Maintaining Your Dishwasher
Dishwashers last longer and run more efficently when properly maintained. Here are a few helpful tips for maintaining your dishwasher:
For Cleaner Dishes - check the nozzles on the sprayer arms for clogs, and clean as necessary. Your dishes will come out cleaner with this simple step.
To keep your pump from working too hard - unplug your dishwasher, then remove any food or debris from the drain at the bottom of the unit. Many models have a tray that just slides off, but consult your dishwasher’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.
Remove hard water deposits, soap scum and rust stains from the walls of your dishwasher - place a cup of vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher, and run it through a complete cycle. A packet of lemon-flavored drink mix may be used in place of the vinegar. Just pour it into the detergent compartment (without sugar), and run the dishwasher through a cycle.
Keep racks from rusting, and prevent your dishes from getting chipped on exposed metal - inspect the racks for chips, and repair any that you find with dishwasher rack touch up paint. (Touch up paint comes in multiple colors, so take the time to find a paint that matches your racks.) If your dishwasher racks are already badly rusted, look into buying replacement racks.
Set aside 15 minutes every few months and mark your calendar for reminders to give your dishwasher a thorough cleaning, and you will be rewarded with years of reliable service!
These helpful tips to maintain your dishwasher are provided courtesy of REALTOR Connie Shuping, MBA of Great Triangle Homes.