Keeping your dishwasher in top condition is more than having immaculate dishes. It’s also about preventing breakdowns and helping your appliance to last for years to come. Here are some simple tips you can implement for dishwasher maintenance.

Scrape, Don’t Pre-Rinse

You might be surprised to learn that pre-rinsing your dishes can be counterproductive. Modern dishwashers are designed to handle dirty dishes, and a little bit of food residue actually helps to lubricate the grinding mechanism. Just scrape off any large chunks of food waste before loading your dishwasher. This will prevent the filter from getting clogged and help the appliance give your dishes a good cleansing.

Load Smartly

The way you load your dishwasher can make a substantial difference in how clean your dishes get. Avoid overloading the dishwasher, as this can restrict water flow and prevent dishes from getting properly cleaned. Make sure all the items are facing the right way so that water sprayers can reach all their surfaces. For optimal cleaning as well as safety, place utensils with the handles up and the parts that contact food down.

Clean the Filter Regularly

The dishwasher filter is like a tiny net that catches food scraps and debris before they can clog the drain. It’s important to clean the filter regularly, typically once a month or so. Most filters can be rinsed with warm water, and you can use a toothbrush to remove any stubborn bits of food. If you are unsure how to remove or clean your filter, consult an appliance repair technician.

Deep Clean Once in a While

Dishwashers can benefit from a deep clean every now and then. To deep clean this appliance, you can use a commercially available dishwasher cleaner or a homemade solution of white vinegar and baking soda. Run the dishwasher through a hot water cycle with the cleaner or vinegar solution inside. This will help to remove any built-up grease, hard water stains, and odors.

Wipe Down the Door Gasket

The gasket around the dishwasher door can trap food particles and moisture, which can lead to mold growth. To prevent this, wipe down the gasket with a damp cloth after each use. You can also use a mild disinfectant solution to kill any bacteria.

Run a Hot Water Cycle Occasionally

If you mainly use your dishwasher for low-temperature cycles, it’s a good idea to run a hot water cycle occasionally. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be lurking in the dishwasher and prevent them from multiplying.

Don’t Put These in the Dishwasher

While dishwashers are a great help, they’re not suitable for everything. Certain items, such as delicate glassware, cast iron cookware, and wooden utensils can be damaged in the dishwasher.

In addition to following these tips, you need to schedule annual maintenance. An appliance repair technician can provide a full inspection to find and fix small problems before they become big ones. They can also perform professional cleaning.

For dishwasher maintenance and repair services in and around Forked River, NJ, reach out to our team at Brian’s Appliance Repair.