Top Dishwasher Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Did you know that your dishwasher could be home to up to 74 different species of bacteria?
It’s troubling to think of your plates and silverware swirling around in a soup of bacteria. The risk of getting sick from your dishwasher is low, but it’s still possible, especially if you never clean or maintain your appliance.
Dishwasher maintenance and cleaning will help you eliminate bacterial colonies and ensure your dishes come out sparkling. But, as important as it is, many homeowners don’t know where to start with dishwasher maintenance. If that sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll be going over all the tips you need to extend the lifespan of your dishwasher and get clean dishes every time. Read on to learn more!
Clean the Filter
If you do nothing else, make sure you clean your filter every month. If you don’t clean your dishwasher’s filter, debris and food waste will build up.
At best, this can cause unpleasant odours. At worst, this can cause rampant bacterial growth.
Start with your owner’s manual to figure out how to clean your manual filter. Most often, it’s located under the lower spray arm. Remove it and gently wash it with soap and water.
Some dishwashers have a system with a flat filter and a cylindrical filter. If this is the case, remove both and hand wash them in the same way.
Clean the Body of the Dishwasher
By and large, regular use of your dishwasher will do most of the cleaning for you. However, there are a few steps you can take for a deep clean. We recommend doing this once a month or so, depending on your use.
After the filter, you can wash the door and the tub of your dishwasher with paper towels and soapy water. You can also use a mixture of 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1-quart of water to create a gentle, homemade dishwasher cleaner. Don’t use steel wool or abrasive chemicals, as you could damage your machine.
Don’t forget to clean areas like the edges, the rubber seal, and the cleaning arms.
Then, take a cup of white vinegar and run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle. Vinegar is a natural killer of bacteria and mould and will clean and deodorize your unit.
Your dishwasher might have a built-in self-cleaning cycle. If that’s the case, use that in conjunction with a cup of vinegar for best results.
Dishwasher Maintenance
If your dishwasher has rust or build-up from hard water, just cleaning your dishwasher won’t be enough. If you have excessive wear, build-up, or rust damage, it might be time to bring in the professionals.
In addition, if your dishwasher is leaking or not cleaning your dishes even after you try the above steps, the problem could be deeper. Consulting with a dishwasher repair service can keep your dishwasher working effectively and even extend the lifespan of your appliance.
Use Dishwasher Maintenance and Cleaning for Best Results
Your dishwasher is a staple of your daily life. It’s not just a matter of convenience. You trust it to keep your dishes clean and sanitary and to keep your family healthy.
Be sure to keep up with regular dishwasher maintenance and cleaning to make sure your dishes are clean every time. But, sometimes even the most diligent dishwasher cleaning and maintenance can fail. If you notice anything wrong with your dishwasher, reach out to Unit Appliance.
We have experienced and licensed repair professionals who can get your appliances back online in no time. Contact us today for an estimate!
