What's the best way to clean your dishwasher?

For thorough cleaning of your dishwasher and removal of unpleasant odours, it is best to use specially developed products such as HG dishwasher cleaner and odour freshener. This product effectively removes grease, food and soap residue, leaves a fresh scent and promotes hygiene. Natural solutions such as citric acid, vinegar or lemon slices can also help, but they are not always as effective as dedicated cleaning products. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filter and using the correct amount of dishwasher detergent, helps keep your dishwasher clean and hygienic.

HG solutions for cleaning your dishwasher

To thoroughly clean your dishwasher and remove unpleasant odours, it is best to use HG dishwasher cleaner and odour freshener. This product is specially developed to:

• Effectively remove grease, food and soap residue from drain pipes, filters and seals.
• Keep your dishwasher smelling wonderfully fresh for longer.
• Promote hygiene and cleaner dishes.

For the best results, we recommend using HG dishwasher cleaner and odour freshener once every two weeks without dishes. Dose 4 capfuls, 40 grams, of powder into the detergent dispenser and run the empty dishwasher through a normal wash cycle of approximately 50°C. For more information about cleaning your dishwasher, you can also consult our tips: how to clean dishwasher and how to stop the dishwasher from smelling.

Natural solutions for cleaning your dishwasher

If you are looking for natural ways to clean your dishwasher, here are some options to try:

• Citric acid: Place a cup of citric acid in the dishwasher and run an empty cycle on the highest temperature. This helps remove limescale and odours.
• Vinegar: Pour a cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe container and place it upright in the top rack. Run a hot cycle with no other dishes. Vinegar is effective against grease and limescale build-up.
• Lemon slices: Place a few lemon slices in the cutlery basket and run a normal cycle. The lemon releases a fresh scent and helps remove light build-up.

While these natural solutions can help, it is important to note that they are not always as effective as specially developed cleaning products. In addition, some materials in your dishwasher may be sensitive to acids such as citric acid or vinegar. It is therefore wise to be cautious and test on a small, inconspicuous area first before treating the whole dishwasher. For stubborn problems or thorough cleaning, HG recommends using a dedicated dishwasher cleaning product according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Causes of a dirty dishwasher and how to prevent it

A dirty dishwasher can have various causes, but fortunately there are ways to prevent this. Here are the main reasons why your dishwasher may become dirty:

• Food residue and grease accumulate in the machine, especially if you do not rinse dishes properly before loading.
• Hard water can cause limescale build-up, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
• A clogged or dirty filter can lead to dirt accumulation and poor water circulation.
• Incorrect use of dishwasher detergent, such as using too much or too little, can contribute to a dirty dishwasher.

To prevent these problems, regular maintenance is important. Clean the filter, remove food residue and occasionally run an empty cycle with a dedicated cleaning product or citric acid. Also check the spray arms for blockages and use the correct amount of dishwasher detergent. By following these steps, you can keep your dishwasher clean and hygienic for optimal performance and longevity.