How to Prevent Smelly Dishwashers
A dishwasher effortlessly makes all the pots and pans clean and ready for use. However, accumulated grime, mould and mildew in the interior of the appliance can result in unwanted odours. You may know how to run a dishwasher, but you should equally be aware of the steps to keep it fresh. At Alberta Appliance Service, our dishwasher repair techs offer ways to keep your appliance hygienic.
Simple and Effective Steps to Prevent Odour
Regularly clean your dishwasher to avoid unnecessary build-ups leading to foul smells. Here are some easy, safe and inexpensive ways to do so:
- Scrape food off the plates
Rinse dishes or scrape off large pieces of food, which can clog the drainage system, before placing them inside.
- Regularly clean the drain filter
Drain filters have a strainer which collects debris from the dirty dishes. If this isn’t cleaned regularly, the decomposing food particles emit an odor that smells like rotten eggs. You need to remove it before washing it; scrub the interior surfaces with a bottle brush or a sponge.
- Check whether the spray arms are clogged
The spray arms can also get clogged with food. Remove the upper and lower spray arms and clean it with a cotton swab. Run water through them to make sure the spray holes are clear.
- Wipe the inside walls and the racks of the dishwasher
Filth can also accumulate in the rack and on the inside walls, which attract mould. You must remove the racks and wash them with hot water and soap. Use a rag or a sponge to wipe the walls.
- Clean the door gasket
A gasket is the black rubber mechanic seal which lines the opening of the dishwasher. A magnetic strip on the seal attaches it to the door frame to prevent water leakages. Food particles from the dishes can accumulate on the sides of the seal. So, you have to wipe them down occasionally with a paper towel or damp rag.
- Use water-softeners
If you have a hard-water supply, lime scale can accumulate on the interiors. Hard water has a high amount of mineral content, like carbonates of calcium and magnesium. Over time, the minerals clump together on the different parts, reducing the device’s efficiency. While cleaning, wipe the sediment from every nook and cranny. Use a water softener to reduce the effects of hard water[.
- Load dishes the right way
Wash complete loads of dishes in one go to preserve water and energy. But, don’t load too tightly or the water won’t reach the insides of the utensils.
- Use lemon or baking soda to remove the odor
You should use them separately and not together. Both are potent natural resources for neutralizing smells. Remove all the dishes and place a bowl of vinegar on the top rack. Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle available. The acids in the vinegar will break down the deposits and clean the interior of your appliance. You can then sprinkle a cup of baking soda and run a short cycle on the hottest temperature setting. At the end of the process, your dishwasher will be cleaner and fresher.
- Air-dry
Sometimes, leftover water from the cleaning cycles causes repulsive odor. To prevent it, open the door, empty the dish machine and air it out after washing.
- Check the drain hose
If the smell lingers even after following all the mentioned steps, you can check your drain hose for blockage. If you notice standing water at the bottom, make sure the hose isn’t bent or restricted. You can also raise the hose loop to prevent water back-up.
Dishwasher Repair from Alberta Appliance Service
Combine good cleaning methods with pro-active prevention techniques and say good-bye to odours. Our expert dishwasher repair professionals have the required experience to guide you through the complete care process. Contact us for reliable appliances repair and maintenance services. You can read our FAQ section for any queries you have.