Opening the dishwasher to collect clean and fragrant dishes should be a simple and pleasant daily gesture. But when, instead of the perfume of clean, you invest a wave of Stake smell, fish or fermented foodit is clear that something is wrong. And no, even if it is full of intelligent functions, The dishwasher does not clean itself.
Behind those bad smells often hide Food residues blocked in the filtersdirty accumulated in the sprayer arms, humidity that stagnates and too low washing temperatures. All factors that favor fermentation and bacterial proliferation. But the good news is that no chemical or expensive products are needed to put everything back in order. Some natural remedies are enough, a little constancy and some good habit.
Citric acid and bicarbonate: the natural combination that cleans and smells
The first thing to do is carefully clean the filterat least once a week. It is there that the most stubborn residues accumulate. Then you can move on to the action with a very powerful ecological ally: citric acid. It seems too simple, but its properties are confirmed by science:
Prepare a solution with 150 g of citric acid dissolved in a liter of hot water. Pour everything into the dishwasher tank and start An empty cycle at high temperature (at least 65 ° C). Citric acid is perfect for dissolving fat, limestone and smells, and is completely biodegradable.
To absorb residual smells, you can add Two tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate on the bottom of the dishwasher and start a short cycle. Bicarbonate neutralizes the bad smells and refresh naturally. And if you want a delicate but persistent perfume, try a Put half a biological lemon in the cutlery basket: it really works!
Another important advice: Never close the dishwasher immediately after washing. It leaves the door slightly open for a few hours, so the humidity evaporates and the molds are not formed.
Natural perfumers and regenerating salt: yes, but only if used in the correct way
If you prefer the ready -to -use solutions, there are on the market Specific scents for dishwasheralso made with natural ingredients. They are practical, they hook to the basket and help to maintain a pleasant smell between one wash and another. But be careful of their composition: Always choose products without synthetic fragrances and without substances harmful to the environment.
And as regards the regenerating saltoften used against limestone, remember of Never pour it directly into the tub! It must be inserted only in the appropriate compartment and used exclusively when the light lights up. Incorrect use can damage the internal components and increase the presence of residues.
Good daily habits to say goodbye forever to bad smells
A clean and fragrant dishwasher also depends on small daily gestures. Never overload the appliance: If pots and dishes overlap, the water does not circulate well and the dirt remains. Likewise, avoid starting the dishwasher half full: It is a waste and washing is often less effective.
You don’t need to rinse the dishes, but it is essential Remove the larger residues with a spatula or napkinso they won’t end up in the filter. At least twice a week, Pass a damp cloth with a little baking soda on the rubber edges, the rotating arms and the filter grid. It is a small gesture that makes a big difference.
What if, despite all these attentions, do you still smell? Consult the manual: Some models have an autopulice programoften more effective (and sustainable) of a cycle at 70 ° C.
