Keep Your Dishwasher Running Smoothly with These Simple Tips
Is your dishwasher not performing as well as it used to? A simple tune-up can often do wonders to restore its efficiency. With just a bit of maintenance, you can ensure that your dishwasher continues to run effectively, making your after-dinner clean-up a breeze. Follow these straightforward tips to revitalize your dishwasher and prolong its lifespan.
Taking some time for dishwasher maintenance can significantly enhance its performance. Here’s how to give your appliance a thorough cleaning and tune-up.
Essential Items for Cleaning Your Dishwasher
Before you start, gather the necessary cleaning supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Plain White Vinegar
- Vinegar Gel (easy to make or available online)
- Citric Acid (commonly found on Amazon)
- Dawn Dish Soap (or your preferred brand)
- An Old Toothbrush or A Cleaning Tool
Once you have your supplies ready, it’s time to start cleaning. We’ll tackle food particles, grease, and limescale buildup that might be affecting your dishwasher’s efficiency!
Eliminate Food Particles & Grease
Even if you rinse your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, some food particles and grease can still linger inside. It’s surprising what can accumulate over time! For example, during my last cleaning session, I discovered a chickpea that had somehow evaded our previous washes. While dishwashers excel at cleaning, they struggle with larger food debris. Additionally, grease can clog filters, leading to drainage issues. Make it a habit to clean your dishwasher filters every month to maintain optimal performance.
How to Clean the Dishwasher Filters
Step 1: Begin by removing any visible food or debris from the filters.
Step 2: Use dish soap (I prefer Dawn) and an old toothbrush to scrub away any grease or grime clinging to the filters.
Step 3: Rinse the filters thoroughly after cleaning them.
Note: If you live in an area with hard water, soak the filters in vinegar for about an hour to dissolve any limescale or calcium buildup.
Step 4: Reinsert the clean filters back into position. With clean filters, your dishwasher will efficiently filter and clean the water, ensuring it runs like new.
Clean the Spray Arms
Depending on your water hardness and whether you pre-wash your dishes, the spray arms can accumulate a lot of grime. For a comprehensive clean, I recommend removing the spray arms and soaking them. While removing them is generally straightforward, refer to your dishwasher’s manual for specific instructions based on your model.
Step 1: Detach the spray arms and place them in a mixture of water and vinegar.
I typically use my laundry sink for this task.
Step 2: Add a few squirts of Dawn soap to this mixture to help break down any grease.
Step 3: After soaking for about 30 minutes, rinse the spray arms and reattach them. If removing them isn’t feasible, at the very least check for hard water buildup and clean any deposits. You can apply vinegar gel to the spray arm nozzles, let it sit for about 20 minutes, and then wipe it off. This will help keep the spray arms clear and functioning optimally.
Remove Buildup from Seals & Vent
The seals and vents around your dishwasher are prone to limescale and calcium buildup. To clean these areas, I recommend using vinegar gel.
Cleaning the Seals
Step 1: Apply vinegar gel to the seals using an old toothbrush or cleaning brush.
Step 2: Allow the gel to sit for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Gently scrub the seals with the cleaning brush.
Step 4: Let it sit for another 10 minutes before wiping it off with a damp microfiber cloth.
Note: If you suspect your vent is clogged with hard water, consult your owner’s manual for instructions on removing and cleaning it. A clogged vent may prevent your dishes from drying properly. By regularly cleaning your seals and ensuring the vent is clear, you can keep your dishwasher in excellent working condition.
Run an Empty Load for Cleaning
To keep the interior of your dishwasher free from grease and hard water stains, I recommend running an empty load every month. To tackle hard water stains, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of citric acid to the dishwasher. Fill the soap dispenser with citric acid and place the rest inside the dishwasher. Then, run it on the energy-saving cycle. If you prefer not to use citric acid, you can opt for a commercial dishwasher cleaner, but I find citric acid to be the most economical and effective for removing hard water deposits. After the cycle, leave the dishwasher door open to allow it to air dry. This simple maintenance tip will help keep your dishwasher running like new for years to come.
Mix Up the Settings Occasionally
If your dishwasher has a plethora of settings, like mine, you may find yourself sticking to just a few. Every now and then, try using different settings. For instance, my dishwasher includes a bottle wash option that I tend to overlook. If unused for an extended period, it can become clogged with hard water deposits and food particles. By occasionally utilizing various settings, you can prevent them from becoming unusable. Remember, maintaining your dishwasher doesn’t have to be time-consuming. With these easy tips, you can keep your appliance operating like new!
For more effortless cleaning hacks, don’t miss out on our guide on how to eliminate water stains from stainless steel appliances.
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