How to Properly Care for Your Dishwasher

While a broken dishwasher may not bring your household to a screeching halt, it can certainly be an inconvenience. Fortunately, most of today’s dishwashers are designed to provide years of problem-free service with the proper care. The following tips will help you get the most out of your dishwasher.

Inspect the Seals

Moisture and food particles can build up inside the rubber gasket that creates the watertight seal around your dishwasher door. Once a week, pull back the gasket and clean any visible soil using a general-purpose cleaner. If you notice water on the floor after running your dishwasher, the gasket may be cracked or deteriorated. Replacement gaskets can be purchased from the manufacturer or your local hardware store. You can remove the existing gasket by prying it out or unscrewing it using a screwdriver. Soaking the new gasket in hot water will make it more flexible and easier to install.

Check the Level

Leaks can also be a sign that your dishwasher is not level. You can determine if your dishwasher is level by placing a carpenter’s bubble level along the inside of your dishwasher door. Most dishwashers have adjustable “feet” that can be used to raise or lower one side of the dishwasher to make it level.

Clean the Screen and Filter

There is a filter or screen in the bottom of your dishwasher that is meant to catch large food particles. Every couple of weeks, you should remove and clean the filter following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to replace the screen if you notice damage to keep debris from harming other parts of your dishwasher.

Check the Sprayer Arm for Clogs

Food debris can become stuck in the small holes of the sprayer arm. To keep your dishwasher working efficiently, you should remove the sprayer arm from time to time and allow it to soak for a few hours in warm vinegar. You can use a pipe cleaner to remove any particles that may remain after soaking.

Preventing Mold

Using the dry heat cycle and opening the dishwasher door after use can prevent the buildup of mold. If you notice mold inside your dishwasher, you can wipe it down with 1 cup of bleach diluted in 1 gallon of water. A toothbrush can help you clean the narrow grooves of the door gasket. Once you are finished scrubbing, run the dishwasher while empty to remove any bleach residue.

If your dishwasher should malfunction, be sure to contact Brian Wear Plumbing. From clogs to new dishwasher installations, we are here for all your plumbing needs.