How to clean the dishwasher

Bacteria and fungi. Hard to believe, but it's true: dishwasher It is a very high risk source for the proliferation of these dangers which come directly from the water of the tap connected to the appliance or even from contaminated food residues that ended up inside the baskets. In particular, a study published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbilogy underlines how the dishwasher is one of the household appliances with the highest diffusion potential precisely in bacteria and fungiBut how can this danger be avoided? How can a dishwasher be kept hygienically clean? And how can it be cleaned with... natural remedies without resorting to the usual chemicals?

Natural remedies for cleaning the dishwasher

Here 10 tips that can make a difference to the safety and hygiene of your home life.

• An empty wash cycle. This is the first step to take: it helps eliminate all grease residues and neutralize bad odors. It also helps remove the limestone from the mechanical parts, from the rotating arms and above all from the filter.
• Filter to be disassembled and cleaned. The dishwasher filter, however, needs to be removed and cleaned. How? Simply soak it in water with baking soda and lemon for a good half hour.
• Filter emptied. Once the filter has been thoroughly rinsed, check for any remaining residue, and if necessary, use a small brush for a final clean. Even a worn-out toothbrush will do.
• Vinegar for limescale. If your dishwasher has limescale problems, take a cloth soaked in pure white vinegar, place it on the affected area and let it act for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.
• Don't forget the dishes inside.  It's possible to keep your dishwasher clean and smelling fresh without resorting to chemical detergents. Just be careful not to load dishes with food residue still stuck to the surfaces.
• Scent it naturallyBaking soda is ideal for eliminating bad odors naturally. Thanks to its properties, simply placing a small amount in a container is enough to absorb odors. The only precaution is to replace the baking soda every three months.
• Half a lemon with every washTo avoid wasting them, you can also reuse the ones you've already used. Just place them in the cutlery basket or on a shelf.citric acid, released by lemon, has a very powerful degreasing effect that makes dishes shine, perfumes dishes and has an antibacterial action.
• Clean it even if we use it rarelyIf you won't be using the dishwasher for a long time, remember to clean the walls and lid with a cloth soaked in vinegar and warm water, and leave the lid ajar to avoid unpleasant odors inside.
• Degrease with red wine vinegarThis is what allows you to remove grease from the internal surfaces of the dishwasher as well as from the drain and pipes. Use a sponge soaked in red wine vinegar and clean all the gaskets where residues normally collect.
• Using a DIY detergentAnother way to clean the dishwasher naturally is to use some natural detergentsYou can make them yourself, using just a few tools and simple ingredients. This way, you'll be respectful of the environment and save money.

Read also:

• DIY dishwasher detergent
• How to save money with the dishwasher
• Homemade dishwasher tablets

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