5 Steps To Take To Maintain Your Dishwasher

Whether it’s used regularly or only for special occasions, your dishwasher is an important appliance in your home. Taking the time to maintain it can keep it working properly and prevent costly repairs down the line. A good start is to clean it on a monthly basis. This can involve a thorough cleaning of the door, gasket and filter.

1. Clean The Door

The door of a dishwasher attracts fingerprints and other dirt every time it opens and closes. This dirt builds up over time and forms a layer of grime. Cleaning the door helps get rid of the residue buildup and prevents fingerprint stains from developing. Simply dip a small toothbrush in hot soapy water, and scrub the door thoroughly. For a deeper clean, you can use rubbing alcohol to remove stubborn fingerprints and other grime from the door of your dishwasher. Be careful not to scrub too hard or risk damaging the plastic buttons.

2. Clean The Racks

Racks are the place where food gets stacked on a dishwasher, so they can collect a lot of grime and grease. These can be hard to clean. Use a small brush to scrub any accumulated dirt from the bottom of each rack. Then, wipe them down with a damp cloth and dry them completely.

3. Clean The Spray Arms

A dishwasher’s spray arms play a big role in the process of washing dishes. They provide streams of hot water directly to the dishware, ensuring that it gets thoroughly clean. However, over time they can become clogged and dirty. If they’re not cleaned regularly, food chunks and mineral deposits could build up inside the jets, reducing their efficiency. Luckily, the task is relatively easy and doesn’t require a professional. To do this, you’ll need a toothbrush, baking soda, and white vinegar. Dip the toothbrush into the baking soda, and scrub off any hard mineral buildup. Sprinkle it with the vinegar so the fizzing action dislodges the grime.

4. Clean The Lower Sprayer

One of the main parts of your dishwasher that can get clogged with food and mineral deposits is the lower sprayer. This sprayer shoots water out at high velocity, blasting dishes clean. If your lower sprayer is not working properly, there are a few things that you can do to clean it. First, you can remove the spray arm and look for any clogs or blockages. If you can’t see anything, try spinning the spray arm to make sure it moves freely. It should move without restriction or needing to be forced. You can also try opening the jets with a pin or similar tool to see if you can remove any debris.

5. Clean The Filter

One of the most crucial parts of a dishwasher is its filter. This works to trap loose food and greasy residue so it doesn’t recirculate onto the dishes, or clog the pump. Cleaning the filter regularly is essential to maintaining your dishwasher. Depending on how often you run your dishwasher, it’s recommended to clean the filter every three to six months. Thankfully, it’s a relatively quick and easy job. All you need is a soft brush, sponge or an old toothbrush to scrub the filter, then rinse it with warm water.