Your dishwasher is a kitchen staple, quietly powering through dirty dishes, glasses, and cookware so you don’t have to. As such a hard-working appliance, it’s little wonder your dishwasher needs some preventative maintenance. If you neglect it, you may face unpleasant odors, ineffective cleaning, clogged drains, and frequent breakdowns. But show your dishwasher some love, and it will keep doing the dirty work for years to come.
Why Regular Dishwasher Cleaning and Maintenance Matter
Taking a few minutes each month to clean and check up on your dishwasher grants the following benefits:
- Extended lifespan: Skipping maintenance shortens your dishwasher’s life. Simple upkeep helps it run smoothly for years.
- Boosted performance: A clean machine runs better. Dishes and glasses sparkle with less hassle and fewer repeat cycles.
- Less buildup: Food particles, grease, and minerals can collect over time. Routine cleaning keeps clogs, odors, and streaky dishes at bay.
- Reduced energy and water waste: A cleaner dishwasher means better performance, which helps avoid repeat cycles that waste energy and water.
Step-by-Step Guide for Cleaning Your Dishwasher
No need for fancy tools or complicated tricks. Just follow these steps about once a month to keep things running smoothly:
- Clean the filter: Pull out the bottom rack and remove the filter. Rinse it under warm water to clear out trapped food and gunk.
- Wipe down the door and seals: Gently clean around the door edges and rubber gaskets with a damp cloth to remove hidden grime.
- Run a cleaning cycle: Place a cup of standard distilled white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack of an empty dishwasher, then run a hot cycle. This breaks down grease and hard water to freshen things up. Note: Avoid using vinegar too often (more than monthly), especially in dishwashers with rubber parts, as excessive acidity may degrade seals over time. Make sure to only use standard distilled white vinegar, as stronger vinegars will damage or degrade your seals.
- Clear the spray arms: Take out the spray arms and unclog the holes with a toothpick or small brush.
- Clean the drain: Check the bottom of the dishwasher for food scraps and debris. Wipe it clean to avoid blockages and strange smells.
- Check for mold and mildew: Peek inside for any signs of microbial growth. If you spot any, scrub it with a mild cleaner, vinegar and water solution, or baking soda paste.
As a general rule, consult your owner’s manual to for cleaning suggestions and to make sure that these steps are necessary for your particular model.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
A little effort upfront goes a long way. Try these habits to prevent problems with your dishwasher:
- Scrape dishes before loading: No need to pre-rinse, but remove chunks of food to prevent clogs and filter buildup.
- Use the right detergent: Stick with a detergent designed for dishwashers to prevent residue or damaged parts.
- Avoid overloading: It’s tempting to fit everything in one load, but cramming dishes too tightly may block the spray arms and restrict water flow, leaving you with spotty, half-clean results.
- Run hot water before starting: Turn on the tap for a few seconds before running the dishwasher for older models. This ensures the first fill is hot and ready to clean.
- Crack the door to speed up drying: After the cycle ends, pop the door open a few inches. This lets steam escape and helps dishes dry faster.
When to Call a Professional
Even with the best maintenance habits, sometimes you need backup. Contact AAA Service Network for dishwasher repair if you notice any of the following:
- Water isn’t draining
- Suds linger at the bottom
- Dishes still look dirty
- The appliance makes strange or loud noises
- Bad smells don’t go away
- You spot leaks or electrical problems
Keep Your Dishwasher Running Like New
Now that you’ve learned the essentials, you can avoid most breakdowns and frustrating surprises. But if your dishwasher still acts up, we’re here to help.
AAA Service Network has been helping Southeast Michigan families since 1976. Our certified, licensed appliance technicians know their stuff, and we back all repairs with a one-year warranty. We service just about every brand and offer emergency support when your dishwasher acts up on a weekend or holiday.
Call us today or schedule dishwasher repair online.