Here are some tips on how to keep your dishwasher clean and in good working condition.
The dishwasher is possibly one of the greatest inventions of our time. Nearly every household has one. Not only does it keep our dishes clean and germ free; it also saves us valuable time in our busy lives. It is very important to keep it clean and in good working condition.
In a dishwasher, water is jetted around with soap to scrub the dishes then rinses them with clean water. The dishwasher runs through several cycles using small amounts of water each time. As the dishwasher is running through the different cycles it is also using spray arms to spray the water around, grinding mechanisms to grind particles of debris, and filters to filter out the debris particles. It is very important to keep all these parts clean.
The best way to keep your dishwasher clean to begin with and to prevent future breakdowns is to load it properly using the suggestions in your owner's manual and using dishwasher detergents in the recommended amounts. If the water in your area is very hard you may consider purchasing a water softener to prevent hard water buildup.
Before attempting to deep clean any appliance it is safest to unplug the appliance or shut off the power at the breaker panel or fuse box to prevent electrical shock. Consult your owner's manual for suggestions on cleaning or recommended cleaning products.
Abrasives or scouring powders should never be used when cleaning your dishwasher inside or out.
For cleaning the exterior of your dishwasher it is best to use a clean, wet sponge or soft rag using plain water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid. Rinse dishwashing liquid off with another damp sponge or soft rag. Glass cleaner may also be used if you avoid spraying the dishwasher directly with glass cleaner as this may damage the controls. Paper towels should be avoided since they can cause surface scratches.
While cleaning the interior of the dishwasher be sure to check for wear and tear on all parts within. Worn or cracked parts should be re-ordered as soon as possible. Check the seals around the door and replace if needed. The inside of the dishwasher should be cleaned about once a month to remove any grease, soap scum, lime scale deposits, and rust.
Many special cleaners and fresheners are available today. Some cleaners leave the dishwasher smelling clean and fresh and other cleaners effectively disinfect E-coli and salmonella. There are many choices, so consult your owner's manual and use your own judgment to find the best cleaner to suits your needs.
There are ways to clean your dishwasher and keep it odor free without purchasing special cleaners. If your dishwasher tends to have bad odors while it is waiting to be run you can sprinkle a handful of baking soda on the dishes or in the bottom to absorb the odors. This will also help to clean the dishwasher in the first wash cycle. Adding vinegar to each rinse cycle will help keep the dishwasher clean and keep dishes from spotting.
Discoloration on the inside of the dishwasher as well as around the door is likely the result of hard water or using too much dishwasher detergent. There are several ways to get rid of this discoloration. One way is to fill a bowl with 2 cups of white vinegar placed in a central location and running the dishwasher on a regular cycle with no detergent. Repeat this several times if necessary. Another way is to purchase citric acid crystals from your local pharmacy and run ½ tablespoon through a cycle. As an alternative to the citric acid crystals, many people buy inexpensive lemon or orange powdered drink mix and run it through a cycle. People seem to have great results from this.
Rust can become a real problem on the inside of a dishwasher. The walls, ceiling, tub, and racks can become rust stained if there has been a scratch or chip on the interior finish. The whole area must be cleaned first then a repair has to be made at the source of the rust to prevent the same problem in the future. A solution of oxalic acid can be purchased at most hardware stores. Follow the instructions on the container for strength and mixing suggestions. While wearing latex gloves to protect the skin, scrub the stains well. Locate the source of the rust. For damage to the walls, ceiling, or tub an enamel patching compound must be used. If the damage is on the glass or dish rack a rubber/vinyl patching compound with be required. It may be necessary to enlarge the damaged area to create the best bond for the patching material. Use a fine abrasive such as an emery cloth to clean and smooth the surface. Apply the patching compound as directed on the container. Allow the compound to cure completely before applying a second coat or before running the dishwasher.
Some dishwashers have a drain line that connects to an air gap that is mounted at the countertop level on the sink. This drain line then continues to either a garbage disposal or the sink drain. Sometimes the hose between the air gap and the drain can become blocked. You can remove this hose and flush it out or replace it.
If you have removed many parts while cleaning the dishwasher be sure to put them back in their proper places, make sure that all parts and gaskets fit together properly, and ensure that everything is in working order.
