The Dos and Don'ts of Dishwasher Maintenance

Keeping a dishwasher in top condition starts with loading it with dishes.

Dishwashers make day-to-day kitchen tasks easier so long as they work properly. But an unmaintained dishwasher can be more trouble than it's worth. Fortunately, taking good care of a dishwasher can extend its lifespan and make it work efficiently for years.

Here is a look at some dos and don'ts of maintaining a dishwasher:

Load the dishwasher correctly

Keeping a dishwasher in top condition starts with loading it with dishes. Before doing so, scrape off food particles. If they accumulate, these particles can make the dishes dirtier than they were before.

Try not to overcrowd the dishwasher. There should be enough space between dishes for the water to move around and clean each dish thoroughly. On that note, the spray arms must have enough room to rotate freely inside the appliance.

Put the most fragile items on the top rack when loading the dishwasher. It's the safest place for them as the washing intensity is gentler.

Choose the right detergent

Not every detergent will work well in a dishwasher. Many detergents are for handwashing only. So check the package and pick a detergent that will work with a dishwasher.

When adding the detergent, please don't use it too much. Not only is it a waste, but depending on the liquid's composition, it could be harmful to overdo it. Dishwasher manufacturers usually recommend an ideal amount, so checking the manual is a good idea.

Clean the dishwasher

Dishwasher filters get clogged, so they need frequent cleaning. However, the rest of the dishwasher needs equal care. Wipe down the edges and door and door seals, too. Otherwise, they will grow mold and mildew. Most importantly, run a monthly cleaning cycle with dishwashing liquid or vinegar to thoroughly clean the appliance.

Use the dishwasher correctly

Dishwashers can waste power and water when used over-enthusiastically. Only run the dishwasher when it's full. Doing so saves water and energy. Some dishwashers also have eco-friendly or power-saving settings that make the dishwasher run less wastefully or handle smaller loads, if necessary.

Long-term care

Keep a watchful eye on the spinning arms. They collect dirt that's easy to miss, and as they age, they can suffer physical damage. Regarding physical damage, other parts, like racks and seals, could also experience issues that aren't immediately obvious, so check them occasionally and replace them if the damage gets too serious. To avoid such damage, steer clear of harsh chemicals as they gradually degrade the dishwasher. Instead, go for cleaners that are intended specifically for a dishwasher.

If the dishwasher is acting strangely, such as making strange noises or leaking, it may be time to call a repair professional.

Maintain the dishwasher for clean dishes

Dishwashers can greatly help the kitchen with proper maintenance or a major headache without them. But if you follow these tips, the unit can serve you faithfully for a long time.

Mr Fixer has a team of skilled and highly trained technicians who arrive at your location with fully stocked trucks to provide dishwasher repair, oven and cooktop repair, and garbage disposal repair. We are fully licensed and insured. Call today for speedy, same-day service.