Should I open the dishwasher after washing?

The dishwasher is a household appliance that constantly sparks debate. One of the most contentious questions is whether it's necessary to ventilate the dishwasher after a wash cycle. Some homeowners argue that it's simply a matter of removing the dishes, while others argue that constant moisture is a perfect breeding ground for germs.

Opinions of housewives who close their washing machine

To determine which of the two warring camps is closer to the truth, you need to familiarize yourself with the arguments of both sides. Try to understand them and then draw conclusions. Here's what those who advocate locking your car after washing say.

1. First, after purchasing and installing the PM, I discovered water inside. It was kept closed in the store, but after opening the door at home, there was no trace of mold or unpleasant odors. So, there's nothing to worry about.
2. When washing, various household products, usually powdered ones, are added to the unit. If you use the machine rarely, chemical residues will inevitably remain inside, but nothing will happen to them in the remaining water, and they will be suitable for further use. And if you open the door, everything will just stick to the walls.
3. In small apartments, kitchens are already cramped, and if you have to open the dishwasher, there's simply no room to move around. Surely, manufacturers have taken care to ensure this isn't necessary.
4. Some models have a light that comes on when the door is opened. The light stays on while the door is open.

The above opinions are quite rational. But let's not jump to conclusions. Now let's move on to the arguments given by housewives who prefer to ventilate their dishwashers.

What do open door proponents think?

It's worth noting right away that there were far more arguments in favor of opening the door after washing than those supporting the opposite opinion. However, most of these opinions were based purely on subjective experience. To summarize, the following are my thoughts.

1. It's one thing to test a machine once, without tons of dirty dishes and leaving the door closed, but it's another thing to close it every time and allow entire colonies of fungi and bacteria to multiply.
2. The chemical smell, as well as the lingering "aroma" of washed-out waste, will accumulate in the dishwasher again and again, and every time the door is opened, this stench will fill the entire apartment.
3. When the door is open, any dirt immediately catches your eye, motivating you to get rid of it immediately. But if you only open the machine to load or unload the baskets, you're unlikely to even notice what's on the inside walls.

Important! To figure out the best course of action, you need to ask yourself: what's more important to me? For some, the most important thing is the health of their family, which could be at risk; for others, it's practicality; and for others, aesthetics. From there, you should seek a solution.

Who is right?

Has anyone tried opening the manual for their dishwasher and reading it? If not, here's a list of recommendations from the manufacturer:

• After the wash and dry cycle is complete, it's best to leave the dishes in the dishwasher for a couple of hours to dry completely. To avoid missing plates or glasses, run the dishwasher overnight, and the dishes will be clean and dry by morning.
• Clean your filters regularly and as often as possible. They are the main source of unpleasant odors, especially if the problem is left untreated.
• If you use the machine frequently and clean the filters regularly, there is no point in drying the inside of the unit every time. With such active work, mold and other microbes will not have time to multiply.
• If your dishwasher is used infrequently, it can and should be dried to prevent bacteria growth. Leaving the door slightly open is sufficient, rather than opening it completely.

A dishwasher is designed to be used at least once a week. Otherwise, water will stagnate and emit an unpleasant odor.

   

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