Mold and fungus appear wherever there is humidity: in washing machines, dishwashing sponges, on cutting boards and even in coffee makers. Mold in the dishwasher is also not uncommon. How to clean the technique and prevent further propagation of mushrooms?
Mold cleaner in the kitchen
Manufacturers of technology 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 habitat - 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 it was not for nothing that they were called extremophiles for the ability to breed in the most extreme conditions.
It looks like a mold 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 just to wipe the surface with a rag. This is just one preventative measure. To eliminate the unpleasant odor and defeat the fungus, you can use complex products.
Here are some of the most common options:
- Frau Schmidt. Universal tablets do not contain phosphates and help fight against mold, scale, fat deposits, unpleasant odors. In addition, they perform the function of a rinse aid, giving the devices shine. The product is effective even at low temperatures.
- Top house. Available in powder and gel form. Perfectly removes scale from the internal parts of the machine, citric acid in the composition helps fight microorganisms. Extends the life of the PMM.
- Clean Home. A cleaning agent can safely be called environmentally friendly, it does not contain substances harmful to the body. Cleans PMM parts and drain hoses from contamination and unpleasant odors.
- Electrolux The tool is used for PMM of the corresponding brand. Although the capacity is only enough for two times use, 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 packaging, then use the very affordable means 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 chemical agents, there is still a way to remove stubborn black spots. Mold does not like acidic and alkaline environments, so citric acid, vinegar and soda help you.
Start with manual cleaning, which includes cleaning the drain filter, spray guns, and seal. Follow the instructions:
- Open the hopper door and remove the baskets.
- There is a filter in the pan. Pull its handle, rotate and pull.
- In some models, the grid is next to it, also get it out.
This is how the filter is disassembled
- Rinse all parts under water pressure. Remove any remaining dirt with an old toothbrush soaked in soda. You can also soak the filter in a solution of citric acid.
- Inspect the filter bore. There always remains water, which prevents the rubber elements from drying out. Remove the liquid with a sponge and carefully treat the area with soda or lemon. Also do with the door seal and areas of the chamber where black marks are visible.
Manual cleaning
- Alternatively, use this tool: in 1 cup of 5% vinegar, dissolve 50 g of baking soda. Pour the mixture into the spray bottle and treat the surfaces.
- If the fungus cannot be removed immediately, leave the product for 15–20 minutes.
In addition to manual surface cleaning, you need to conduct and internal. The dishwasher is paired with hoses and nozzles. From there, unpleasant odors can come into the chamber. Vinegar cleaning is carried out as follows:
- Fill vinegar with a plastic bottle of 240 ml.
- Install in the upper basket.
- Close the door and set the program to high temperature.
Capacity with vinegar
Important! No dishes should be in the cell at this time.
Prefer to use soda? Then follow the instructions:
- Pour 240 g of baking soda into the bottom of the hopper.
Soda in the pan
- Leave it overnight.
- The next morning, turn on the short mode with 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. The cleaning is over, but this does not mean that the fungus has gone irrevocably.
How to prevent mold?
You can cope with the raid, but how to make sure that it does not appear again? Unfortunately, they have not yet come up with such a tool that once and for all will destroy microorganisms. But to prevent their deep penetration into the surface is possible with the help of prevention.
Here are the basic rules:
- After the end of the cycle, leave the door open and also clean the drain filter. When the door is closed, moisture remains for a long time inside the hopper, and if in addition there are pieces of food, then an unpleasant odor and fungus are guaranteed.
Clean 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 take out the devices after drying.
- Once a month, run an idle program at high temperature to destroy congestions.
- Once every six months, perform preventative descaling and mold cleaning as described above.
- Clean the drain system regularly: filter, hose, nozzles.
- Manually remove dirt from trays and detergent dispensers.
- Use quality products that are safe for your health.
The fungus in the dishwasher is unpleasant and hazardous 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 struggle with this scourge: