A good dishwasher that runs effortlessly is vital to your home. Without it, you could spend hours washing and drying your dishes by hand. But like most home appliances, dishwashers need routine maintenance to remain reliable and steady. Not keeping up with maintenance means you may see spots on your dishes following a cycle. You may notice bits of food on your dishes, a foul odor, or standing water inside your dishwasher.

Routine dishwasher maintenance and cleaning prevents these problems and improves the lifespan of your dishwasher. Read on for more tips on what you can do to keep your dishwasher running effortlessly.

How to Maintain and Clean Your Dishwasher

Good maintenance prevents a lot of mechanical issues with your dishwasher. The following DIY tips will help each cycle run smoothly and prevent food particles from clogging your plumbing.

Clean Your Filter

Most dishwashers come with a built-in filter that catches food particles and prevents major plumbing problems. It’s usually located near the spray arm or above the drain hole. In either case, it’s easy to clean. Just remove it and hand wash using dish soap and warm water. Be sure to use a drain stopper that can catch food particles for easy disposal.

Run a Cycle

For optimal performance, be sure to run your dishwasher periodically. Running a cycle once a week or between loads will help clear out debris and food particles. Fill a bowl with some vinegar and pour a little of it at the bottom. Place the rest of it on the top shelf and start the cycle. Once it’s complete, wipe the inside with a clean, dry cloth. Dispose of any food particles immediately.

Do a Complete Wipe Down

Nothing cleans your dishwasher better than a thorough cleaning. Set aside some time to wipe the interior and exterior of your dishwasher. For the best results, it’s advisable to do this once a month. Top off your cleaning with a good sanitizer to minimize germ transmission.

Rinse Your Dishes First

Rinsing your dishes beforehand prevents food particles and debris from clogging your dishwasher. This allows all parts to move freely so that your dishes will be clean. Rinsing them before a cycle will keep your dishes immaculate and free of spots.

Don’t Overload It

Another tip is to avoid overloading your dishwasher. Reduced clutter allows soap and water to clean each dish thoroughly while saving on water and electricity.

Keep Things Going With Professional Help

Busy lives require optimal efficiency, and having a reliable dishwasher saves a lot of time. Anytime your dishwasher leaks or is slow to start, you can trust us to identify and fix the problem. Contact Signature Appliance today to schedule dishwasher service in the Chattanooga, TN area.