When your dishwasher has issues, it’s impossible to miss the signs. Despite being designed to work for seven to 12 years, many malfunction before then.
The good news is that there are preventive measures you can take to avoid expensive repairs or replacements. Understanding the problems that these measures prevent makes it easier to keep your dishwasher working as intended.
Eliminating Residue
One of the best ways to eliminate residue is to identify anything causing a malfunction. For example, look for long utensils interfering with spray arms. Also, make sure you’re not overloading the dishwasher or neglecting to scrape plates before loading them.
Cleaning the door gasket and strain screen should be your next step if you’re using the washer according to the directions. Gently clean the spray arms with a pipe cleaner and toothbrush. Running a cycle after cleaning is a good way to make sure the dishwasher is working properly.
Stopping Water Leaks
Check your dishwasher door’s gasket for cracks, damage and large debris preventing a proper seal. Cleaning the gasket with disinfectant can get rid of most debris. If large cracks are present, you may need to contact an appliance service about gasket replacement.
Dishwashers have float switches that control the water levels. If this switch becomes stuck and you cannot move it, or if it breaks, there is a risk of leakage. A defective float switch will need to be replaced to keep the washer from overflowing.
Keeping Your Screen Clean
The screen at the bottom of your dishwasher can accumulate a lot of food debris. Although the worst problem is usually a bad smell, too much buildup can make the water back up.
Cleaning the screen will prevent most problems with food debris. Don’t just rely on running the washing cycles to keep the inside clean since this is not a reliable way to prevent problems resulting from accumulated debris.
Being Careful With Plastic
Plates or containers made from plastic or Tupperware should go in a dishwasher only if they’re marked as microwave safe. The heat that builds up during the drying cycle can be high enough to melt plastic.
If plastic items fall on the heating element, this may also cause problems. Plastic melting on a heating element is a fire risk.
Keeping the Soap Dispensing Smoothly
Using less powder detergent or using liquid instead can lead to easier dispensing. Water should flow into the compartment easily to dispense the soap.
Sometimes, the dishes might be in a position that blocks the soap from dispensing. You may need to check to make sure the compartment door opens properly.
Dishwashers are useful appliances, and care needs to be taken to keep them in top shape. When you need dishwasher service in Porterville, CA, contact our team at Sierra Appliance Services.
