Keeping household appliances in pristine condition can often feel like a relentless chore, with many gadgets falling by the wayside in our busy lives. However, neglecting essential appliances like your dishwasher can significantly impair their cleaning efficiency and lead to persistent issues, as highlighted in recent reports.
The Natural Solution to Dishwasher Odours
If your dishwasher is emitting unpleasant smells every time you open it, even after removing food debris, there's a simple and natural remedy likely already sitting in your kitchen cupboard. Cleaning guru Chantel Mila, a popular TikTok sensation, has shared her top budget-friendly home tricks for 2026, emphasising the importance of not overlooking your dishwasher's maintenance.
How Baking Soda Works Its Magic
When battling stubborn odours that refuse to shift despite numerous cleaning cycles, reach for baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount throughout the entire dishwasher before running a cycle to effectively eliminate musty smells from the machine.
Baking soda excels at banishing unwanted whiffs by neutralising acidic odours. Its alkaline nature means that when it encounters acidic smells, a chemical reaction occurs to neutralise them. This interaction either creates a neutralising effect or produces a less pungent compound, essentially adjusting the pH level to eradicate foul odours.
Beyond Odour Elimination: Tackling Grime
Baking soda doesn't just banish nasty niffs from your dishwasher; it's also brilliant at tackling stubborn dirt and grime that has accumulated over time. As both a mild alkali and an abrasive, baking soda can effectively break down and dissolve muck inside the appliance, leaving it cleaner and more efficient.
Expert Insights and Enhanced Cleaning Methods
Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations at Two Maids, told Martha Stewart that eliminating a particularly persistent odour can take up to 24 hours. For those seeking a thorough deep clean, cleaning enthusiasts recommend pairing white vinegar with baking soda for superior results.
This dynamic duo works wonders in the appliance, removing hard water deposits along with dirt and grime. The acetic acid in vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits and hard water stains while also neutralising odours. When combined, they react to produce carbon dioxide, enhancing the cleaning power.
Additional Steps for Comprehensive Care
Vinegar is also effective at eliminating and preventing the build-up of mould and mildew. Experts from Hometalk suggest an extra step by treating the rubber seal of the dishwasher with baking soda and vinegar. They noted: "Address the rubber seal by pouring bicarbonate of soda and adding vinegar, creating a powerful fizzing reaction that tackles hidden dirt."
By incorporating these natural methods into your cleaning routine, you can maintain a fresh and efficient dishwasher without relying on harsh chemicals, ensuring your appliance performs optimally for years to come.
