Dishwasher air fresheners

Even regular cleaning of household appliances won't eliminate bacteria and mold, especially when it comes to dirty dishes that have been sitting in the machine for a long time. Achieving perfect cleanliness and combating unpleasant odors is only possible with dishwasher fresheners. This article explains in detail why these products are effective and which brand to choose for optimal results.

How does the air freshener work?

Dishwasher air fresheners work similarly to sprayers or car air fresheners. They absorb unpleasant odors and, thanks to their aromatic structure, fill the air with a delicious aroma. Only the appearance differs—dishwasher versions are small plastic containers filled with a liquid or gel. But the result is the same: when you open the door, you smell fruity or floral notes, not musty air.

Dishwasher fresheners are most often citrus-based: lemon, lime, and orange.

The nuances of using the air freshener are always indicated on the packaging. The manufacturer also specifies how many cycles the fragrance will last. As a rule, the product is enough for 20-30 wash cycles, but the intensity of the smell emanating from the container varies. So, at first, the scent is strong and persistent, but after 10-15 washes, the effect diminishes significantly. But it's logical: the faster the gel is washed out of the box, the less noticeable the effect. Much also depends on proper installation, as installing the rinse aid in the wrong place, for example, under direct streams of water, reduces its lifespan to 5-6 washes.

A dish freshener will make your dishes even cleaner, as will the machine itself. This is especially true if your machine is older and the accumulated dirt can't be removed with standard cleaning methods, requiring replacement or complete disassembly. Using a dish freshener is also recommended for those who are guilty of leaving dirty dishes in the dishwasher for 2-3 days. During this time, bacteria have time to multiply and fill the entire chamber, so leaving food scraps in the machine is strictly prohibited. For those who don't yet understand the full scope of the consequences, imagine a sink filled with garbage for the same 3 days. It's logical that water alone won't remove the accumulated odor and mold.

What products does the market offer?

Demand for air fresheners is just beginning to grow, so manufacturers are trying to expand their selection of fragrances. While hardware stores currently offer a limited selection, they include both high-quality and less-than-ideal brands. Here's a brief overview.

• Odswiezacz do zmywarek from General Fresh is a Polish air freshener that lasts for 20 cycles. It's available in three flavors: mint, apple, and lemon. One strip costs approximately $1.14.
• Fresh Plus-Dishwasher is an Italian fragrance absorber that absorbs unpleasant odors inside your dishwasher, filling the chamber and dishes with a distinct lemon scent. One package costs about $6.50, but it contains two plates. Furthermore, each plate lasts for 40 cycles, twice as long as cheaper alternatives.
  
• Somat Duo are special teardrop-shaped capsules that hang on the dishwasher rack. A single pack of air freshener costs about $2.50. The fragrance lasts for 60 cycles, and there's only one flavor—lemon and orange. Made in Germany.
• Finish Lemon & Lime is a product that neutralizes accumulated unpleasant odors, delivering a more delicious lemon and lime scent. It doesn't leave residue on dishes or dishwasher walls. It is easy to use: simply attach or hang the container on the grate, making sure that the fragrance does not block the sprayers or dispenser. Replaces after 60 cycles. Prices for one pack start at $2.50.

Using a freshener does not replace cleaning your dishwasher.

Topperr and Frisch-aktiv brands have also proven themselves to be excellent. Some manufacturers offer a comprehensive solution. For example, Dr. Beckmann produces dishwasher cleaners that also contain fragrances.

The hostess's opinion

Elena, Moscow

I use a special dishwasher freshener from Finish. I chose this brand right away because both the detergent tablets and the rinse aid with salt are from the same manufacturer. And after using it for a long time, I can say that it's fantastic! After dinner, we load the plates and pans into the dishwasher, but we don't turn it on; we just leave it until it's full. Sometimes we have to wait 2-3 days, which is why I had to buy the freshener.

But now everything is simple: while the dishes are waiting their turn, we don't suffer from unpleasant odors. The air freshener is so strong that when you open the door, you immediately smell a pleasant citrus aroma. Just lemon and nothing else.

At first, I didn't believe it myself. I thought the pictures on the back of the package were just a marketing ploy, but now I'm convinced they're true. I can say without exaggeration that the product "works" and eliminates all unpleasant odors, even after dishes have been sitting idle for three days.

The ease of use is also a plus. The packaging is easy to open thanks to a special opening. Then, the container itself comes out, complete with a clip-on attachment. This clip-on attachment allows the air freshener to be attached to the basket. Just be sure to keep the air freshener away from direct streams of water, otherwise the gel will wash out too quickly. I myself made a few mistakes and put the capsule on the top shelves, in the tray for forks and spoons, until I saw the clear instructions on the back of the package. Now I place the air freshener in the front, so it doesn't touch the walls of the machine, the dishes, or the spray arms.

There's no need to count the number of cycles remaining. The transparent capsule walls make it easy to monitor the gel's emptying rate and replace it promptly. The fading scent also helps remind you to replace it. While the container is new, the scent is very strong and long-lasting, but as the product is washed out, the lemon scent fades.

This air freshener has been a lifesaver for me. Now, instead of an unpleasant smell, there's a delicious lemon scent, and using the dishwasher is easier and more convenient.

My Finish costs about $2.40, but the price often depends on the store. Sometimes I buy a similar product—a Calgonit air freshener.

The fragrance is economical to use, and we replace it every 4-5 months. The instructions say a capsule lasts for 60 cycles, but with our three-day washes, it lasts for a whopping 120-150 days. It's incredibly affordable!

   

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