Ways to Keep Your Dishwasher Running Smoothly

Just like other appliances you use in your home, you’ll want to keep your dishwasher in good working order at all times so that it can perform its function effectively.

Here’s what you can do to keep your dishwasher running smoothly.

• Perform A Regular Dishwasher Cleaning Routine

One of the best ways to keep your dishwasher in good working order is by cleaning the unit at least once every month. You should run the unit on an empty wash cycle every month and remove the food particles that may have built up in the interior of your dishwasher. Also, be sure to inspect and clean the spinning arms to get rid of any debris that has accumulated in the holes. The edges and the exterior of your dishwasher can accumulate all sorts of dirt, so you should clean these parts as well. Other parts of the unit that you should clean include the gasket, flatware basket, under the door, inside the door, and the detergent dispenser.

• Use The Right Detergent

It can be tempting to buy the cheapest detergent and save money, but using the wrong detergent can damage valves and hoses, thereby reducing your dishwasher’s lifespan.

• Scrape of Dirty Dishes

Large bits of food that are left on dishes can clog your dishwasher, so it’s advisable to scrape off any food debris on your dishes before loading them.

• Avoid Overloading the Dishwasher

You may be tempted to add every last dish into the dishwasher to avoid hand washing, but overloading the dishwasher is a bad idea because water will not reach all the surfaces, and you will end up with unclean dishes. Moreover, overfilling can cause additional wear on the unit. It is better to hand wash a few dishes that won't find room in the unit than overcrowd it. 

• Test Your Water Quality

Like other plumbing fixtures in your home, your dishwasher is susceptible to the issues caused by hard water. Over time, hard water will leave a chalky residue on your dishwasher, and the residue will eventually show up on your dishes. If left unaddressed, the chalky residue can clog up your dishwasher and damage its components. So it's advisable to install a water softener in your home to lower the levels of minerals in the water coming into your home. Alternatively, you can clean your dishwasher with vinegar to clear out hard water stains.

Call Neighborhood Plumbing for Dishwasher Installation or Repair

If your dishwasher is not working properly or it's time to replace the unit, you can rely on Neighborhood Plumbing for reliable dishwasher installation and repairs. You'll know it's time to call an experienced plumber to help you with dishwasher repair if the dishes don't feel hot when the cycle ends, the latch is broken, there's pooling of water at the bottom of the dishwasher, or the dishes aren't coming out clean. Neighborhood Plumbing is your go-to plumbing company for all of your plumbing repair needs.