Dishwasher giving you problems? Extend the life of your appliance with these tips for maintaining and cleaning a dishwasher, and get cleaner dishes in the process.
We’ve only lived here for four years, but our house is nearing its 10th birthday, which could mean we’re in for some major repairs soon.
If I had to guess, I’d say the dishwasher will be the first major appliance to go. It’s older than the fridge and washer and dryer, and it gets an almost daily workout. Plus, we’ve already had to tackle a few repairs.
While I’d love a shiny new, super-efficient and quiet dishwasher, it’s not in the budget or on our list of home improvements at the moment. So, we’re doing everything we can to extend the lifecycle of our dishwasher.
These eight simple maintenance, usage and cleaning tips will help your dishwasher run better and last longer.
Because I definitely do not want to have to wash my dishes this way!
1) Clean the rubber seal around the outside of your dishwasher regularly with soap and water to prevent the buildup of dust and fungus.
2) Help avoid leaks by making sure your dishwasher is level. Test by opening the door and placing a level along the door’s inside edge. If it’s not level, adjust it using the feet on the front of the dishwasher, which may be located behind an access panel.
3) Unless you have a dishwasher with self-cleaning filters, clean the filters regularly. Remove and rinse them, using a soft brush as necessary. Check the filters for any breakage or holes and replace them. The filters protects the motor and other fragile parts of this major appliance.
4) If you notice rust inside the dishwasher or on your dishes, make sure that there isn’t any exposed metal on the dish racks. You can buy a repair kit at the hardware store to fix the racks, or if the problem is really bad, you may need to replace them through the manufacturer. Clean any rust stains; it may be necessary to use a rust remover.
5) Clean the inside of the dishwasher regularly, wiping down the bottom and sides and removing any food bits and build up. You also want to check that the holes in the sprayer arm of your dishwasher are not clogged. Use tweezers or wire to clear the holes. Make sure nothing is trapped inside the sprayer arm, and also scrub to remove any mineral deposits.
6) Don’t overload the dishwasher, as tempting as it may be. Cramming too many dishes prevents the sprayer arm from working as it should, and your dishes won’t get clean. You’ll waste water when you have to run the load again or hand wash dishes that didn’t get clean.
7) Be careful about using vinegar in your dishwasher. It can erode seals and gaskets over time. But it is important to clear the dishwasher regularly. You can wipe it down or use a dishwasher cleaner monthly or whenever you notice buildup.
8) Don’t use more dishwasher detergent than the manufacturer directs. I used to think that you’d get a better clean by adding more detergent to the dishwasher.
But experience has taught me that it’s quality, not quantity that matters.
That’s why I love an all-in-one product like Finish® Powerball® Max-In-1®, which delivers a powerful clean, eliminates the need for pre-rinsing and leaves dishes clean and shiny.
And there’s no need to pre-rinse dishes, even those with dried-on leftovers, something my husband and I always debate.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Reckitt Benckiser. The opinions and text are all mine.
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