Your trusty dishwasher works hard to clean your dishes every week. Make sure it stays in good condition and lasts for years with easy dishwasher maintenance. Follow the tips provided in this guide to prevent problems before they start to worsen. Begin by acquainting yourself with common signs of an issue. They’re easy to recognize:
- The dishwasher smells.
- Dishes aren’t getting cleaned.
- You find a leak near the dishwasher.
- There’s a pool of water left in the dishwasher when the cleaning cycle is complete.
There’s No Need to Pre-Clean
If your dishes aren’t getting cleaned, the problem might be because you’re pre-washing the dishes. This is especially true if you have a newer dishwasher.
Modern dishwashers come with smart technology that senses when food particles are stuck to the dishes. The dishwasher then amps up the energy to clean off the stuck-on food. When your dishes are cleaned before loading, the dishwasher doesn’t sense food and grime. Therefore, it doesn’t work as hard, and your dishes come out with leftover detergent stuck to them.
However, do be sure to fully scrape food off the plate before putting it in the dishwasher. Stuck food is fine. But large food bits can get caught in the pipes and cause a clog.
Cleaning Guide
Food and grime get stuck in the dishwasher. Therefore, once a month the dishwasher needs to be cleaned. Use vinegar (or dish soap), warm water, a cloth, and a toothbrush for best results. Avoid using any chemical cleaners that you wouldn’t want on your dishes.
With a toothbrush, clean the gasket, which, depending on the make and model, is located along the tub or the door. Unlock, remove, and, being careful of broken glass, clean the filter. You can find it below the bottom spray arm. Then, wipe down the spray arms and removable parts, including the utensil holder. When you’re done, run a deep cleaning cycle.
How to Run a Deep Cleaning Cycle
Make sure the dishwasher is empty. Place a bowl containing one cup of vinegar upright on the top shelf. Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle, without drying. When the cycle is complete, open the door and let the dishwasher dry out.
Be Careful When Loading the Dishwasher
Avoid overloading the dishwasher, and only load dishwasher-safe dishes. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re not sure, don’t put it in the dishwasher. Some items simply aren’t meant for the dishwasher. They can damage different parts or cause a clog.
If you need to schedule repairs for dishwashers, call one of our experienced technicians at The Appliance Man Kentuckiana in Louisville, KY today to set up an appointment. Trust us to give you great service at a good price.
