It’s easy to forget about the dishwasher. You just put dishes in, turn it on, and go. It’s so easy to forget that when something goes wrong, it’s usually something big, like a leak, or it just stops working altogether.

Routine maintenance will help prevent major and expensive-to-fix problems before they happen. Regularly schedule time to clean your dishwasher. You’ll get to know all its parts and become alert to problems before it’s too late.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Use vinegar and baking soda. They’re safe to use and they work. Make sure to never run a cycle with both at the same time. They’re each great on their own but never together.

Scrape Off All the Food Before Loading

Dishwashers have soil sensors that can detect extra pressure from stuck-on food. When they detect extra pressure, dishwashers work harder. Despite this, it isn’t a good idea to rinse the dishes before loading them in the dishwasher; you simply want to be sure and scrap off all the food.

Avoid Overloading

Overloading the dishes can cause them to break. It can also overwork the dishwasher.

Clean the Inside

Regular cleanings prevent buildup and bacteria. The buildup of food bits and minerals can cause clogs and weaken pipes. Furthermore, the dishwasher can become a breeding ground for microorganisms.

Run a “Clean” Cycle

First, make sure the dishwasher is empty. Then put one cup of vinegar into a bowl before placing it vinegar-side up on the top shelf. Run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle possible. There’s no need to run the dry cycle, too. When it’s done, just let it air dry.

Clean Out the Filter

If you notice a foul smell in the dishwasher, it may be a sign that food particles are stuck in the filter. It’s a good idea to clean the filter once a month. Remove it. Then clean it in the sink with an old toothbrush. Be careful, though, because it might contain broken bits of glass.

If cleaning the filter doesn’t get rid of the smell, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher before running a hot cycle. Then open the door to let it dry.

Clean the Gaskets

Gaskets are there to prevent leaking. Check the manual to help you locate the gasket and for instructions on how to clean it.

Don’t Hesitate to Call the Experts

Routine maintenance can prevent problems before they happen, but if you need repairs or you want to install a new dishwasher, call us at Sierra Appliance Services in Porterville, CA. We’ll get your dishwasher up and running in no time.