Dishwashers are must-have appliances. However, they’re useless if they don’t work properly. Preventive maintenance is the most effective way to ensure the dishwasher works optimally and that it is ready to use whenever you need it.

Dishwashers are complex appliances, but the basic mechanics of them are easy to understand. Put simply: dishwashers use hot water and detergent to wash grease and grime off dishes. Then they drain the dirty water before sanitizing at a high temperature. This straightforward explanation makes it easy to see how preventive maintenance can keep the dishwasher running strong. Just follow this simple guide.

Stop Buildup

Buildup can lead to the formation of clogs inside the dishwasher as well as the surrounding plumbing system. Clogs not only affect how well dishes are cleaned, but they can prevent the dishwasher from working at all and potentially cause even bigger plumbing problems.

Routinely Clean Inside the Dishwasher

As the dishwasher cleans your dishes, it removes anything stuck to the surface. This means food bits, grease, and grime, all of which can cause buildup on the different dishwasher parts.

To clean, use vinegar, or a gentle dish soap, and warm water to wipe off the interior. Focus on the ends of the spray arms to ensure nothing prevents water from coming out. Then wipe around the gasket to remove any stuck food, grease, or grime. Once you’ve wiped everything down, remove and clean out the filter, where food particles can get stuck.

Avoid Overloading the Dishwasher

The dishwasher can hold a lot, but it is possible to overload it. Overloading can affect water distribution, prevent dishes from getting clean, and overwork the dishwasher. Furthermore, overloading can increase the likelihood of dishes breaking during the wash cycle.

Instead of overloading and trying to compensate with too much detergent, stack dishes so they are likely to each get equally clean. Only use the amount of detergent you need to prevent buildup. Also, avoid partial loads. Always make sure the dishwasher is fully loaded before running to save on energy and help preserve the lifespan of the dishwasher.

Only Load Dishwasher-Safe Dishes

The fact is that some things simply aren’t meant for the dishwasher. If you’re unsure if a dish is dishwasher-safe, it’s best to go ahead and hand wash it.

Check for Signs of Trouble

Practicing regular maintenance will make it much easier to detect problems before they get out of hand. When you come across a problem with the dishwasher, don’t ignore it. For example, if the dishwasher isn’t draining properly or you notice a leak, remember that these things need immediate attention.

It may be something you can fix on your own by cleaning out the dishwasher, but it could also be a problem that can only be resolved by a professional plumber. If you need dishwasher repairs, call us at Rochester Appliance Service in Rochester, MN today to schedule an appointment.