Dishwasher Hack: Freshness and Shine with Lemons

A clever household trick with lemon peels is causing excitement online and can actually result in cleaner, fresher-smelling dishes.

A trick from the internet shows how to improve the cleaning performance of the dishwasher with squeezed lemon halves. The idea: The lemon peels are simply placed in the upper rack or attached to the holders during the washing process. The citric acid contained in the peels unfolds its effect. It dissolves limescale deposits, acts antibacterial, and neutralizes unpleasant odors – all without additional rinse aid.

Citric Acid as a Natural Cleaner

Lemons contain between six and eight percent citric acid. This is known for efficiently dissolving limescale. The effect is especially noticeable on glasses and dishes, which should be streak-free and shiny after washing. Additionally, the acid helps bind and eliminate odor-causing residues inside the machine. The antibacterial properties also ensure hygienic cleanliness.

Caution with Frequent Use

As helpful as the trick is – too frequent use can damage the machine in the long run. Citric acid is aggressive and can attack seals or plastic parts. Experts and experienced users therefore recommend not using the lemon halves in every wash cycle. To avoid residues, it is also advisable to place the peels in a small net or cloth bag in the machine. This keeps pulp and seeds away from the drain sieve.

Simple, Sustainable, Effective

The lemon trick shows how kitchen waste can be sensibly reused. Those who apply the trick correctly not only save chemical additives but also clean more sustainably – and often even more effectively. A simple household helper with surprising effects.

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.