Mold and mildew appear wherever there is moisture: in washing machines, dishwashing sponges, cutting boards, and even coffee makers. Mold in the dishwasher is also not uncommon. How to clean the equipment and prevent further reproduction of fungi?
Mold remover in the kitchen
Manufacturers of appliances convince buyers that mold is not able to survive in conditions of high temperature and exposure to detergents. But there are clear signs of mold and fungus habitation – these are black spots on the walls and the PMM seal. After a series of studies, scientists found pathogenic microorganisms not only inside the machine, but also on washed dishes. So they are not in vain called extremophiles for the ability to breed in the most extreme conditions.
This is what mold looks like under a microscope
Once in the respiratory system, fungi can cause infectious diseases and allergic reactions. To protect the family and reduce risks, it is not enough to simply wipe the surfaces with a cloth. This is just one of the preventive measures. To eliminate the unpleasant odor and defeat the fungus, you can use complex-purpose products.
Here are some of the most common options:
- Frau Schmidt. Universal tablets do not contain phosphates and help fight mold, scale, fat deposits, unpleasant odors. In addition, they act as a rinse aid, giving the appliances a shine. The product is effective even at low temperatures.
- top house. Available in powder and gel form. It perfectly removes scale from the internal parts of the machine, citric acid in the composition helps to fight microorganisms. Extends the service life of the PMM.
- clean home. The cleaner can be safely called environmentally friendly, the composition does not contain substances harmful to the body. Cleans PMM parts and drain hoses from dirt and unpleasant odors.
- Electrolux. The tool is used for PMM of the corresponding brand. Although the capacity is only enough for two uses, the composition is effective, removing both thick layers of scale and fungus.
If you are not a supporter of chemicals and do not trust the composition on the package, then use the quite affordable products that are in every home.
How to get rid of mold at home?
Although microorganisms show amazing resistance to temperatures up to +80 degrees and some chemicals, there is still a way to remove stubborn black spots. Mold does not like acidic and alkaline environments, so citric acid, vinegar and soda will help you.
Start with manual cleaning, which includes cleaning the drain filter, nozzles, seal. Follow instructions:
- Open the hopper door and take out the baskets.
- There is a filter in the pan. Pull its handle, turn and pull it out.
- In some models, there is a mesh next, also get it.
This is how the filter is disassembled
- Rinse all parts under running water. Remove accumulated dirt with an old toothbrush dipped in baking soda. You can also soak the filter in a solution of citric acid.
- Inspect the filter seat. There always remains water, which does not allow the rubber elements to dry out. Remove the liquid with a sponge and carefully treat the place with soda or lemon. Do the same with the door seal and areas of the chamber where black marks are visible.
Manual cleaning
- Alternatively, use this remedy: dissolve 1 g of baking soda in 5 cup of 50% vinegar. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and treat the surfaces.
- If the fungus does not immediately respond to removal, leave the remedy for 15-20 minutes.
In addition to manual surface cleaning, you need to carry out internal cleaning. The dishwasher works in tandem with hoses and nozzles. From there, unpleasant odors can enter the chamber. Cleaning with vinegar is carried out as follows:
- Fill a 240 ml plastic container with vinegar.
- Install in the upper basket.
- Close the door and set the program to high temperature.
Vinegar container
Important! At this time, there should be no dishes in the chamber.
Prefer to use baking soda? Then follow the instructions:
- Pour 240 g of baking soda into the bottom of the hopper.
Soda in a tray
- Leave it overnight.
- In the morning, turn on a short mode with a high temperature.
- Soda will not only cope with the fungus, but also absorb unpleasant odors.
Clean the remaining areas with a brush. Wash removable parts with soapy water or detergent. Cleaning is over, but this does not mean that the fungus is gone forever.
How to prevent mold?
You can cope with a raid, but how to make sure that it does not reappear? Unfortunately, they have not yet come up with such a tool that will destroy microorganisms once and for all. But it is possible to prevent their deep penetration into the surface with the help of prevention.
Here are the basic rules:
- Leave the door open at the end of the cycle and also clean the drain filter. When the door is closed, moisture is stored inside the hopper for a long time, and if, in addition, pieces of food remain, then an unpleasant smell and fungus are guaranteed.
Wipe the dishwasher with a dry cloth
- Do not leave dirty dishes in the hopper for a long time, as well as washed ones. Try to start the cycle immediately after loading, and remove the devices after drying.
- Once a month, run an idle program at a high temperature to destroy buildup.
- Once every six months, perform preventive cleaning from scale and mold, as described above.
- Regularly clean the drain system: filter, hose, nozzles.
- Manually remove dirt from trays and detergent dispensers.
- Use quality products that are safe for your health.
Fungus in the dishwasher is unpleasant and dangerous to health. Today, many means have been invented to combat this phenomenon, so there is nothing wrong with the appearance of deposits. Watch a video on the topic of how other users are fighting this scourge: