Your dishwasher is one of the hardest working appliances in your home, considering that it does the after-meal washing up for you so you don’t have to, saving you a lot of time and trouble! It’s so nice to sit back and relax after dinner while the dishwasher hums away doing all the dirty work!
Because of this hard work, your dishwasher requires that some regular cleaning and maintenance be performed on a regular basis. Neglecting the health of your dishwasher can cost you big money in repairs! It’s best to be proactive and follow some basic dishwasher maintenance tips to keep your helpful appliance performing its best for you!
Clean The Dishwasher Filter Regularly – Food debris slowly builds up in your dishwasher over time and can cause some pretty odours. Once a month you should take a minute to pull out your dishwasher’s filter and give it a thorough cleaning. If you aren’t sure how to do this consult the owner’s manual, if you don’t have one you can usually find it online at the manufacturer’s website. The filter can be found on the unit’s floor, usually underneath the lower spray arm. Some models have a filtration system with a lower flat filter and an upper cylindrical filter. Take both filters out and gently hand wash them with warm running water and soap.
Use Vinegar To Reduce Particle Buildup – There are always going to be a few stuck food particles or residual detergent left sticking to the dishwasher’s insides after a wash, and over time they can add up to a mess. Use white vinegar, a powerful antimicrobial DIY cleanser, to help remove the crud. Just place a dishwasher-safe container on the top or bottom rack with a cup of vinegar in it, then let your dishwasher run on the hot cycle. This will allow the vinegar to break down any debris and residue while it cleans and disinfects the insides of your dishwasher.
Load The Dishes Properly – You might not think this is a big deal, but loading your dishwasher properly can make a big difference in your dishwasher’s ability to clean. Here are some tips for loading your dishwasher correctly:
- If your plates and dishes have a lot of grease on them then take a moment to wipe the grease and gunk into the rubbish bin to prevent clogged drains in your dishwasher and in your kitchen sink!
- Study up on your owner’s manual so you know how to select the correct cycle for the things you are washing. Use heavy cycles for pots and pans, and lighter cycles for more fragile items.
- Never overload your dishwasher by stuffing all your pots, pans, and dishes into every empty corner of the dishwasher. Be sure to load everything correctly so the water can flow properly.
Clean The Dishwasher Gasket – The dishwasher’s seal or gasket is what keeps the water from leaking out onto your floor. Residue builds up on the gasket or seal so once a month you should clean it with a solution of 3 cups of water and half a cup of vinegar.
Follow these simple steps so your dishwasher can keep working for you!
