Before traveling, open the dishwasher door to prevent odors

Reem Qasim - Before packing your bags and preparing for your summer vacation, don’t just stop at cleaning the kitchen and arranging clean dishes after the last wash cycle. Make sure to prepare your dishwasher to avoid unpleasant surprises upon your return. According to a report published by Notre Temps magazine, it is advisable to leave the dishwasher door open during your absence, even if it is empty, as ventilation helps prevent moisture buildup, unpleasant odors, and mold growth. Leaving the door ajar by a few centimeters is sufficient to allow air circulation. The same applies to the washing machine and refrigerator if they are disconnected from the power supply, with their doors left open to avoid odors caused by moisture. Before leaving, don’t forget to clean the dishwasher filter, as food residues can accumulate there, potentially encouraging bacterial growth or attracting small insects during periods of non-use. To clean it, remove it by turning it counterclockwise from its position in the center of the bottom of the dishwasher basin, then remove any food residues and wash it with hot water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid. If grease has accumulated, use a household brush to clean it thoroughly before reinstalling it. If you don’t have time to arrange dishes before traveling, check whether your dishwasher has an automatic door-opening feature after the wash cycle ends. This feature helps dry dishes daily by releasing steam and may be particularly useful before a holiday.