Preparing Your Appliances for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Your dishwasher may not be doing its best, despite being new. However, you don't necessarily have to blame the manufacturer. Instead, small changes to how you use it can improve its performance greatly. In this article, we will give you the best tips for using your dishwasher and maximizing it.

1. Check the Dishwasher’s Manual

The first step in troubleshooting your dishwasher’s performance is to check the manual. Your dishwasher’s manual will have specific instructions on how to load the dishwasher properly, how much detergent to use, and how to clean the dishwasher itself.

If you’re unsure how to load your dishwasher properly, refer to your manual. You may be surprised to learn that you’ve been loading your dishwasher incorrectly all along!

2. Run a Dishwasher Cleaning Cycle

If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning your dishes as well as it should, run a dishwasher cleaning cycle. Several dishwasher cleaning products are on the market, or you can use a vinegar and water solution.

Simply add a cup of vinegar to the bottom of your dishwasher and run a normal cycle. The vinegar will help remove any grease and grime that may be causing your dishwasher to underperform.

3. Clean the Dishwasher’s Filters

Another reason your dishwasher may not be cleaning your dishes as well as it should be is because the filters are dirty. You need to ensure these filters are always clean when using your dishwasher.

Most dishwashers have a pre-wash filter and the main wash filter. The pre-wash filter is located near the bottom of the dishwasher and catches any large pieces of food before they enter the main wash cycle. The main wash filter is near the dishwasher's top and catches any smaller pieces of food that may have passed through the pre-wash filter.

4. Clean the Dishwasher’s Spray Arms

The dishwasher’s spray arms are what spray the water and detergent onto your dishes. If these are clogged or dirty, they will not be able to do their job properly, and your dishes will not come out as clean as they should.

5. Clean the Dishwasher’s Drain

If your dishwasher is not draining properly, it can also cause your dishes not to come out as clean as they should. To clean the dishwasher’s drain, pour a cup of white vinegar down it and let it sit for an hour. After an hour, run the dishwasher through a cycle with just hot water to flush out the vinegar.

6. Using the Right Detergent

You may think you can use any dishwashing detergent in your dishwasher, but this is not the case. If you are using dishwashing detergent that is not meant to be used in a dishwasher, it will not work as well and may even damage your dishwasher.

You should always use dishwashing detergent meant to be used in a dishwasher. You can find this type of detergent at most grocery stores and online.

7. Don’t Overload the Dishwasher

Overloading your dishwasher can cause your dishes not to come out as clean as they should. You should always ensure that you are not putting too many dishes in your dishwasher at once.

Conclusion

If your dishwasher isn't cleaning your dishes as well as it used to, there are several things you can do to improve its performance. First, check the dishwasher's filters and clean them if they're dirty. Next, check the spray arm to see if it's clogged and clean it if necessary. You may also need to run a cleaning cycle using a dishwasher cleaner. Finally, make sure your dishes are properly loaded into the dishwasher so that water can reach all of them. By following these tips, you should be able to get your dishwasher cleaning like new again.

If you are seeking appliance repair in Montgomery, you can hire us at Lone Star Appliance Repair. We offer maintenance and repair services to ensure your household stays running smoothly. Get in touch with us to learn more about our services.