Dishwashers promote convenience and save time. However, when used improperly, they can compromise safety in one way or another. That’s why we offer the essential safety tips mentioned below — not just to prevent injuries but also to help lengthen your dishwasher’s lifespan.
Place All Utensils Pointing Down in the Utensil Basket
Although most dishwasher manufacturers say to place all the utensils pointing up in the utensil basket, this is never a good idea since it compromises safety. When you place sharp items in the dishwasher, always keep them pointing down.
This way, you will effectively reduce your chances of cutting your wrist, your fingers, or the palm of your hand when trying to reach for sharp items like knives and forks.
Child-Proof Your Dishwasher
Child-proofing is especially important if you have kids; it helps keep them away from the dishwasher when you’re not around. Children are curious by nature, so you can expect them to open the dishwasher to see what’s in there.
By so doing, they might get burned, cut themselves on a fork or knife, or eat the sweet-smelling dishwasher pod. One of the easiest ways to child-proof your dishwasher is to add a lock to prevent young ones from opening it.
Don’t Put Plastic in the Dishwasher
A small plastic container, utensil, or cover may fall into the heating element of the dishwasher due to the force of the water stream. This, in turn, can leave your entire house smelling like burnt plastic or, even worse, cause a fire or damage the dishwasher. To avoid finding yourself in such a situation, don’t put any plastic objects inside the dishwasher.
Don’t Overload the Dishwasher
Overloading your dishwasher may seem like a good idea because you get to save a significant amount of time. However, the risks far outweigh the benefits. When you shove too many items into your dishwasher, you increase the risk of damaging it.
Also, overloading your dishwasher may break or chip your glassware, and this, in turn, can cut your fingers or hand. Another reason you should not overload your dishwasher is that the dishes and cups will not be cleaned properly. Using dishes and cups that are not clean enough can lead to illnesses.
To prevent tripping, always make sure to close the dishwasher door as soon as you finish loading or unloading the dishwasher’s contents. Plus, you need to follow the manufacturer’s directions on the proper use of dish detergent to avoid shortening the lifespan of your dishwasher or compromising your safety.
To sum up, a dishwasher is designed to make our lives easier. However, you need to follow these safety tips to avoid injuring yourself or your loved ones. Always have a professional check your dishwasher if it is damaged or needs maintenance. Call our team at the Appliance Man Kentuckiana, where we provide professional dishwasher maintenance and repair services to the residents of Louisville, KY and the surrounding area.
