Dishwasher Odor
Q: I read your recent article on "green" house cleaning and really liked it. I have a dishwasher rather than just washing in the sink, and since your article I have made sure to fill it completely before running. I have had one problem for about a year now, though: My dishwasher always has a mild but noticeable odor when I open it right after a cycle. How can I get rid of this? -- Stephanie D., Titusville, Fla.

A: Over time, food particles and soap residue build up on the inside of your dishwasher. The food particles are most likely to blame for the mild odor, while soap particles can impede the efficiency of the washer.

Fortunately, this is easy to remedy. Empty your dishwasher. Wipe away any visible buildup on the racks and silverware basket. Then, pour one cup of distilled white vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher. (Don't add soap or any other cleaner.) Shut the door and run the washer for a complete cycle at its highest temperature setting. Repeat this once a month to reduce or eliminate that post-cycle funky smell.

Here are a few additional tips to keep your dishwasher running efficiently, courtesy of www.mrappliance.com:

* Scrape dishes clean before placing in the dishwasher, but don't rinse them.

* Use granular, rather than gel, soap.

* Let dishes run for the full cycle -- don't open the door partway through.

Before starting the dishwasher, turn the sink faucet on just until the water runs hot. This brings up water from the heater, so that the dishwashing cycle is hot from start to finish.

HOME TIP: Always check the inside of your dishwasher after each wash cycle to make sure no small objects have fallen into the bottom, where they can impede the wash mechanism.

Send questions or home-repair tips to homeguru2000@hotmail.com, or write This Is a Hammer, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

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