How to Keep your Dishwasher Running Like New

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips.

Do you limit your dishwasher usage because you experience issues with it? You’re not alone. Among households with a dishwasher, 20% use it less than once a week.


Between food residues, incomplete drying and unpleasant smells, dishwashers can be challenging to use. The good news is that these common problems have simple solutions.

Common dishwasher problems

• Here are the most common issues you might run into with your dishwasher:

• Dishes don’t look clean, are covered with a film or have water spots.

• The door gasket leaks or doesn’t seal properly.

• Dishes aren't dry after the cycle ends.

• You notice a bad smell coming from your dishwasher.

• Your dishwasher is noisy or doesn’t drain properly.

• Detergent isn’t released during the wash cycle.

Solve common issues with simple maintenance

You can prevent a lot of issues simply by using your dishwasher regularly. Hot water and detergent clean the inside of the appliance and prevent bacteria buildup. Running your dishwasher regularly keeps food residues from hardening and results in cleaner dishes.

You should clean the screen at the bottom of the appliance regularly since bacteria can grow there and cause unpleasant odors. Inspect the spraying arm, detergent compartment, drain and door seal, and clean them if needed.


The don’ts of using a dishwasher

Some households run the dishwasher as little as possible to reduce their environmental footprint. You should know that a dishwasher load uses three gallons of water on average. Washing this same load by hand would take as much as 27 gallons of water. Don’t put off running your dishwasher!

Cheap detergent makes a big difference in how clean your dishes look. Don't use it.

Online sources might tell you to use bleach or vinegar to clean the inside of your appliance. While these ingredients can kill bacteria, they can also damage rubber parts, like the door seal.


Rinse aid and water softener

A rinse aid will prevent water droplets from forming, prevent water spots and help dishes dry faster. You may or may not need it depending on how bad water spots are.

If you notice hard mineral deposits on your dishes or inside your appliance, invest in a water softener system. It keeps minerals from building up and lowering your dishwasher's efficiency. 

How to get the best results possible with your dishwasher

Here are a few steps you can take to prevent problems and keep your dishwasher in top shape:

• Scrape food off dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. There's no need to pre-rinse since modern dishwashers have powerful water jets.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when loading your dishwasher and make sure the load is balanced. Don’t overload it, and make sure the plates and utensils aren’t blocking the spray arm or detergent compartment.

• Run some hot water in your kitchen sink to make sure your dishwasher starts filling up with hot rather than cold water.

• Use the right amount of detergent and choose the right cycle. Use the heavy-duty cycle for pots and pans.

Keep in mind that most dishwashers last only 12 years or less. If it’s time to replace your old dishwasher, Queen City Audio Video & Appliances has a large selection of modern and energy-efficient dishwashers to consider. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a sales associate via the chat feature if you need more tips or help with choosing the best dishwasher for your family!