With Christmas parties in full flow and family and friends coming over during the holidays, you're probably using your dishwasher more than usual.

That, combined with the cold weather, could create a humid environment in your home which can bring an array of issues such as mould, cloudy or stained glasses and a breeding ground for bacteria.

Cleaning your dishwasher properly can help avoid bacteria or mould build-up in your dishwasher: these can transfer to your “clean” dishes and utensils, potentially leading to gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory problems, or skin infections.

This risk is heightened for those with weakened immune systems, young children, or the elderly—making it crucial to address.

Experts at PlumbWorld have offered a practical solution, and it involves using the cheap and versatile vinegar.

They advise to run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack once a month.

This helps to eliminate odours and break down limescale and grease. Alternatively, use a dishwasher cleaning solution specifically designed for this purpose.

Another tip experts sugggest is to avoid overloading your dishwasher and this prevents water from reaching all areas of your dishes and can lead to food residue being left behind, which contributes to bacterial growth.

Additionally, after each cycle, leave the dishwasher door ajar to allow moisture to escape. This prevents the humid conditions that bacteria love.

What you can also do is clean the filter: this is where food debris accumulates, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Remove and rinse the filter weekly, scrubbing it with warm soapy water to ensure it’s free of residue.

Alongside this, scrub the seals and crevices. The rubber seals around your dishwasher door can trap moisture and grime. Use a toothbrush or a cloth with soapy water to clean these areas thoroughly.