A dehydrator is one of the most affordable ways to store food and even one of the best. You don’t have to worry about rotting, mould, or freezer burn, and your food stays fresh for longer without odour.
Dehydrators are handy appliances to have around the house, especially if you love making food that can be stored for later. But, one concern many people have is whether they will leave an odour behind. So, is this true? Is it something to worry about? Let’s find out.
Can a dehydrator leave an odour?
Yes, dehydrators eliminate moisture from foods and so there is always a chance that your dehydrator is going to leave some odour behind in some cases. Although some of the dehydrators have trays that trap food odours and prevent them from going outside the appliance, you will have to check if your own dehydrator has this feature, So, while all dehydrators will use electricity, not all of them will create an odour.
What can make dehydrators smell?
If a dehydrator smells, it is usually because the food was not dried properly or you are drying food that has a strong smell (onions, garlic, etc). There are a few different things you can do to make sure your dehydrator does not smell. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the different factors to consider when drying different types of food – this will help minimize the chances of creating foul odours.
When can the food in a dehydrator smell?
Foul odours occur when food is dried at high temperatures. On the other hand, some smells from your dehydrator may be caused by the food you’re dehydrating. Usually, these odours come from onions, garlic, spinach and peanuts. Fish and poultry also contain a high amount of fat so you should dry them at low temperatures to avoid unpleasant smells.
In addition, if you are using a dehydrator without fans, it is important to be aware that this may lead to unpleasant smells. The lack of air circulation can cause the food to spoil and smell bad. However, using a dehydrator with fans will help reduce the possibility of any smell. Foods dried in a dehydrator with no fan may be unsatisfactory or not as fresh as they would be otherwise. So make sure to check for other signs of spoilage, such as oozing liquid, visible mould, etc.
When can a dehydrator itself smell?
If you’re not cleaning your dehydrator, the food inside it can start to smell. This is because of the accumulation of residue which will cause a bad smell over time. Additionally, improper maintenance can lead to unpleasant smells in the machinery itself. So make sure you’re cleaning your dehydrator regularly and keeping it in good condition!
What to do to avoid getting your dehydrator to smell always?
A common concern with dehydrators is the potential for odours. This can be avoided by running your machine on a lower heat setting and lengthening the time that you dry food for. The following are some other ways to avoid this odour:
- Do not use an old/unclean towel or cloth on your dehydrator shelf. This will leave a residue that can transfer onto the food and cause it to taste bad.
- Try to place your dehydrator in a well-ventilated area when using it to dry foods. If you do not have the option of placing your dehydrator in an enclosed area when doing this, make sure that you leave it open to air out for a few hours after use.
- Make sure that your food is dried thoroughly before placing it in storage containers.
What foods should I avoid dehydrating to prevent bad odour?
There are a few things you should avoid drying in your dehydrator if you want to prevent bad odours. Onions are one of those foods because they leave a strong smell behind. You might also want to avoid dehydrating other smelly foods, like fish or cabbage. If you’re not sure whether a type of food will produce an unpleasant odour, it’s best to just avoid it altogether if you know it smells a little on its own even without attempting drying. Alternatively, you could buy pre-packaged dehydrated food instead of making your own.
Hacks to keep your dehydrator clean when it leaves an odour
You’re ready to make a delicious meal, but the odour from your dehydrator makes you want to stop using it. There are ways that you can use in order for the smell of food not to linger after drying with your machine.
There are a few ways to get rid of the bad odour that dehydrated foods can sometimes leave behind. One is to use warm and soapy water, with lemon juice as an optional extra. However, this method may not work for all dehydrators. You can use baking soda to absorb any moisture in it before using vinegar or lemon juice if the first doesn’t work for your appliance.
How can I quickly deodorize my dehydrator to get the smell out?
If you are worried about the smell of your dehydrator, there is a solution. A quick and easy way to deodorize it and remove the odour is to simply use baking soda to neutralize any smells that your dehydrator might emit right after dehydrating the food.
Some people even try to sprinkle this lightly on the fan’s outlet while dehydrating to ensure the odour is purified before coming out of the appliance.
How to properly clean a dehydrator when it smells
It is important to clean your dehydrator after each use and before the next time it will be used. Leaving food residue, bacteria and odours from previous meals in a dehydrator can cause new foods to be contaminated and even leave your appliance with a permanent smell.
- To clean a dehydrator, remove the trays and wash them with soap and water. Wipe out any remaining food residue from surfaces of the unit, and then wipe the unit down with a clean, damp cloth.
- If you are having trouble removing odours from inside your dehydrator, try placing an open box of baking soda, sprinkle a little inside it and run the dehydrator for a few minutes.
- If you are still having trouble removing odour from your unit, try washing it with vinegar or lemon juice.
- And if your unit still has odours after cleaning it with vinegar or lemon juice, try placing a small bowl of white vinegar in the dehydrator and turn on the unit for a few minutes.
- You can also use a commercial cleaning agent, such as Lysol. Or you can use a dishwasher if your dehydrator is dishwasher-safe.
How do I clean the insides of a dehydrator that has odour?
While it’s true that the insides of some dehydrators can smell after use and that odour can linger for a while, there are some things you can do to clear off the odour:
- First, don’t panic when your dehydrator starts to smell.
- The next step is to identify where the smell is coming from. Usually, it’s either the dehydrating chamber/trays or the appliance’s fan and heating element.
- Once you’ve identified the source of the smell, you can take appropriate measures to clean it. In most cases, damp cloth and a little water will do the trick.
- However, if the smell persists after cleaning, you may need to use an odour eliminator specifically designed for dehydrators.
Can the dehydrator tray go in the dishwasher?
It’s not recommended to put the dehydrator trays in the dishwasher as they are very easy to clean with just a little water and soap.
Some people prefer to wash their racks by hand, while others like the convenience of putting them in a dishwasher. You will need to decide which method is best for you personally. But you can put it in the dishwasher if you wish. If you do put them in the dishwasher, try to add a few tablespoons of white vinegar. The reason people often don’t use their dishwasher is that they are worried about ruining it with residue from the trays. The vinegar will help with this problem, and it won’t hurt your dishwasher either.
Conclusion
While dehydrators may leave an odour during and after use, there is always a way around it. If you’re looking to keep your dehydrator clean and free of odours, it’s important to know how to remove the smell from it. By following these simple steps highlighted in this article, you can eliminate any unwanted smells in a short time. Not only will this help reduce the risk of food poisoning, but it’ll also make your dehydrator smell fresh and crisp!
