Dishwasher maintenance is essential to keeping your most used kitchen appliance running smoothly. There’s nothing worse than a dishwasher that doesn’t do its job correctly.
Considering you don’t usually take the time to perform rigorous maintenance, it’s time to pay it forward with the following dishwasher maintenance and cleaning tips from our appliance experts.
1. Clean the Filter
The dishwasher filter traps food and dirt debris, preventing it from going down the drain. Locate and remove the dishwasher filter from the bottom of the dishwasher. Once removed, rinse any loose debris from the filter and scrub it with hot, soapy water. Cleaning the filter is also a possible solution for a dishwasher that emits unpleasant odors.
2. Clean the Door Gaskets
As your dishwasher ages, the rubber gasket or door seal can weaken, allowing water to leak in. Inspect the gasket frequently and replace it if necessary. It should not have any tears or cuts. Wipe and clean the gaskets to ensure they seal securely to the door.
3. Clean the Spray Arm
The dishwasher spray arm is the propeller- or fan-shaped object at the bottom of the dishwasher. These are what spray the dishes and other items inside the dishwasher. Clean the spray arms with warm, soapy water. Use a toothpick or cotton swab to help clean the spray holes, allowing for better water flow.
4. Scrape Off Excess Food
It can be tempting to load the dishwasher with heavily soiled dishes. However, removing food debris first can help with dishwasher maintenance. Too much solid food and greasy residue can clog the drain, spray arm, and other appliance components, and food debris can continue to recirculate and stick to dishes. To avoid overloading the dishwasher, get into the habit of scraping each dish before loading it.
5. Deep Clean the Interior
You should clean your dishwasher every few months. A straightforward method is to place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container with an open lid on the top rack of the dishwasher. Then, run it through a hot water cycle. Vinegar effectively removes greasy residue and musty odors.
6. Run Cycles Regularly
You should run your dishwasher at least once a week to prevent deterioration. If you don’t do it frequently, seals can dry out, and mechanical components can seize up. Even a brief weekly wash is essential to help keep the appliance running. A dishwasher uses less water than washing the same load of dishes by hand.