If you’re like many people, you probably use your dishwasher regularly. That said, a malfunctioning dishwasher can ruin your day — or even an entire week. You may need to reach out to a reliable Leaside plumber to get it fixed.
Avoid the hassle and keep your dishwasher running smoothly with these 7 simple dishwasher maintenance tips. You’ll be thankful you took the time to maintain your dishwasher and ensure it will do its job for years to come!
#1 Clean the Filter
It’s important to clean your dishwasher filter for many reasons. Firstly, a dirty dishwasher filter can cause the appliance to work inefficiently and use more energy than necessary. This will cause your electricity bill to skyrocket and put more strain on the machine itself, which could lead to costly breakdowns.
Furthermore, an unclean filter can make dishes come out dirtier than when they went in. Food particles from previous cycles get stuck in the filter and redeposit on the dishes during subsequent washes.
#2 Clean the Inside of Your Dishwasher
Cleaning your dishwasher machine is an important part of maintaining a healthy kitchen. Not only does it help to keep dishes and utensils free from bacteria, but it can also help to increase the efficiency of your dishwasher. Cleaning the inside of your dishwasher should not be overlooked, and here’s why:
First and foremost, food particles and grease can accumulate in any crevices or cracks in your machine. If left uncleaned, these particles can cause blockages which could lead to water leakage or other issues with parts of the appliance. Furthermore, regular cleaning helps to prevent bad odours from occurring due to mould and mildew growth over time.
Cleaning the inside of your dishwasher doesn’t have to take long or require expensive products; all you need is white vinegar, baking soda, and warm water.
#3 Run Hot Water Before Use
One of the most important steps in caring for your dishwasher is to ensure that you are running hot water before use. Allowing the hot water to run before starting your dishwasher will help the machine reach optimal temperature, which is key for effective and safe dishwashing.
Allow the water to run until it is scorching hot, which should take approximately two minutes. This simple step can make a big difference in how well your dishwasher performs and can help protect against cross-contamination and other health risks associated with unclean dishes, utensils, and cookware.
#4 Use the Right Detergent
Using the right dishwasher detergent is essential for keeping your appliance in top condition. Dishwashing detergents are formulated specifically to dissolve quickly and thoroughly in water; traditional hand soaps are not designed for the amount of water used by your dishwasher and may not clean dishes adequately.
For added convenience, some detergents come with a plastic moulded scoop or measuring cup that can be stored inside the container lid. When using a packet or powdered detergent, follow the instructions on the package for proper measurement and dispensing into the appropriate compartment of your dishwasher. Liquid detergent comes pre-measured and can be poured directly into its designated area.
Finally, always check your dishwasher usage guide regarding what products to use to avoid damaging your dishwasher.
#5 Unclog Spray Arms
Clogged dishwasher spray arms can cause your dishes to come out dirty and reduce your dishwasher’s efficiency.
If you’ve noticed that your dishes aren’t coming out as clean as they should, or if you don’t seem to be getting the most from each cycle, it might be time to unclog your dishwasher spray arm. Unclogging a dishwasher spray arm is relatively easy and only takes a few minutes.
It will help improve the performance of your dishwasher by ensuring that water and detergent reach every corner of the tub during each cycle.
In addition to improving cleaning performance, unclogging a dishwasher spray arm also helps increase energy efficiency.
#6 Run the Dishwasher Regularly
To ensure your dishwasher runs efficiently, it is important to use it regularly. While you may not regard this as a specific cleaning technique, running your dishwasher once a week at least can help maintain its performance and cleanliness.
This will help keep the seals from drying out, food from collecting in the filter, and minerals from building up. It will also ensure odours don’t develop over time.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for properly using the washer before running a cycle — making sure to place items correctly in racks or baskets. Additionally, consider using hot water during cycles for more effective cleaning and sanitation.
#7 Use Rinse Aid
Rinse Aid reduces water spotting on dishes by preventing the formation of water droplets during the rinse cycle. It also enhances drying performance by lowering the surface tension of the water and forming a film on the dishes to help them dry more quickly.
Rinse aid should be added each time you run your dishwasher until the manufacturer’s recommended level is reached. To avoid staining, ensure your dishes have been rinsed before placing them in the dishwasher and avoid soaps with bleach or lemon juice that contain plastic beads because these can damage your appliance.
Additionally, only use a rinse aid specifically designed for the model and make of your dishwasher, as generic versions can damage it. Ensure that rinse aid has not expired or become contaminated by other liquids before use.
Do You Need a Plumber in Beaches Toronto?
Although the dishwasher tips we’ve shared can help you keep your beloved appliance in good shape, there may be times when you need to call a professional. At Tom Day Plumbing and Drains, we offer several plumbing services to help keep everything in your home running smoothly. Contact us today at (416) 480-0622 to learn more!
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