Have you ever opened the dishwasher and smelled an unpleasant odor, even though the dishes seem clean? Or do you notice opaque or stained glasses or a halo on the bottom of the machine? You’re not alone. Over time, food residues, limescale and detergent accumulate in the internal parts, making the dishwasher less efficient and, even worse, a receptacle for bacteria and mold.
The truth is that the dishwasher doesn’t clean itself — and if you don’t keep it in good condition, it will end up washing poorly, smelling and even ruining your dishes and glasses.
Precisely for this reason, correct maintenance and constant hygiene are essential: not only to have truly clean dishes, but also to avoid hygiene problems and persistent bad smells.
The critical point: the detergent basket
One of the most overlooked points is the detergent basket.
Here residues of undissolved product or limescale encrustations easily accumulate which, over time, become real concretions that are difficult to remove. The result? Detergent that doesn’t dissolve completely, less effective washes and a bad smell that never goes away.
How to clean the dishwasher basket step by step
- Safety first: always unplug.
It’s trivial but fundamental: never put your hands inside a household appliance connected to the electricity. - Check if the basket is removable.
If you can remove it, cleaning will be much more thorough. If it cannot be removed, you will have to work directly on the internal compartment. - Prepare a natural descaling solution.
In a bowl, pour very hot water and add a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda. It is an excellent descaler, non-aggressive and safe for plastic. - Leave to act for 10-15 minutes.
Then, with a soft sponge or an old toothbrush, remove the accumulated dirt. Absolutely avoid abrasive sponges: they scratch the surface and make it more likely to retain residues. - Rinse well and dry.
Make sure there is no baking soda residue or standing water left.
Avoid using vinegar: although it is often recommended online, in the long term it can ruin the seals and is not eco-friendly (it increases the acidity of the water).
Complete cleaning of the dishwasher: the trick of empty washing
For deep cleaning, once every 2-3 weeks perform a vacuum wash:
Lemon disinfects, eliminates odors and leaves a fresh and natural scent.
If you want an extra effect, add a spoonful of bicarbonate of soda to the bottom: it helps to neutralize the fat and keep the internal walls shiny.
Other tips for a perfect dishwasher
In short: a clean dishwasher not only lasts longer, but consumes less and gives you truly shiny dishes. A few minutes a week are enough to say goodbye to encrustations, stink and cloudy glasses.
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