Buying a new dishwasher can be a very expensive purchase, so taking proper care of it is an important task once it is installed in your home. There are several things you can do in order to increase the effectiveness of your dishwasher whilst lengthening its life. This article will outline some of the best ways of maintaining your dishwasher.
Use it regularly
Although this may seem counterproductive, using your dishwasher regularly is important when it comes to its maintenance, as it will stop food and debris from collecting on the sides and in the plug of the dishwasher. This will also help to stop the mechanisms from ceasing, and prevent the rubber seals from drying and splitting.
Allow room for the spray arms
The spray arms inside a dishwasher are one of those elements that are easily broken and blocked. Many people will stack their dishes up so high that the spray arms will not be able to rotate properly, causing damage to the arm itself and also stopping the water from circulating. To prevent your dishwasher’s spray arms from becoming damaged, make sure they are able to spin freely before you put your dishwasher on for its next wash.
Clean around the edges of the dishwasher
The edge of the dishwasher doesn’t get washed during the dishwasher cycle, so it is important to clean it with a damp cloth regularly to stop rust from forming. This will also prevent the seals from clogging up with dirt and debris, ensuring they don’t lose their water resistant properties.
Remove hard water deposits or scale
One of the biggest problems with hard water is that it can clog up the mechanisms and plumbing in the dishwasher. To avoid this becoming a problem, run one empty dishwasher cycle with an added food acid such as lemon juice or distilled white vinegar to loosen any deposits and scale.
Remove mildew or mould
Due to the very nature of the dishwasher, over time it is very likely that it will develop mould or mildew growth. In order to kill and remove it, run a cycle with a small amount of bleach in order to cleanse and destroy the growths. Remember to run an empty cycle without added cleaners afterwards to get rid of any leftover bleach.
Top up the rinse aid
Rinse aid helps to prevent spots on your dishes and helps them to look shiny and new. It can also help to clean your dishwasher in parts you cannot get to, making it a perfect substance for vigorous and thorough cleaning. To ensure you are deep cleaning your dishwasher on a regular basis, make sure you keep your rinse aid dispenser topped up with a good quality product.
These tips are great ways of lengthening the life of your dishwasher and are sure to keep it working effectively and efficiently. You should make sure that you clean the exterior of your dishwasher as well as the interior, as this will help keep it looking newer for longer.