this common issue, but luckily, there’s a simple solution.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of eliminating the odors that have been plaguing your kitchen.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to keep your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to banish those bad odors for good!
Empty the dishwasher
Start by making sure that there are no dishes or utensils in your dishwasher. This step is crucial because it allows you to identify and remove any food particles that may be causing the unpleasant odors.
Always start with an empty dishwasher to ensure you’re not just masking the smell with other scents.
Clean the filter
Next, clean the filter. Most dishwashers have a removable filter located at the bottom. Remove this and clean it thoroughly with warm water and soap.
This is a key step as many bad odors originate from food getting stuck in the filter.
Run a vinegar rinse
Fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with a cup of white vinegar and place it on the upper rack. Then, run the dishwasher through a hot-water cycle.
The vinegar will help to wash away the loose, greasy grime, sanitize the machine and help remove the musty odor. Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner and deodorizer.
Sprinkle baking soda
After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle a cup of baking soda around the bottom of the dishwasher and run it through a short cycle using the hottest water.
Baking soda is a great odor absorber and will help to remove any remaining musty smells.
Use a commercial dishwasher cleaner
If the smell still persists after the vinegar and baking soda, consider using a commercial dishwasher cleaner. Follow the instructions on the packaging to ensure you use it correctly.
Keep the door slightly open
After each wash, keep the dishwasher door slightly open to let it air out. This allows fresh air to circulate and helps prevent the build-up of odors.
Regularly clean your dishwasher and the filter
To prevent future odors, clean your dishwasher once a month using the vinegar and baking soda method. Also, check and clean the filter regularly to avoid the accumulation of food particles which can cause bad odors.
Regular cleaning is the key to keeping your dishwasher smelling fresh.
Scrape off food from dishes before loading them
This reduces the chance of food getting stuck in the dishwasher and creating bad smells. Always scrape off leftover food from your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
Remember, always refer to your dishwasher’s user manual or manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to avoid any damage. By following these steps, you should be able to banish bad odors from your dishwasher.
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