Most people do not like washing dishes and it is one of the most loathed chores of them all- especially when we allow the sink to pile up with tons of dishes that need to be washed. If your dishwasher is not working like it used to you are likely looking for some tips for better dishes. A lot of this comes down to how well you are taking care of your dishwasher, just as is the case with any other appliance in your home. Here are some tips to keep your dishwasher running at maximum efficiency:
Don’t Mix Up Washing and Scraping: Of course, we want to avoid wasted time by washing our dishes before we put them in to be washed. But this does not mean that we can just skip post-meal scrapes. A quick scrape and rinse can ensure your dishes come out sparkling clean.
Don’t be Tempted to Overload: Many people are surprised to learn that when a dishwasher holds as many dishes as it can it is often at a point of being overcrowded. It is better to load ¾ of what you think you should and get clean dishes than having to run loads a second time.
Run the Hot Water For a Few Minutes: Prior to starting up the load, run the hot water at the sink for a few minutes. This ensures the entire wash cycle is done with nice hot water so everything gets good and clean. This is an easy tip for taking care of your dishwasher
Select the Right Wash Cycle: Think about the dishwasher the way you do your washer and dryer- similar load items go together. Heavy tough to wash items can all go in one load on a heavy duty setting and general wash and rinse items can go together on a light wash cycle.
Don’t Add Too Many Extras: When buying your detergent and soaps see if there is a rinse aid built into the mix. If so then there is no need to add more as it can leave a film on the dishes. If you want to skip rinse aids total just add some white vinegar to the reservoir at the start!
Run the Dishwasher Empty: It might seem counter-productive but running an empty load now and then helps keep spray arms and nozzles nice and clean. Adding in white vinegar helps clean and break down hard water and calcium deposits inside the dishwasher too.
Clean the Trap Regularly: At the bottom of the washer unit, under the lower arm sprayer, you should see a removable piece. Cleaning the trap helps ensure food particles are not stuck and getting re-sprayed onto your dishes. This is one of the most overlooked tips for better dishes.
Clean and Check the Seals: Every few months you need to clean and check the seals of your dishwasher. Especially around the door, a layer of grime can build up and can cause problems at times. Make sure to clean them with a damp towel and inspect them on a regular basis.
Test the Water Heater’s Settings: The ideal setting for good dish washing, and clothes washing too for that matter, is 120-125 degrees F. This setting allows for good cleaning without a lot of wasted energy use and helps with taking care of your dishwasher as well.
Have Your Water Tested: Hard water is not good for any system in your home. It makes it very hard to get dishes clean due to buildup and hard water deposits that are commonly found on dishes. Make sure to have things tested and soften accordingly for the best results.
With these tips for better dishes and a better functioning dishwasher, you can be better prepared for taking care of your dishwasher day in and day out. If you need maintenance or repair work done, call DiChristopher Appliances today and let us show you the difference quality and excellence can make!
