A dishwasher is a great appliance to have in your kitchen, especially if you have a large family. It can clean the biggest of dishes and pans, leaving your hands free to tackle other jobs or spend time with your family. While large appliances can affect your energy bills, here are four tips that let you use your dishwasher and save money without worrying about dirty pots and pans.
1. Use the Right Combo of Products
If you think your dishwasher only needs detergent to run, think again. Detergent is just one product that helps. You also need a rinse aid and an enzyme tablet. When the dishwasher runs, it automatically adds each product at the right time. The enzyme tablet eats through any food bits or particles left behind, and the detergent cleans the dishes. During the last cycle, the dishwasher uses the rinse aid to clean off the dishes and remove water spots. Using only one of these products can lead to higher energy bills because you need to run the dishwasher more than once.
2. Install a Water Softener
Always check if you have hard water before you add a dishwasher to your home. Hard water contains lime, calcium, and other minerals that leave behind residue on your dishes. Most hardware and home improvement stores sell kits that let you test your water. Adding a water softener filters the water and removes the minerals before it sends the water to your dishwasher, which helps it do more in a single run.
3. Clean the Appliance
Don’t assume that just because detergent and hot water run through the dishwasher that the appliance itself will be clean. Food bits and other debris left behind affect the appliance and prevent it from running optimally. You don’t need to spend a lot of time and effort to clean the dishwasher though. Take out the spray arm and all the racks. Wipe the inside down with a soft cloth and a little warm water, using a cleaning brush to remove stuck-on food. Use another soft cloth to gently wipe down the exterior.
4. Look for Problems
Cut down on dishwasher repairs by keeping an eye out for possible problems. Routine maintenance can help because it ensures that you check all the working parts regularly. Pay attention to any odd noises you might hear like squeals or gurgles. Take time to check the gasket and seal for leaks, too. If your dishwasher springs a leak, it will waste water every time you operate it.
With how much you rely on your dishwasher, why not take the time to ensure it runs efficiently? Practice routine maintenance, clean the appliance often, install a water softener if needed, and use the right products. If you live in the San Marcos, TX area and find you need more help, give a shout-out to City Appliance for dishwasher help.
