As a homeowner, it is important to know how to maintain an appliance as helpful as a dishwasher. Regular maintenance can help keep your dishwasher running smoothly and prevent problems down the road. Here are a few tips to help you keep your dishwasher in good shape:
- Use The Dishwasher’s Self-Cleaning Mode
One important tip for maintaining your dishwasher well is to run it through its self-cleaning cycle once a month. This helps remove any hard water or food deposits that have built up inside the unit. Simply place the dishwasher on its hottest setting with the heaviest wash load available, and make sure there are no dishes inside to prevent damage. Run it through a full cycle without any detergent, and then leave the door open to allow the interior of the dishwasher to dry completely.
- Clean The Filter Every So Often
One important tip for maintaining your dishwasher is to clean out the filter every month or so. This will prevent any food particles from getting stuck in it and causing a bad smell. To clean it, simply remove it from the bottom of the unit and use hot water and liquid dish soap to scrub off any excess buildup or debris that has accumulated there. Make sure it is rinsed well before putting it back into place.
- Use A Water Softener For Hard Water
If you have extremely hard water, then one effective tip for maintaining your dishwasher is to invest in a good-quality water softener to prevent calcium and magnesium buildup in the unit. If you live in an area with hard water, then you will notice a white film and buildup on your dishes if you don’t use one; this is caused by the minerals that are present in hard water. You can find them at any appliance store.
- Use A Water Temperature Of 60 Degrees Celsius
One helpful dishwasher maintenance tip to reduce mineral build up inside of it is to set its temperature setting to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, which also reduces foul odors within the unit as well – especially during hot summer months when things tend to dry out quickly and allow mold spores to flourish more easily (like leaving a damp cloth lying around).
- Stop Using The Dishwasher If You Are About To Go On Vacation
If you are planning a long vacation and won’t be able to use your dishwasher for an extended period of time, then it is important to stop using it several days before leaving. This will help prevent any mold or bacteria growth inside of the unit, which can damage it if left unchecked. So make sure you properly clean out your dishwasher before you leave to reduce the risk of having any mishaps during your absence.
- Clean The Detergent Drawer Every 3 Months Or So
One helpful maintenance tip that is often overlooked is cleaning out the detergent drawer every few months. Any soap residue that builds up will eventually cause soap suds to come back through the main water line, which can be harmful to it. So make sure you regularly take out the drawer and clean it, as well as remove any residue that has built up on the other parts of your dishwasher.
- Use The Right Detergent For Your Type Of Machine
Make sure you are using the right type of detergent for your dishwasher. Dishwashing liquid is not recommended because it usually leaves a residue behind after being rinsed away, which will cause spotting on glassware, silverware, and dishes if left alone over time. Instead, look for a brand-name powder or gel detergent that doesn’t have many dyes in it.
- Don’t Try To Fix It Yourself If You Are Not Sure Of What The Problem Is
If you are not sure why your dishwasher is malfunctioning, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call a professional instead so they can properly diagnose the problem before any more damage is done to it internally. Depending on the symptoms, they may recommend replacing certain parts or repairing others if it is still under warranty.
- Use A Dishwand To Get Rid Of Soap Scum And Hard Water Stains Easily
One easy way to clean soap scum and hard water stains off of glassware, silverware, and dishes with minimal effort is using a dishwand with an extendable handle that comes with a scrub pad on the end of it (it works similar to an extendable mop). When you are done using it, simply rinse it off with warm water and dish soap (or place it in your dishwasher) so that it is properly sanitized before storing in a cupboard or elsewhere.
- Use Vinegar Or Baking Soda To Remove Tough Stains
One effective way to remove tough stains in your dishwasher is by using either white distilled vinegar or baking soda (whichever you have on hand will work ). Make sure they are both fresh and make a solution with equal parts water to both items. You can then pour it into the bottom of your empty unit and run a short cycle with no dishes inside of it. This method will get rid of just about any stain left after regular use!
- Don’t Overstuff It With Too Many Dishes Or Utensils
It is important to remember not to overstuff your dishwasher, as doing so can damage your dishes and silverware over time. Make sure you are only putting the recommended number of items inside to avoid any possible problems that could arise from it being too heavy for your unit to handle.
- Don’t Use It As Storage For Dishes, Utensils Or Other Items
It is important not to use your dishwasher as storage for dirty dishes, utensils, or cups while they are still wet with soapy water or other types of liquid/solution. Exposure to so much moisture over time can cause mildew and mold growth on the surface of them if they are allowed to be overly wet before being put away. So try to dry them off completely first before placing them in the dishwasher to keep it clean and sanitary.
- Wash Dishes On A Lower Cycle Setting If You Have Soft Water
If you have soft water at your home, you can save yourself some time, energy , and hot water usage by washing dishes on a lower cycle setting if possible. Doing so will not only save on the amount of time that is needed but also reduce any harshness in temperature that may be caused due to using hotter water than necessary. This will help prolong the life of your unit too because it won’t have to work as hard or as long with less dirt clogging up its filters over time.
- Clean Out The Residue Left Behind In The Rinse Aid Dispenser
It is important to keep the rinse aid dispenser clean and free of any buildup that can cause problems over time from not being cleaned out regularly. If you forget to do this, it will leave a residue behind on your dishes that reduces their shine, causes spots, etc. So it’s always a good idea to take care of this as soon as possible – especially if you’ve noticed they aren’t getting as clean as usual lately.
- It’s Important To Keep Up On Maintenance And Replace Filters As Needed
It is important to keep up on maintenance for your dishwasher by regularly checking the filters and replacing them when they get clogged up or dirty so it can run at peak efficiency each time you use it. If the filters are left to get too clogged up over time, it will cause your dishwasher to strain itself when in use and possibly lessen the life of the unit as a whole if not fixed in a timely manner.
If you follow these tips, then your dishwasher should continue to run well over time and provide an ample clean for all the dishes, pots, pans, and utensils that are used inside it. From cutting down on costs of running it, to keeping up with maintenance ideas, to keep buildup from occurring or getting rid of bacteria build up in a timely manner, there is plenty of information here for you to take advantage of when the next time comes around that you’ll need them. Should you ever experience a problem with your dishwasher, we are here to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us!