A dishwasher is one of the most used appliances in many households, including homes across London, Ontario. With constant use, dishwashers can develop unpleasant odours and build-up from leftover food particles. Using harsh chemicals can damage the appliance and create an unhealthy environment for your home. Fortunately, you can clean your dishwasher naturally to keep it working efficiently and smelling fresh.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through eco-friendly dishwasher cleaning techniques that are safe, effective, and easy to implement. Plus, we’ll introduce you to CleanHelp Canada, a local cleaning service that provides professional cleaning in London, Ontario, helping you keep your home in pristine condition.
Why You Should Clean Your Dishwasher Naturally
Many people think that since a dishwasher cleans dishes, it also cleans itself. However, over time, grease, soap scum, and food particles build up in the machine, causing it to smell and underperform. Cleaning your dishwasher with natural, eco-friendly products ensures that harmful chemicals aren’t left behind on your dishes, and it protects the environment.
At CleanHelp Canada, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy home. That’s why we recommend these eco-friendly dishwasher cleaning techniques for our clients in London, Ontario and beyond.
Benefits of Cleaning Your Dishwasher Naturally:
- Non-toxic: Natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda are safe for your family, pets, and the environment.
- Cost-effective: You likely already have these cleaning products at home, making it an affordable option.
- Efficient: Natural cleaning methods help remove tough grime and odours while extending the life of your dishwasher.
Now let’s get started on how to clean your dishwasher naturally and keep it smelling fresh!
Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Your Dishwasher Naturally
1. Gather Your Natural Cleaning Supplies
To clean your dishwasher naturally, all you need are a few household staples:
- White vinegar: One of the best natural cleaners, vinegar cuts through grease and kills bacteria.
- Baking soda: A natural deodorizer that neutralizes odours and helps brighten your dishwasher’s interior.
- Lemon: Known for its fresh scent and acidic properties, lemon helps break down grime and leaves your dishwasher smelling clean.
- Old toothbrush or soft brush: Ideal for scrubbing tight spaces, seals, and corners.
- Microfiber cloth: For wiping down the exterior and interior surfaces.
Using these simple, natural ingredients ensures a chemical-free and eco-friendly dishwasher cleaning process that’s both effective and safe.
2. Remove Food Debris
Before you start cleaning, take a few minutes to remove any visible food debris from the dishwasher’s filter and drain.
- Check the filter: At the bottom of your dishwasher, there’s a filter designed to catch food particles. Remove the filter, rinse it under hot water, and use a soft brush to remove any stuck-on grime.
- Wipe down the interior: Using a damp cloth, wipe the interior of the dishwasher to clear out any visible dirt or food residue.
This step is essential to ensure that your natural cleaning methods work effectively. By removing larger debris, you can avoid clogs and ensure your dishwasher runs smoothly.
3. Run a Vinegar Cycle for Deep Cleaning
The next step is to clean your dishwasher with vinegar. White vinegar is a powerful cleaner that helps break down grease, disinfects, and removes odours.
- Fill a dishwasher-safe cup with white vinegar and place it on the top rack of your empty dishwasher.
- Run a hot water cycle. The vinegar will circulate inside the dishwasher, cleaning the interior walls, spray arms, and racks.
This method is a simple yet highly effective way to deep clean your appliance. It’s also one of the best ways to ensure eco-friendly dishwasher cleaning without the need for harsh chemicals.
4. Use Baking Soda for Odour Control
After completing the vinegar cycle, the next step is to deodorize your dishwasher using baking soda.
- Sprinkle one cup of baking soda evenly across the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run a short, hot water cycle. This will allow the baking soda to absorb any remaining odours and help remove stains from the interior.
This natural process ensures that your dishwasher smells fresh and is free from any unpleasant odours, leaving you with a clean and inviting kitchen.
5. Clean the Door Seals and Exterior
One of the most overlooked parts of dishwasher cleaning is the seals around the door and the exterior surface. Over time, grime and mould can accumulate here, leading to unwanted smells and poor performance.
- Scrub the door seals with a mixture of vinegar and warm water using an old toothbrush or soft brush. Pay close attention to the folds of the seal, where grime can hide.
- Wipe down the exterior of the dishwasher with a microfiber cloth dipped in warm soapy water or a natural vinegar solution.
By taking care of these areas, you ensure that your dishwasher is not only clean inside but looks good on the outside too. These areas often harbour the most germs, so don’t skip this step!
How to Keep Your Dishwasher Smelling Fresh
Keeping your dishwasher smelling fresh can be a challenge, especially in a busy household. However, there are simple, natural solutions you can use to maintain a clean-smelling appliance between deep cleans.
1. Use Lemon for a Fresh Scent
Lemon is not only a natural cleaner but also a powerful deodorizer. After cleaning your dishwasher, try this trick:
- Cut a lemon in half and place it on the top rack of the dishwasher.
- Run a short cycle with hot water. The lemon will leave a fresh, citrusy scent that neutralizes any lingering odours.
This simple tip keeps your dishwasher smelling great while also contributing to eco-friendly dishwasher cleaning.
2. Let the Dishwasher Air Out
Dishwashers can retain moisture, especially after a heavy load. Excess moisture can lead to mould growth and unpleasant smells.
- Leave the dishwasher door slightly open after each cycle. This allows excess moisture to escape and prevents mildew.
By airing out your dishwasher regularly, you’ll reduce the risk of musty smells and keep it smelling fresh.
3. Regular Maintenance with Vinegar and Baking Soda
To ensure your dishwasher stays in top condition and keeps smelling fresh, make it a habit to run a vinegar cycle and baking soda cycle once a month. This simple maintenance routine prevents build-up and odours from forming, ensuring a clean dishwasher naturally.
Seasonal Dishwasher Maintenance in London, Ontario
In London, Ontario, seasonal changes can affect how often you use your dishwasher. During colder months, you may use your dishwasher more frequently due to holiday cooking and family gatherings. This can lead to more food debris and grease build-up.
- Winter tip: Clean your dishwasher more frequently to prevent clogs and grease build-up after heavy holiday use.
- Summer tip: Prevent musty smells by airing out your dishwasher more often, especially in humid conditions.
By following these seasonal maintenance tips, you can keep your dishwasher in great shape all year long.
Troubleshooting Common Dishwasher Odours
Even after cleaning, you may occasionally encounter strange odours from your dishwasher. Here’s how to handle them:
- Musty smells: This could indicate mould or mildew growth. Run a vinegar cycle to disinfect and remove any build-up.
- Food odour: If your dishwasher smells like rotten food, check the filter and drain for blockages, and clean them as needed.
- Chemical smells: If you’ve used commercial detergents, there may be residue left inside. Switch to eco-friendly dishwasher cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda for a chemical-free clean.
By addressing these issues naturally, you’ll avoid costly repairs and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.
Let CleanHelp Canada Handle the Dirty Work
Maintaining a clean dishwasher naturally can be easy, but we know that keeping up with all the household chores can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s where CleanHelp Canada comes in! We offer London Ontario cleaning services that cater to busy homeowners, students, and tenants. Our professional cleaning team uses safe, eco-friendly methods, ensuring your home and appliances stay clean and healthy.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can easily clean your dishwasher naturally and keep it smelling fresh. Regular maintenance using eco-friendly products like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon ensures your appliance runs smoothly and your kitchen remains clean. If you ever need professional assistance, remember that CleanHelp Canada is just a call away, ready to take care of all your London Ontario cleaning needs with environmentally safe solutions.