Dishwasher Maintenance Checklist: Make it Last for Years

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Your dishwasher puts up with a lot of wear and tear and it’s one of those appliances we all rely on. Daily use can take its toll on your dishwasher, so it’s important that you take good care of it and make sure it is inspected by a Seaford plumber as needed.

Here’s a checklist you can use to make sure your dishwasher will last for years.

Use it as Directed

Never try to use your dishwasher in a way it’s not meant to be used. Review the user manual and make sure you are loading it correctly, using the right kind of soap and adding it the right way. To avoid damaging the appliance, never put anything that isn’t dishwasher safe in it.

Deep Clean it Regularly

Keeping your dishwasher clean will ensure that it stays in excellent shape. Use a damp rag to wipe down the outside, door, walls and all the crevices inside. Take out removable pieces and wash them with soap and water. If you do this often, cleaning it won’t be hard because soap and debris won’t have a chance to build up inside.

Run a “Cleaning Cycle”

After you deep clean the dishwasher, run a do-it-yourself cleaning cycle. Fill a small bowl or cup with one cup of white vinegar and put it in the top rack. Run the dishwasher on a hot cycle and let the vinegar help clean out all the gunk and get rid of any smells.

When the cycle is done you may need to use a rag to wipe down the sides again to remove anything the vinegar loosened that you weren’t able to clean up on the first wipe down.

Remove and Prevent Rust

If there is rust inside the dishwasher, use a rust remover that is labeled as safe for dishwashers. If you have a recurring rust problem, you may have a deeper plumbing issue that needs to be addressed. Rusty pipes should be repaired and you may need to have a water softener or filter installed to decrease iron levels in your water. Contact a plumber who can identify the cause of the rust and suggest a solution.

When you take the time to maintain your dishwasher it will continue to work efficiently and last longer. Start by doing some DIY cleaning and maintenance and then contact a plumber if you notice rust problems or your dishwasher doesn’t seem to be working the way it should.

We are a Seaford plumber that specializes in appliance repair so we can identify problems, repair them and help you keep your dishwasher running well.