Experts say how often you should clean your dishwasher

When it comes to efficiency, a dishwasher is the way to go. However, how many of us have noticed strange smells appearing over time, or how many of us have opened the door after a cycle and discovered that our dishes were anything but clean? While we may think that washing a lot of dishes is enough to keep our appliances spotless, the truth is that dishwashers require a little more maintenance. We spoke to professional cleaner Laura Avila, creator of the cleaning website Cleaning fanand Karina Toner, operations manager for the leading cleaning company based in Washington, DC Clean cleaning Learn how to keep one of your kitchen’s most valuable appliances looking, smelling, and functioning like new. One of their suggestions is to use a product like Affresh dishwasher cleaner – an affordable solution without any hassle.

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If you’re thinking, “I didn’t even know I was supposed to clean the inside of my dishwasher!” you’re not alone. It seems that the dishwashing detergent packet you put in would be enough when washing your dishes, right? Not quite. While dishwashing liquid may be enough to combat last night’s tomato sauce, long-term buildup inside the machine is a different story.

“Accumulation of dirt and mineral deposits can severely impact the dishwasher’s performance and energy efficiency,” says Toner. If these deposits remain, problems can arise later. “Mineral deposits, especially from hard water, can reduce the effectiveness of heating elements like the water heater and dryer,” she says. “As a result, your dishwasher may need to run longer cycles or use more water to compensate for reduced cleaning performance, resulting in higher energy consumption and even higher utility bills.”

Luckily, cleaning your dishwasher is even easier than washing it yourself – no loading and unloading required! Avila is a fan of Affresh dishwasher cleaner, which combats limescale and mineral deposits. To use, simply add a tablet to your machine’s detergent drawer, run a normal wash cycle and ta-da! You can even use it when washing dishes (just place the tablet on the bottom of your machine). “I was really impressed with their effectiveness,” Avila says. “They are easy to use and dissolve quickly in the dishwasher. I noticed that they help remove any buildup or residue in the machine, leaving it sparkling clean and smelling fresh.”

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The only useful dishwasher is a functional dishwasher. Regular cleanings help keep your machine performing at peak performance. “Dishwashers can develop clogs from food particles and other particles that build up over time,” says Toner. “Components such as the spray arms, filters and interior walls can accumulate food residue and soap scum, resulting in reduced water flow. These blockages can restrict water flow and also cause drainage problems, preventing your dishwasher from cleaning your dishes effectively.”

This may sound like something that requires professional attention, but don’t worry – dishwasher cleaners are designed to break through the layers of film on your dishwasher and keep everything working properly. “One thing I particularly like about Affresh is that it helps my dishwasher run smoother and quieter,” says Avila. “In fact, I have recommended Affresh to many of my customers and have heard nothing but good things. One customer in particular was struggling with residue on their dishes and I suggested they try Affresh. They were pleasantly surprised at how much cleaner their dishwasher was after using it and how spotless their dishes were.”

Eliminate the bad dishwasher smell

Obnoxious – and sometimes downright rancid – odors are probably one of the most common concerns for dishwasher owners. “A dirty dishwasher can give off unpleasant odors as food particles decompose,” explains Toner. “Without regular cleaning, the warm and humid environment of a dishwasher is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold and other microorganisms that create these unpleasant odors. These smells can linger in your dishwasher and even transfer to clean dishes.” Gross!

Rest easy knowing that regular cleanings will keep foul odors at bay and remove any unpleasant odors that have been causing your unit to stink.

Germs, gone

Not only is dishwasher cleanliness essential for functionality and odor control, it can also help prevent mold and bacteria. “One of the main purposes of a dishwasher is to clean the dishes and utensils we use that come into contact with food,” says Toner. “Over time, unclean dishwashers accumulate harmful contaminants, posing a potential risk to food safety. Bacteria and germs can contaminate dishes, utensils and glassware and pose a health hazard to the household. Mold can also be a problem in a dirty dishwasher because it proliferates in damp areas such as the interior of the dishwasher, especially if there are food residues there.

Dishwasher cleaning tablets not only remove visible dirt; They also target your machine’s pump and valve, pan, and internal hoses. This means cleaning it thoroughly and thoroughly every time you use it.

Consistency is key

How often should you clean your dishwasher? “I typically use Affresh once a month, but depending on your specific situation, you may need to use it more or less often,” says Avila.

Toner agrees: “Many factors can come into play – the hardness of your water and how often you use your dishwasher are just a few of the factors that influence how often you should clean it. As a general guideline, you should clean your dishwasher at least once a month, or more frequently if you notice buildup, odors, or performance issues. We also recommend deep cleaning at least every three to six months.

Don’t forget: Dishwasher best practices extend beyond cleaning, too. “In addition to routine cleaning, it is important to practice good habits when loading dishes to minimize the risk of clogs, such as: “For example, scraping excess food off dishes before loading, using a high-quality dishwashing detergent, and avoiding overloading the dishwasher,” says Toner. “Clogs in your dishwasher not only affect performance, but can also result in costly repairs or replacement if left unaddressed.”

“All in all, I think Affresh Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets are a great choice for anyone who wants to keep their dishwasher in tip-top shape,” says Avila. Hey, if they’re good enough for the pros, why not try them out for yourself?

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