Dishwasher: the cycle of care that removes limestone and smells before the wet months

When the dishwasher begins to emit a strange smell or the dishes no longer come bright as in the past, the cause could be an accumulation of limestone or residue. A cycle of 70 ° C for 30 minutes is enough, with 1 glass of vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda, to eliminate unpleasant odors and incrustations before the most humid months.

Many think that a dishwasher is cleaning itself. In reality, each cycle leaves the micro-residuous of fat, soap and limestone which, over time, are transformed into an invisible but harmful layer. Autumn humidity, then, only makes things worse, promoting mold and bad smells. It is precisely in the rainiest months that it is necessary to prevent. Tested on built -in models exposed to the north, this treatment reported internal filters and walls like newwith a brilliant effect on the dishes from the first wash. The truth is that no appliance lasts for a long time without care. If neglected, the dishwasher loses efficiency, consumes more and can even damage. But small gestures are enough, repeated over time, to always keep it at the top. After all, who has never opened the door and heard that stale smell?

Cure the dishwasher does not only mean cleaning it, but also optimize its performance and prolong its useful life. How do you do it? It all starts from a simple vacuum cycle, with ingredients that everyone has at home. And you don’t need to be experts: just a little constancy, and the result can be seen (and feel).

The most effective dishwasher care cycle before autumn

With the arrival of the most humid months, the dishwasher needs deep cleaning. But what method does it really work, without damaging the internal parts? It starts from a simple assumption: limestone and organic residues are the worst enemies. They accumulate in the most hidden areas, making each wash less efficient. To deal with them, the ideal cycle of care provides for the use of two natural ingredients: white vinegar and sodium bicarbonate. The procedure? Fill a heat -resistant bowl with a glass of vinegar and place it on the upper shelf. Then, spread two tablespoons of baking soda directly on the bottom of the tank. At this point, start a cycle at 70 ° C (or the hottest one available) without load. During washing, Vinegar melts the limestone And disinfect the surfaces, while the bicarbonate neutralizes bad smells and acts as a light abrasive. A powerful, but delicate combination: no risks for gaskets or filters.

Already from the first next wash, you notice the difference: more shiny dishes, no unpleasant smell and quieter machine. In practice, it’s like giving a spa to your appliance. Once a month, this treatment can make a difference. Better still if combined with a manual cleaning of filters and rubber edges, where the dirt tends to nest.

Tricks, habits and natural ingredients to use

Keeping the dishwasher clean is a question of routine. Still, it takes very little to transform distracted use into a good habit. First of all, never underestimate the power of natural remedies: economic, effective and within everyone’s reach.

A good practice is Remove coarse residues from the dishes before the load. There is no need to rinse them, but preventing pieces of food from finishing in the filter is fundamental. And then there is a little known trick: add half a lemon squeezed once a week. In addition to perfume, it helps to dissolve fats.

There are also those who leave a small bag of baking soda in the basket, between a wash and the other, to keep the bad smells at bay. It is not magic, but natural chemistry.

Here are some good practices to adopt:

• Clean the filter every 2 weeks
• Pass a damp cloth around the door and the garnish
• Leave the door ajar after each wash
• Make an empty cycle every 30 days
• Avoid too aggressive or fragrant detergents
• Check the sprinkling arm regularly

These actions, albeit simple, prevent the accumulation of dirt and guarantee a car always ready. After all, like any mechanism, the dishwasher also needs attention.

Necessary for complete cleaning of the dishwasher

Specific or expensive products are not needed. Indeed, the best allies are often already present in the kitchen. The important thing is to use them in the right way and constantly.

Here’s what should never be missing:

• White vinegar (at least 1 liter)
• Baking soda
• Fresh lemon
• A heat -resistant bowl
• Soft sponge and microfiber cloth
• Toothbrush (for the most difficult points)
• Latex gloves (for those with sensitive skin)

With these tools, you can face every corner of the dishwasher. Even the most stubborn.

Quick steps for the monthly cure cycle

An easy sequence to remember, ideal for those who have little time but do not want to give up an optimal result.

• Remove any food residues from the filter
• Clean by hand gaskets and door with vinegar
• Fill a bowl with white vinegar and place it in the upper basket
• Shake bicarbonate in the bottom of the dishwasher
• Start a high temperature cycle (70 ° C or similar)
• Leave the door open at the end of the cycle to dry well

Repeat every 3-4 weeks to maintain constant performance.

Errors to avoid absolutely

Not everything that seems harmless is really. Some common behaviors may compromise the effectiveness of the dishwasher and even damage it over time.

Avoid these errors:

• Use bleach: it can damage the steel parts and the gaskets
• Exceeding with detergent: leave residues and worsen the rinse
• Uploaded dishes too dirty without removing big residues
• Wash unsuitable objects (such as wood or raw aluminum)
• Ignore the signals of drop in efficiency
• Use short programs for very anointed dishes

After all, a small mistake repeated over time can become a serious problem.

Where and when to make maintenance to the dishwasher

The right time for maintenance? Late summer or early autumn, just when humidity begins to rise. The molds, in these conditions, find fertile ground.

Better to intervene in advance, taking advantage of the still dry days. The ideal is to choose a day with good ventilation, so as to let the interior dry well after cleaning.

The critical points to be controlled are:

• Filter and cockpit (under the lower basket)
• Sprayer arms (obstructed holes)
• Perimeter gaskets
• Door corners

Many neglect these details, but it is precisely there that the dirt accumulates more.

Once every two months, a deep cleaning can avoid faults and prolong the life of the dishwasher of years. There are no technicians, just a little method.

The habit that makes the difference

Taking care of the dishwasher is like taking care of a vegetable garden: a small gesture today avoids big problems tomorrow. And if done constantly, it becomes a natural routine.

Many underestimate the impact that has a well -kept machine: less waste, less bills, less stress. It is not enough: a cycle a month, a clean filter, a door left open.

You don’t need to be cleaning fanatics. Just observe, listen and not ignore the signals. Because a well -kept dishwasher not only lasts, but works better.

And after all, isn’t this looking for?

Photo © Stock.adobe and Ai