Washing the dishes can be a boring task, and it’s something that is always being put off until the end when we run out of all glasses and utensils.
Thanks to the dishwasher, you no longer have to think about your dirty dishes the same way again. It will save you from the hassle of having to stand over your sink and scrub the dirty pans and pots. All you need to do is to load up the dishwasher and turn it on.
Like all your other appliances in your household, your dishwasher also needs some tender loving care. It should be looked after to keep it in good running condition at all times. We rounded up seven maintenance tips to help you prolong the life of your dishwasher.
Caring for Your Dishwasher
If you want to know the best care for your dishwasher, here are some handy tips.
1. Scrape Before Washing
Although dishwashers offer the convenience of cleaning the dishes by simply loading them into the machine, it doesn’t mean that you will not exert an effort while doing so.
It will help the machine if you scrape that food from your plates before loading them. The food debris from your plates can clog the dishwasher which may decrease the efficiency of the machine. Removing food wastes will also have cleaner results because the food will not get stuck on the dishes once the cycle is over.
2. Do Not Overcrowd Your Dishwasher
It may be tempting to put all your dirty dishes all at once with plates and mugs. However, this is not good for the dishwasher.
If you pack it too tightly, your dishes will not receive thorough cleaning and at the end of the cycle, you may find that they are not cleaned at all.
Fill the dishwasher comfortably and wash the remaining dishes by hand. You’ll be adding years to your machine’s life by doing so.
3. Clean the Dishwasher Trap
Your dishwasher needs cleaning too. Over time the grime and bits of food will build up and settle in the crevices inside your machine.
The first thing that you should clean is the removable tray beneath the sprayer at the bottom. Remove it fully and wash it in the sink with soap and water. Then make sure that the dishwasher trap is free from food bits.
4. Run Hot Water Before Turning on the Dishwasher
When you turn on your dishwasher, expect the water to be cold first because it is the remaining water in the pipes.
To have hot water when you start your dishwasher cycle is to run water until it is hot to touch. When you do this, the dishwasher cycle will be hot. This is particularly useful during winter.
5. Check the Seals
This is important to check the seals for older dishwashers because the seals around the door may start to peel away or get loose. Secure the loose seal using a strong adhesive like superglue. You can also replace it with a self-sealing tub gasket which you can find at a local home improvement store.
Clean the rubber seals every few months because it can accumulate bacteria and grime. You can use a piece of clean cloth to wipe them.
6. Make Sure That it is Level
If the dishwasher is not level, it is disposed of to inefficiency and leaks. To make sure that your dishwasher is balanced, take a lever and place it at the top or bottom. If it is not level, adjust the leveling screws and check again.
7. Use the Right Detergents
There is a special type of detergent for dishwasher use. It can come in different forms (liquid, tablets or powder) and formulas. Purchase the right detergent based on the model, make and the capacity of the unit.
For a consistent clean, we recommend tablets, as powders can clump and decrease the effectiveness of the dishwashing machine. Never use a dish soap as it can mess with your kitchen and your machine.
Final Thoughts
One of your most reliable partners in your kitchen is your dishwasher. It is a good investment because it can save you time and money in cleaning your dishes. If you want to get more out of your investment, focus on keeping your dishwasher in excellent shape by following these maintenance tips.
