Is It Really Necessary To Leave Your Dishwasher Door Open After Every Load?

There’s nothing like a kitchen filled with the aroma of a delicious meal. But that’s not the only smell lingering in the kitchen. The kitchen can also harbor unpleasant odors, including a damp, funky smell from the dishwasher.

While it’s always good to clean the dishwasher filter every couple of months, that’s not the only measure you can take to keep your dishwasher clean and odor-free. One method is to make sure the dishwasher dries out completely between loads. But to do so, you’d need to leave the dishwasher door open after every cycle. Is that really worth the inconvenience? I asked three experts to find out.

The Dishwasher Experts

Why You Should Leave Your Dishwasher Drawer Open After a Cycle

After you’ve emptied a clean load of dishes from the dishwasher, our three experts agree that it’s not a bad idea to leave the door cracked open. The reason has to do with moisture. “A dishwasher naturally has a lot of heat and moisture inside after a cycle,” says Ek. “Some moisture is normal, and the appliance is designed to handle it.”

McCann adds, “Much like with anything else in the home, moisture that becomes trapped for extended periods of time inside enclosed spaces may lead to high-humidity environments. This can result in the possibility of a build-up of mold, foul odors, and other concerns.”

Tetro notes that the bacteria and fungi that survive the heat of the dishwasher cycle can remain trapped in the crevices of seals, filters, dispensers, spray arms, and drains. He says, “When left there for a period of time, they will develop into a biofilm that will support bacterial and fungal growth. If there’s moisture in these areas, the bacteria will use that and the leftover organic deposits to grow.”

Leaving the dishwasher door open after a wash cycle can help the interior dry out before you begin loading it again. However, the best approach varies by model. Ek says, “Dishwashers use different drying technologies. Some you may need to open the door, while other models automatically open the door at the end of the cycle. There are also some that use fan-assisted drying or systems designed to work with the door closed. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best guidance.”

How To Keep Your Dishwasher Clean

To keep your dishwasher free of funk, Tetro says, “The goal is to ensure there are as few opportunities as possible for bacteria and fungi to grow. That means regular cleaning and wiping.” He recommends wiping seals and gaskets once a week, cleaning the filter every two weeks, and running an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner once a month.

McCann agrees, saying, “Using a dishwasher cleaner frequently is a great idea to help maintain and care for your dishwasher. For example, Finish Dishwasher Cleaner Liquid helps keep the dishwasher free of grease and limescale buildup.” The one thing that all three experts agree you can confidently skip? Pre-rinsing dishes.

Read the original article on Simply Recipes