In a modern kitchen, the dishwasher is one of the most important and time-saving appliances. While not everyone has one, a dishwasher saves time, conserves water, and makes daily cleanup so much easier. But contrary to popular belief, dishwashers don’t clean themselves.
Without regular cleaning and maintenance, even the most energy-efficient dishwashers can become less effective, start to smell, or break down sooner than expected. Fortunately, a few simple maintenance habits can keep your dishwasher running like new.
Why Your Dishwasher Needs Maintenance
Dishwashers do a lot! They clean and dry dishes, some even have steam sanitizing options and bottle jets! But over time, food particles, grease, soap scum, and minerals from hard water build up inside. These deposits may clog the spray arms, block filters, or settle in crevices, reducing the effectiveness and performance of the machine.
If you're noticing:
- Cloudy glassware
- Food stuck on plates
- An unpleasant odor when opening the door
...your dishwasher is trying to tell you it needs attention!
A Dirty Dishwasher Can Cost You
Beyond cleanliness, neglecting maintenance can shorten the lifespan of your dishwasher by leading to:
- Higher energy usage.
- Reduced water efficiency.
- Extra wear on components.
- Expensive repairs or early replacement.
And why would you want to replace an expensive appliance, when it only takes a few minutes to ensure your dishwasher is working to the best of its ability and helps keep it in excellent condition?
Benefits of Regular Dishwasher Cleaning
Keeping your dishwasher clean isn’t just about appearance; it directly impacts the dishwasher’s performance and its hygiene. The key benefits are listed below:
1. Better Cleaning Results:
Clear spray arms and filters ensure spotless dishes and prevent food particles from being recirculated.
2. Lower Energy and Water Bills:
A clean appliance doesn’t have to work as hard, meaning it uses less water and electricity per cycle.
3. Longer Appliance Life:
Preventative care reduces strain on internal parts and helps you avoid costly dishwasher repairs.
4. Elimination of Odors:
Trapped food particles and grease can start to smell over time. Cleaning removes the all-too-familiar musty smell that doesn’t scream “clean.”
5. Improved Hygiene:
Dishwashers that aren’t cleaned regularly can harbor bacteria and mold. Cleaning helps keep dishes truly sanitary.
How to Maintain Your Dishwasher: Step-by-Step
You don’t need to be an appliance expert to maintain your dishwasher. These easy steps will help keep your machine in top condition:
1. Clean the Filter:
Most dishwashers have a removable filter at the bottom. It’s a quick and simple removal – just a turn unlocks it so it can be removed. If possible, check it weekly. Remove any trapped food particles and rinse it under warm water. Doing this helps to prevent clogs and keeps water flowing freely.
2. Wipe Down Seals and Edges:
The rubber seals around the door can collect grime over time. Use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe them down, paying attention to any corners or folds. I typically do this once every other week, or if I notice any sort of build up on the seals; it maybe takes me an extra minute or two after I finish loading the dishwasher.
3. Run Monthly Cleaning Cycles:
About once a month, run an empty dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar placed in a dishwasher-safe container on the top rack. This helps break down grease, mineral deposits, and odors. I usually add a little bit of baking soda to the bottom of the dishwasher and run it with hot water to ensure extra cleanliness.
4. Check for Hard Water Deposits:
If you live in an area with hard water, consider using a dishwasher cleaner or descaler every few months to prevent scale from affecting performance.
Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner has been a lifesaver for me, as we have incredibly hard water. It’s so simple, too, just throw one at the bottom of your dishwasher before it starts its cleaning cycle and let it take care of any limescale and mineral buildup.
**Affresh is available at all our locations for purchase.
5. Don’t Overload:
Even the cleanest dishwasher won’t work well if dishes are crammed in! Make sure items are spaced out with enough room for water and detergent to reach every surface.
Common Dishwasher Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to fall into habits that hurt your dishwasher’s performance. Keep these in mind:
- Skipping the food scrape: No need to prewash, but large chunks of food should be scraped off to prevent clogs.
- Using too much detergent: More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner dishes. It can cause buildup and residue.
- Ignoring regular maintenance: Just because it runs doesn’t mean it’s running efficiently.
Protect Your Investment
It’s easy to take your dishwasher for granted…until it stops working! (Let me tell you, when mine wasn’t working a few months ago, I missed it terribly!) But with regular maintenance, you’ll enjoy:
- Cleaner dishes
- Better performance
- Longer appliance life
- Fewer repair calls
Your dishwasher handles one of the most time-consuming kitchen chores. By taking just a few minutes each month, you’re protecting that investment and keeping your kitchen running smoothly.
Ready to Upgrade or Service Your Dishwasher?
At Hallock’s, Shore Appliances, and Morrone Electric, we carry a wide selection of top-rated dishwasher brands like Bosch, KitchenAid, LG, Whirlpool, and GE.
Need help with service or maintenance?
Schedule a repair appointment
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Kelly Esposito
Shore Appliances
11 East Main Street
Clinton, CT 06413 | 860.669.8007