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If you've got a dishwasher at home, you'll know that they require a bit of maintenance to keep them working at their best. They're great for quickly cleaning a full load of plates, mugs and cutlery, but if the appliance itself isn't looked after, it can ruin your dishes too.

One common problem with dishwashers is that they can sometimes have an unpleasant aroma. Food debris can get stuck inside, and thanks to the warm and damp environment, the odours quickly materialise. However, you can prevent this from happening with one cheap kitchen item you've probably already got at home.

The cleaning experts at The Kitchn say there's a simple way to get rid of bad dishwasher smells, and all you need is a lemon. Costing as little as 35p from Asda, this popular citrus fruit is known for its cleaning properties, and can come in very handy for a number of different household tasks.

All you need to do is place a lemon peel or a full lemon wedge - even one that's been juiced - on the top rack of your dishwasher, skewered on a plate wire, or in the cutlery department, and run a normal cycle.

The lemon will help freshen the load and create a lemony scent when opened, but it'll also leave your dishes sparkly.

This was echoed by the experts at Homes and Garden, who spoke to cleaning expert Lina DaSilva about why this tip is so successful. She said: "Lemons help with odours. They leave a fresh scent, which is a nice bonus, and they can cut through grease a bit better than just soap. The acidity helps break things down."

And thanks to the natural oils in lemon peel, they can also make glasses and cutlery look shinier too.

It's a zero-waste tip and it's environmentally friendly too, as there's no harsh chemicals involved and it's a great way to use up any scraps.

However, it's recommended that you do give your dishwasher a thorough clean every month by emptying out the filter. Clogged food is what usually causes these bad smells, so getting rid of this is the best way to keep your appliance smelling fresh.