Simple Maintenance Tips for a Dishwasher

by Pam Watson 09/15/2019

Many people hardly consider the fact that their dishwasher needs cleaning after it is done washing all the dishes. Because of that, a lot are confused about how to go about cleaning and maintaining their dishwasher. Yet, cleaning and maintaining a dishwasher doesn’t have to be tedious. With proper maintenance, you increase the lifespan, giving it all it needs to run smoothly and effectively. 

With just fifteen minutes every month, you can give your dishwasher a thorough cleaning. Your dishwasher, in turn, will reward you with years of excellent service and dedication to you. Some simple ways to maintain and repair your dishwasher are:

Consult the Owner’s Manual

The owner's manual is an excellent place to start in cleaning your dishwasher. If you cannot find your owner's manual, I am pretty sure there will be one available online. In the owner's manual, I am pretty sure you will have instructions about maintenance as well.With the make and model of your dishwasher, getting it online shouldn't be much stress if you do not have a copy.

Unclog the Sprayer Arms and Nozzles

To get to the sprayer arm, you would have to remove the dishwasher racks. Then, check the nozzles on the sprayer arms and get rid of any clogs with a pipe cleaner or toothpick.

Clean the Drain

The plug for the sink is under the strainer. Hence, you should unplug the dishwasher, especially for built-in models. Also, turn off the circuit breaker to be sure. Be sure to refer to the owner's manual to confirm if the tray by the drain can be removed entirely or just slides off. Get rid of debris or food drain under the unit. 

Inspect the racks

Check the racks for chips and repair. If you discover that the dishwater rack looks bad or worn, rack paint for dishwashers comes in assorted colors. You will be sure to find a shade of paint that goes with the rack. You can get one from the manufacturer or online. You can get replacement racks if your dishwasher is already severely rusted.

Get rid of Soap Scum by running Vinegar through the Dishwasher Cycle

Allow the touch-up paint to dry up if you replaced the racks. You need to run a cup of vinegar on the top shelf of the dishwasher and run a complete cycle. We recommend using a packet of unsweetened lemon-flavored drink mix alongside the vinegar. You should pour it in the detergent compartment and run it through a cycle. 

 If your dishwasher is still showing signs of water wastage or inefficient cleaning of dishes, contact an electrician to help you check it out.

About the Author
Author

Pam Watson

Hi, I'm Pam Watson and I have been a Realtor since 1979. Whether you are buying or selling, I am here to serve you. I have an exceptional experienced staff working with me to make every transaction smooth and handled with care. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.

Serving all of Solano County.