Some appliances are just commonplace in any kitchen these days, including a dishwasher. Your dishwasher is a vital piece of machinery in your home. It not only helps you clean your dishes easily without any work on your end but also keeps dishes sanitary which is important for your health. But like any other machine, it needs to be properly taken care of in order to last as long as possible. This post will give you a list of tips for extending the life of your dishwasher!
Contents
- 1 Run Vinegar Through Your Dishwasher
- 2 Use Detergents Pods Rather Than Liquid Detergent
- 3 Never Run It Too Empty Or Too Full
- 4 Run Your Dishwasher Often
- 5 Empty The Food Trap Regularly
- 6 Scrape Large Food Pieces Off Your Dishes
- 7 Run The Correct Cycles
- 8 Have Your Dishwasher Serviced Annually
- 9 Keep Your Dishwasher Running Like New!
Run Vinegar Through Your Dishwasher
Over time, dishwashers can start to accumulate mineral deposits, soap scum, and other buildups that can impede their performance. One way to help keep your dishwasher running smoothly is to give it a vinegar bath every so often. Simply add a cup of vinegar to the detergent compartment and run the dishwasher on its hottest cycle.
The acidic vinegar will help to break down deposits and freshen up the machine. In addition, vinegar is a natural disinfectant, so this simple maintenance step can also help to keep your dishwasher bacteria-free. For best results, run a vinegar cycle through your dishwasher once a month.
Use Detergents Pods Rather Than Liquid Detergent
If you’re looking for a way to help extend the life of your dishwasher, using detergent pods rather than liquid detergent may be a good option. Unlike liquid detergent, which can leave behind a sticky residue, detergent pods dissolve completely in water. This helps to keep your dishwasher’s pump and spray arm free from clogs. Pods are also less likely to spill or leak than traditional liquid detergents, which can also lead to a buildup of grime and gunk inside your dishwasher.
Furthermore, detergent pods are more concentrated than liquid detergent, so you can use less without sacrificing cleaning power. As a result, making the switch to detergent pods is an easy way to help keep your dishwasher running like new.
Never Run It Too Empty Or Too Full
Most people have experienced the frustration of a dishwasher that doesn’t seem to be cleaning our dishes properly. There are a number of things that can cause this, but one of the most common culprits is running your dishwasher too empty or too full. When your dishwasher isn’t full enough, the water doesn’t circulate properly and your dishes don’t get clean. Conversely, if you overload your dishwasher, the water can’t circulate properly and your dishes will come out dirty.
In either case, you’re not getting the most out of your dishwasher and you’re also shortening its lifespan. As a general rule of thumb, you should try to keep your dishwasher half to two-thirds full when running it. This will ensure that the water can circulate properly and clean your dishes effectively.
Run Your Dishwasher Often
The dishwasher is one of the most used appliances in the kitchen, and it’s important to keep it running smoothly. One way to do this is by running it often. This may seem counterintuitive, but experts say that short, regular cycles are actually better for your dishwasher than infrequent, long ones. That’s because long cycles put a strain on the pump and motor, while short cycles help to keep these components clean and lubricated.
Furthermore, running your dishwasher regularly helps to prevent mineral buildup, which can lead to clogs and other problems. So if you want to keep your dishwasher running like new, be sure to run it as soon as you have enough dirty dishes. Your dishes will be clean, and your appliance will thank you for it.
Empty The Food Trap Regularly
Like any appliance, your dishwasher will eventually start to experience problems if it is not properly maintained. One of the most important things you can do to extend the life of your dishwasher is to empty the food trap after each use. The food trap, also known as the sludge trap, is located near the bottom of the dishwasher and collects all the food particles that are washed off your dishes. If these particles are not removed, they can start to rot and cause a nasty smell.
They can also clog the drain and prevent the dishwasher from draining properly. As a result, it is important to make sure that the food trap is emptied after each use. You can usually find the food trap by opening up the bottom panel of your dishwasher.
Scrape Large Food Pieces Off Your Dishes
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice before tossing your dishes into the dishwasher. However, taking a few extra minutes to scrape off large food pieces can help extend the life of your dishwasher. Over time, food buildup can cause clogs and other problems that can lead to costly repairs. Additionally, scraping off food helps to prevent stains and odors from developing.
So next time you’re finished with a meal, take a few extra minutes to scrape off your dishes and give them a quick rinse before putting them in the dishwasher. Your dishwasher will thank you for it!
Run The Correct Cycles
Your dishwasher is a workhorse in your kitchen, so it’s important to keep it running smoothly. One way to do that is by running the correct cycles. Depending on your dishwasher, there may be different cycles for different loads. For example, you might have a cycle for lightly soiled dishes and another cycle for heavily soiled dishes.
By running the appropriate cycle, you can help extend the life of your dishwasher by preventing unnecessary wear and tear. In addition, some cycles use less water and energy than others, so you can save money on your utility bills by using the most efficient cycle. When it comes to keeping your dishwasher running smoothly, it pays to know your cycles.
Have Your Dishwasher Serviced Annually
A dishwasher is a big investment for any kitchen, and like any other appliance, it needs to be properly maintained in order to function its best. One important way to do this is by having your dishwasher serviced annually. During a service call, a technician will clean out the interior of the dishwasher, including the spray arm and drain line. They will also inspect the seals and gaskets for any signs of wear and tear.
This preventative maintenance can help to extend the life of your dishwasher and prevent costly repairs down the road. In addition, it can also improve the performance of your dishwasher, ensuring that it cleans dishes more effectively. So if you want to keep your dishwasher running like new, be sure to schedule an annual service call.
Keep Your Dishwasher Running Like New!
By following these simple tips, you can help extend the life of your dishwasher and keep it running like new. From emptying the food trap regularly to having your dishwasher serviced annually, taking a few extra steps to care for your appliance can go a long way. So if you want to keep your dishwasher in tip-top shape, be sure to follow these tips!
And don’t forget, if you ever need dishwasher repair or maintenance, there are plenty of experts out there who can help. So don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need a little assistance!
