The dishwasher in your home greatly reduces the time you spend cleaning up after dinner. On average, this appliance can be expected to last between 8 and 10 years, but this depends on how well you maintain it. Improve the efficiency of your appliance, help it last longer, and get cleaner dishes when you keep up with dishwasher maintenance.
Dishwasher Maintenance: Clean the Filter
Your dishwasher is fitted with a filter that traps food particles and other debris. Over time, the filter may become clogged and your appliance may drain more slowly. A clogged filter also leads to dishes that aren’t quite sparkling at the end of the cycle. Remove the dishwasher’s filter and clean it thoroughly every month. Your machine will drain better and wash more effectively.
Keep it Clean
It’s important to keep the dishwasher clean. Food particles can settle in the tub at the bottom of the machine or become stuck around the door’s seal. This can lead to mold growth and unpleasant odors. Wipe out the inside and clean the outside of your dishwasher. Use a mild cleaner to clear away mold and mildew around the door gasket.
Make Sure the Machine is Level
If your dishwasher appears to be tilted in one direction, this can cause problems with its operation. The machine cleans your dishes by spraying water from rotating arms. If it is not level, the arms won’t spray evenly and may not rotate at all. An unlevel dishwasher may also drain more slowly. Food particles and debris could settle in one corner, leading to dirty dishes after the wash cycle.
Keep the Jets Clear for Dishwasher Maintenance
The dishwasher’s spray arms have small holes (jets) that spray water to clean the dishes. The jets can become clogged with food debris or sediment from hard water. If your dishwasher has removable arms, unscrew them and wash them in the sink. Otherwise, you’ll need to clean the jets with the spray arms still attached to the machine. Use hot, soapy water or a vinegar and water solution. It may be helpful to use a pipe cleaner or toothpick to remove stuck debris.
To keep your dishwasher functioning at peak efficiency, clean the appliance on a regular basis. Only use it to wash a full load. This will decrease wear and tear on the machine’s parts and help extend its life expectancy.
Carolina Homechek provides inspection services to Mecklenburg and the surrounding counties in North Carolina. Contact us to schedule an inspection.