Simple Solutions To Update, Maintain, And Use Your Dishwasher Properly

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After preparing a meal for your family, you most likely do not want to scrub dirty dishes, glasses, pots and pans by hand. Since cleaning up is an important part of cooking for your family, the benefits of a dishwasher are easy to see. Unfortunately, the overall abuse this appliance receives can be shocking. The constant wear and tear of the dishwasher will reduce its lifespan, but the improper use and poor maintenance will also decrease the appliance's ability to clean your dishes. To protect its lifespan and its function, consider these simple solutions to update, maintain, and use your dishwasher.

Update

If you have an older dishwasher, it may be using more energy and water than necessary. Dishwashers made before 1994 not only use an extra $40 in energy costs, but these outdated models also waste up to 10 gallons of water per cycle.

To conserve water and reduce your monthly bills, consider replacing your old dishwasher with a new Energy Star model.

Clean and Maintain

One of the smartest ways to ensure your dishwasher is functioning correctly is to use it regularly. Running the dishwasher regularly prevents food and debris from building up from the bottom of the appliance. In addition, running your dishwasher forces water through the water lines, reducing the risk of minerals, sediments, and food particles clogging up your dishwasher drain.

It is also important to empty your dishwasher after each load. Once it is empty, you will be able to inspect and clean the interior.

Pay special attention to the bottom of your dishwasher, since this will be where the drain is located. Food and residue may build up in and around the drain opening. If an excessive amount is built up, your dishwasher will not be able to properly drain. Remove any noticeable food or debris from the drain area.

If you notice water puddling up on the bottom of your dishwasher, you most likely have a clogged drain. Use the following steps to remove the clog:

1. Disconnect power to your dishwasher.
2. Use a screwdriver to remove the drain cover.
3. Use your hands to remove any chunks of food, plastic, or other debris that may clog up the drain opening. Do not allow these chunks to fall down further into the drain.
4. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub off heavy residue from the drain area. Wipe away the excess with a sponge or paper towel.
5. Reconnect the drain cover using the screwdriver.

Before reconnecting the power to your dishwasher, spend a few minutes cleaning the interior. In a spray bottle, combine 2 cups of warm water and 2 cups of white vinegar. Spray the solution into your dishwasher and allow it to sit and soak for a few minutes. Wipe away the leftover solution and residue using a few paper towels.

Vinegar contains acidic properties that are naturally antibacterial and antiviral. The vinegar is also capable of eating through heavy buildup due to food, grease, and hard water.

Load

Loading your dishwasher correctly will make sure your dishes, glasses, and cookware are cleaned properly. With proper loading, dishes and cookware will be cleaned on the first try, reducing the need for running an additional cycle. Here are a few tips on proper loading:

• When loading, make sure the soiled sides of your dishes, pans, platters, pots, and lids face the sprayer nozzles.
• Arrange larger pieces such as flat platters, cookie sheets, and pans on the sides or back of your dishwasher rack. This prevents them from blocking the spray needed to wash the smaller items.
• Place glasses and cups on the top rack of your dishwasher. Make sure to angle the opening end down onto the tines of your rack. This will keep them from moving and breaking during the dishwasher cycle.
• Place utensils in the utensil caddy. Do not overcrowd the caddy, since this will reduce the dishwasher's ability to wash and rinse utensils properly.

You use your dishwasher a lot over the course of its lifespan, so protecting your investment is smart. Using this guide, you will understand the best techniques to upgrade, clean, and use this appliance. For more information and assistance with repairs, contact a professional appliance services company. 

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29 July 2016