There’s nothing worse than opening your dishwasher only to be hit with that stale, musty odour of dirty dishes, even after a wash cycle. It’s enough to make you question whether your dishes are actually clean. But what if we told you there’s a simple, no-cost trick that can leave your dishwasher and dishes smelling fresh and clean every time?
In a recent chat with MasterChef alum and culinary queen Samira El Khafir, she let us in on a kitchen hack so clever, we can’t believe we hadn’t heard it before.
“Never throw out your juiced lemons,” she says. “Once you’ve squeezed out all the juice, don’t toss the peels; throw them straight into your dishwasher instead. They leave your dishes smelling so fresh and citrusy, and help cut through any lingering grease or odours. It’s one of those little things that make a big difference, and it’s free!”
Not only does this trick make use of food scraps you’d normally throw away, but it also saves you from buying extra cleaning products. Plus, opening the dishwasher to a gentle lemony scent instead of that not-so-lovely post-cycle stench? Major win.
You bet we’ll be doing this going forward. Consider your dishwasher game officially upgraded.
Why your dishwasher might smell
Before you blame your detergent, it’s worth understanding what causes that unpleasant odour. From food debris trapped in filters to grease buildup in hidden corners. We’ve broken down common culprits and how to clean a dishwasher thoroughly.
Why lemon peels work
It’s not just about the scent. Lemon peels are naturally packed with citric acid, which helps cut through grease, neutralise odours, and even fight bacteria.
Budget-friendly hacks for a fresher kitchen
Love the lemon peel tip? Here are a few more low-cost kitchen tricks from vinegar to baking soda that’ll keep your appliances and home smelling amazing.
