Is there a household appliance we love and treasure more than our dishwasher? That said, how many of us have noticed strange odors creeping out of them over time, or opened the door after a cycle and realized our glasses and plates were far from clean? While we may think doing a load of dishes is enough to keep our appliances pristine, the truth is, these machines require a bit more maintenance. We spoke to Laura Avila, a cleaning professional, and Karina Toner, operations manager of top Washington, D.C.-based cleaning company Spekless Cleaning, about how to keep one of your kitchen’s most valuable appliances looking, smelling and working like new. One of their suggestions? Using a product like Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner — an affordable, zero-effort solution with legions of Amazon fans.
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Once a month, just pop one of these dishwasher cleaning tablets into the detergent tray and run a normal wash cycle. Easy breezy!
If you’re thinking, “I didn’t even know I was supposed to clean the inside of my dishwasher!” you’re not alone. It would seem that the detergent packet you pop in would do the trick while it washes your tableware, right? Well, not quite. While dishwashing detergent might be enough to combat last night’s tomato sauce, longtime buildup coating the interior of the machine is another story.
“Accumulated debris and mineral deposits can greatly affect the dishwasher’s performance and energy efficiency,” says Toner. If that buildup is allowed to sit, it can create problems down the line. “Mineral deposits, particularly from hard water, can reduce the effectiveness of heating elements like the water heater and dryer,” she adds. “As a result, your dishwasher may need to run longer cycles or use more water to compensate for the reduced cleaning performance, leading to increased energy consumption and even higher utility bills.”
Luckily, cleaning your dishwasher is even easier than doing the dishes — no loading and unloading needed! Avila is a fan of Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner, which targets limescale and mineral buildup. To use, simply place a tablet into your appliance’s detergent tray, run a normal wash cycle and ta-da! You can even use it while your dishes wash (just put the tablet on the bottom of your machine).”I’ve been really impressed with their effectiveness,” says Avila. “They’re easy to use and they dissolve quickly in the dishwasher. I’ve noticed that they help to remove any buildup or residue in the machine, leaving it sparkling clean and smelling fresh.”
Germs, be 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 will harbor harmful contaminants that are potential food safety risks. Bacteria and germs can contaminate dishes, utensils and glassware, posing a health hazard for the household. Mold can also be a concern in a dirty dishwasher, as it thrives in moist areas like the dishwasher’s interior, especially if there are food residues present.”
Dishwasher cleaning tablets don’t just tackle the messes you can see; they also target your machine’s pump and valve, tub and internal hoses. That means you’ll be giving it a good, deep clean every time you pop one in.
Consistency is key
How often should you be cleaning your dishwasher? “I typically use Affresh once a month, but you might need to use them more or less often depending on your specific situation,” says Avila.
Toner agrees: “Many factors can play into this — the hardness of your water, and how often you use your dishwasher are just some of the things that affect 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 any buildup, odors or performance issues. We also recommend completing a deep clean at least once every three to six months.”
Don’t forget — dishwasher best practices go beyond cleaning, too. “In addition to routine cleaning, it’s important to practice good dish-loading habits to minimize the risk of clogs, such as scraping off excess food from dishes before loading them, using a high-quality dishwasher detergent and avoiding overloading the dishwasher,” says Toner. “Clogs in your dishwasher not only affect its performance but can also lead to costly repairs or replacements if left unaddressed.”
“Overall, 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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Let’s be clear: Not only will these dishwasher cleaning tablets target residue buildup, they’ll also make your appliance smell lemony-fresh.
Psst: We also found a similar product on sale:
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This is as low as they’ve been since July, so grab a few packs — each box contains enough to last a year.
And here are additional Affresh products to help make your home clean and fresh:
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Best if used every 3-4 weeks, so with these 9 tablets you’re covered ’til summer!
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Better-smelling clothes and a highly functioning machine are just 12 bucks away, thanks to this No. 1 bestseller.
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
