The dishwasher is a modern marvel that tackles greasy pans and saves countless hours of scrubbing. To increase its longevity so that it works for you for many years to come, there are certain things you should and should not do.
Skip the Pre-Rinse, and Embrace the Scrape
Modern dishwashers are built for tough messes, and a little leftover food residue actually helps lubricate the grinding mechanism. Ditch the pre-rinse because it’s like forcing your dishwasher to take a needless warm-up lap. Instead, just scrape off large scraps, such as bones or globs of food.
Do Not Overload
Avoid overloading, as this restricts water flow and leaves some dishes out in the open and vulnerable to grime. Position all your plates, bowls and utensils facing the water sprayers for a full cleaning blast. Place the forks and knives with their points down for maximum scrubbing power and safety. Taller items, such as pots and pans, belong on the bottom rack, and all your delicate glassware takes the top spot.
Don’t Forget to Clean the Filter
The dishwasher filter has the job of catching food scraps and debris before they clog the drain. Give it a regular cleaning. You will typically need to do this once a month. If you are unsure how to do this, consult an appliance repair technician for guidance.
Do Give It a Deep Clean
Dishwashers benefit from a deep clean every now and then. You can use a store-bought dishwasher cleaner or create your own with white vinegar and baking soda. Run the dishwasher through a hot water cycle with your chosen cleaning solution. This will remove grease buildup, hard water stains and any lingering odors.
Do Pay Attention to the Door Gasket
The gasket around the dishwasher door is like a shield that protects the inside from moisture and food particles that can lead to mold growth. To keep this shield strong, wipe down the gasket with a damp cloth after each use. You can use a mild disinfectant solution to eliminate any sneaky bacteria that might be trying to invade. Be gentle because too much scrubbing can cause tears.
Do Harness the Power of Hot Water
If you mostly use low-temperature cycles to save energy, run a hot water cycle every now and then. This hot water acts like a powerful disinfectant that eliminates any bacteria that might be hiding inside the dishwasher and prevents them from multiplying. Hot water is also more effective at dissolving stubborn grease and food particles caked to surfaces.
Don’t Put Just Anything in the Dishwasher
While dishwashers are mighty machines, they can’t conquer everything. Certain items, such as delicate glassware, cast iron cookware and wooden utensils, can be damaged by the harsh detergents and high temperatures of the dishwasher.
Finally, do schedule annual professional maintenance. An appliance technician can spot and fix small problems before they balloon into disasters that will pulverize your wallet.
For dishwasher repair services in San Marcos, TX, reach out to City Appliance straight away.
