Dishwashers need regular maintenance like any other household appliance to keep them running smoothly. If you’re unsure where to start, our technicians have compiled their top dishwasher maintenance tips.

Dishwashers usually need more maintenance than other appliances. Some of the following tips can help you save money in the long run:

One of our top dishwasher maintenance tips is to use the correct detergent. So what is the best dishwasher detergent? You can choose a few types: liquid, powder, tablets, and pods. Generally, any other kind of soap will cause too many suds, which can leave a residue build-up and even potentially cause damage to your unit. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for the recommended detergent for your dishwasher.

You may be wondering about the best place to put detergent as well. Depending on the model, you can put soap in the designated area or place a small pocket in the dishwasher. Once you start it, the dishwasher pumps water, heats it to a high temperature, and uses it to spray the dishes, rinsing them thoroughly.

More and more new products have emerged to make dishwashers perform even better, especially when you find your dishwasher not cleaning well. Rinse agents are among these new additions. When used with dishwasher soap, rinse agents make the cleaning even more extensive, ridding dishes of resilient stains.

Prevent Water Spots on Dishes
Spots tend to form in the dishwasher’s rinsing cycle due to remaining water droplets when most of the detergent is gone. Rinse agents help the water drip completely from the dishes during the drying cycle. No droplets mean no residual stains on your glasses!

When it comes to dishwashing, it is generally recommended to scrape off any excess food from your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. However, you should not rinse them beforehand, as this wastes water and energy. In fact, dishwasher detergent actually works better when it has something to interact with. So save yourself some time and hassle by skipping the pre-rinse step and letting your dishwasher do its job!

How to load a dishwasher properly has been long debated. The best way to load a dishwasher is to place the larger items on the bottom rack and the smaller items on the top rack. You should also leave ample space between dishes so that the surface area can be cleaned effectively. This will ensure that your dishes come out clean and sparkly every time!

Use a Dishwasher Cleaner: Every few months, it’s worth using a dishwasher cleaner to eliminate bacterial growth and other residues. This can help you prevent your dishwasher from smelling bad and even help prevent clogs.

Clean with Vinegar: You can clean the dishwasher with vinegar just as well as any dishwasher cleaner. Just set a dishwasher-safe bowl or cup in the top rack and fill it with one or two cups of vinegar, then run a cycle as normal. The vinegar will help to dissolve any built-up grime or grease and keep your dishwasher running smoothly.

Clean the Spray Arms: The dishwasher spray arms are responsible for spraying water onto the dirty dishes; however, sometimes they can become clogged with hard water or food particles. To clean the dishwasher spray arms, use an old toothbrush or nail brush to scrub the little holes on the spray arms and nozzles. You can use vinegar and hot water on the spray arms to help remove any buildup that may have occurred.

Clean the Dishwasher Filter: Every few months, it is important to clean the dishwasher filter. This will help to keep the dishwasher running at its best performance. The dishwasher filter can become clogged with food and other particles, so it is important to clear it out regularly. You can do this by emptying the filter or rinsing it under warm water. If there are any stuck-on particles, you can scrub them off with a soft cloth.

We hope these dishwasher maintenance tips help you keep your dishwasher working smoothly and efficiently. However, if you’re ever in need of dishwasher repair services, don’t hesitate to call Reliable Appliance Service.