Homeowners urged to put a lemon in their dishwasher

Keeping your dishwasher clean might seem counterintuitive, after all, it’s the appliance that cleans your dishes. However, over time, food particles, grease, and mineral deposits can accumulate, leading to unpleasant odours and reduced efficiency. Traditional cleaning methods often involve harsh chemicals or expensive store-bought cleaners, which may not appeal to everyone.​

Homeowners are being encouraged to harness the natural cleaning power of lemons to maintain their dishwashers. This eco-friendly method, which has gained popularity on social media platforms, involves placing a lemon or its juice in the dishwasher to combat limescale and eliminate odours.

You can use unsweetened lemonade drink mix, too, to clean the dishwasher, just add it to the machine’s detergent compartment and run a normal cycle with nothing else inside. This unconventional method leverages the citric acid in the lemonade mix to combat limescale buildup and eliminate odours.​ 

The citric acid reacts with the calcium carbonate deposits to get rid of them. This not only helps in maintaining the dishwasher’s efficiency but also leaves a fresh, citrus scent.​

The mixture works to dissolve mineral deposits and remove stains, leaving the dishwasher interior clean and fresh-smelling. It’s crucial to use only the lemonade flavour, as other varieties may contain dyes or lack the necessary acidity.

If you are using a lemon rather than just lemonade, make sure you take the seeds out before popping it in the machine, to prevent potential clogs in the dishwasher’s drainage system.​

Then place a lemon wedge on the top rack of the dishwasher or add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the detergent compartment. 

While this natural approach is effective for regular maintenance, professionals advise that for more thorough cleaning, especially in cases of significant buildup, specialised dishwasher cleaners may be more suitable.​

Incorporating lemon into your dishwasher routine offers a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to keep your appliance clean and odour-free.