While a dishwasher may appear clean on the surface, new guidance from High Speed Training highlights how food particles, grease, and limescale can build up, posing a significant hygiene risk and impacting performance and effectiveness in kitchens.
Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning & Development at High Speed Training, said: “A poorly maintained dishwasher can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and mould, which accumulate in warm, moist areas like filters and seals. This not only leads to unpleasant odours but can also cause blockages, reduce energy efficiency, shorten the lifespan of the appliance, and lead to poor food hygiene.”
Key cleaning tips for a spotless dishwasher:
- Check the filter weekly: The filter is the number one culprit for trapping food debris and causing bad smells. Ensure you clean your dishwasher filter regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Run a monthly deep clean: To tackle hidden grease and limescale, a monthly maintenance wash is essential. It is advised to run an empty, hot cycle with either a cup of white vinegar in a bowl on the top rack or a dedicated dishwasher cleaner.
Use natural cleaning hacks: Placing a half-cut lemon on the top rack can break down grease and add a fresh scent, while sprinkling bicarbonate of soda in the base can help remove stains and odours.
- Don’t forget hidden areas: Grime loves to hide in the rubber door seals and edges. You can wipe these down with warm, soapy water to remove grease and prevent mould.
- Solve cloudy glasses: For those in hard water areas, regularly using vinegar or a limescale remover is key to preventing cloudy marks on dishes and glassware, as well as protecting the machine’s heating element.
Dr Anderson continues: “Regularly cleaning your dishwasher is a simple process that protects your family’s health and keeps your kitchen running smoothly.
“By following these steps, you’ll get spotless dishes every time and extend the life of your appliance, saving you money in the long run.” For more tips and in-depth guidance, visit High Speed Training Hub, or our article: How to Clean a Dishwasher
| [donate]
| Help keep news FREE for our readersSupporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism,then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. |
