Maintaining Your Dishwasher for Longevity and Efficiency

Your dishwasher is not just a convenient kitchen appliance; it’s also a valuable investment. To ensure its longevity and peak performance, following a maintenance routine is essential. This guide will explore five practical tips to help you make the most of your dishwasher.

Regularly Clean the Dishwasher Filter

One of the most straightforward yet crucial maintenance tasks is cleaning your dishwasher’s filter. Ideally, it would help if you cleaned it after each use. It may seem like a daunting task, but it’s pretty straightforward. After removing the filter from the machine, rinse it under a tap to dislodge any debris, let it dry, and reinsert it. If cleaning after every use is not feasible, aim to do it at least once a week.

Scrape Off Food Residues

Preventing your filter from clogging in the first place is essential. Make it a habit to scrape plates and remove food residues from pans and dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Particular attention should be paid to foods such as porridge, which can burn if left on the hob for too long. Before starting a cycle, you can pre-soak these items in the sink before adding them to the dishwasher.

Maintain Adequate Dishwasher Salt Levels

Some dishwashers allow you to customize settings based on the water hardness in your area. Contact your local water board to determine the water hardness level. If your dishwasher offers this feature, use it to ensure the proper salt prevents hard water deposits from building up.

Inspect and Clean Spray Arms

Periodically, remove the spray arms for cleaning, with the frequency depending on your dishwasher’s usage. Clean them in a solution of washing up liquid and water. While cleaning, check for blockages that might obstruct the jets, such as fruit pips or small food particles. To ensure the brackets remain unobstructed, run water through their inlets; if it flows smoothly, there is no obstruction. If blockages are present, clear them with a toothpick or similar tool.

Deep Clean the Dishwasher Every Two Months

Surprisingly, dishwashers are an often neglected part of the cleaning process. A study by Appliances Direct found that on average, consumers wash their dishwashers just three times a year. We recommend conducting a thorough cleaning every two months to maintain optimal performance. Run an empty dishwasher on the hottest setting to remove built-up grime and maintain its efficiency.

Conclusion

By following these five maintenance tips, you can extend the lifespan of your dishwasher, ensure it operates efficiently, and save on potential repair costs. Regular maintenance keeps your dishwasher in top shape and ensures that your kitchen runs smoothly, with clean dishes ready when you need them.