Homeowners that have a dishwasher understand just how important this appliance is to their family. It saves time and energy, and sometimes it even saves money. Dishwashers have become a must-have appliance for most homeowners. But, some wonder how to care for their dishwasher to assure it lasts many years. Consider the valuable tips below when taking care of your dishwasher.
- Avoid Overloading – Homeowner’s with a large family or those that use a lot of dishes and cookware often overload their dishwasher. Stuffing your dishwasher with too many dishes, pots, pans and silverware will prevent the dishes from becoming clean. The overcrowding prevents proper placement and causes restricted spray patterns. Meaning the water doesn’t reach all the dishes. The main sign that you are overloading the dishwasher is the appearance of food particles still stuck to the dish.
- Clean the Filter – Most dishwasher models have the filter located under the lower spray arm or near the bottom of the machine. The owner’s manual will explain exactly where the filter is located on your specific dishwasher model. It is essential to follow the directions of the owner’s manual when cleaning the filter.
- Repair Dish Racks – Since most dishwashers are used daily they begin to ware quite quickly. It is important to repair dish racks as soon as possible. Avoiding repair can cause the damaged area to corrode and rust. Small rust particles can break lose during the wash cycle and spread all over your dishes, pots, pans and silverware. This is especially dangerous because some particles can be so tiny you can barely see them. This allows them to mix in with your food and expose the entire family to consuming metal fragments without realizing it.
- Repair Broken Components – Hidden components of the dishwasher can become damaged or have problems. It is essential that you refer to the owner’s manual to learn more about troubleshooting your dishwasher model. If you find that the issue is serious, contact a professional plumber immediately for further assistance.
Avoiding dishwasher repair can cause serious issues that can lead to an expensive bill or total replacement of the appliance. Conducting regular maintenance such as a quick cleaning of the inside of the washer as well as the filter can help prolong the lifetime of the dishwasher. Never touch or repair electrical components on your own. Always contact a plumber for further assistance.
