Keeping dishwashers in top condition is key to ensuring that your dishes come out clean and your appliance runs smoothly for years. Regular maintenance not only improves performance but also helps to prevent common issues like mold, foul odors, and hard water deposits from forming inside your dishwasher. While it may seem like just loading your dishwasher is enough, following some basic dishwasher maintenance tips can significantly improve your dishwasher's efficiency and longevity. By staying on top of these simple tasks, you’ll avoid bigger problems down the line and keep your kitchen running smoothly. Below are five essential tips to help you maintain optimal performance.
1. Use Your Dishwasher Regularly
One of the most effective ways to maintain your dishwasher is by simply using it regularly. Running your dishwasher frequently helps prevent food debris and detergent residue from accumulating in the appliance. Infrequent use can lead to grime building up in the filter, spray arms, and interior, resulting in unpleasant odors and poor performance.
In particular, the dishwasher filter is susceptible to clogging if food particles are allowed to sit for long periods. To avoid the need for frequent deep cleaning, aim to run your dishwasher at least once a week, even if it’s just a short wash cycle. Not only does this keep everything clean, but it also ensures that the seals remain moist, which helps prevent them from cracking or drying out over time.
If these issues persist despite regular use, it might be time to consider how to tell when your dishwasher needs to be replaced.
2. Clean the Dishwasher Filter
A clean filter is crucial for a well-functioning dishwasher. Your dishwasher filter catches all the leftover food debris and prevents it from circulating onto your clean dishes. Over time, this filter can become clogged with grime, which reduces water flow and can leave your dishes dirty even after a wash cycle. A clogged filter can also strain the dishwasher's motor, potentially leading to expensive repairs or part replacements.
To maintain a clean filter and ensure spotless dishes, clean the filter at least once a month. Remove it from the dishwasher, rinse it under hot water, and use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to scrub away trapped particles. Make sure to check your manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly remove and clean your specific model’s filter. Regular filter cleaning is one of the most important dishwasher maintenance tasks, as it helps you avoid costly repairs later. If you notice that your dishes aren’t getting as clean as they used to, or if your dishwasher is making unusual noises, it’s a good idea to check the filter for clogs.
3. Perform a Monthly Deep Clean
In addition to regular filter cleaning, performing a monthly deep clean of your dishwasher is essential. This helps prevent the buildup of detergent residue, food debris, and hard water deposits inside the appliance. A deep clean can also eliminate any lingering odors, keeping your dishwasher smelling fresh. One of the easiest and most effective ways to clean your dishwasher is by using white vinegar.
Place a dishwasher-safe container filled with vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cleaning cycle. The vinegar will break down mineral deposits, dissolve grime, and neutralize odors, leaving your dishwasher in top shape. For an even more thorough cleaning, sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher and run a short cycle afterward. The combination of vinegar and baking soda will help loosen any remaining debris and ensure your dishwasher is spotless inside and out.
If you live in an area with hard water, you may also want to consider using a dishwasher cleaner specifically designed to combat mineral buildup. These products are easy to use and can make a big difference in maintaining your dishwasher's performance.
4. Properly Load Your Dishes
How you load your dishwasher can significantly impact its performance. Loading your dishwasher correctly not only helps to achieve cleaner dishes but also ensures that the appliance runs efficiently. Avoid overloading, as this can block the spray arms and prevent water from reaching all areas of the dishes. Overloaded dishwashers often result in partially clean dishes, which means you’ll have to run an additional cycle—wasting both water and energy.
For large loads, place heavy-duty cookware, like pots and pans, on the bottom rack and fragile items, like glassware, on the top. Always scrape excess food off dirty dishes before loading, but there’s no need to pre-rinse them entirely—let your dishwasher do the work! This is especially important for modern dishwashers, which are designed to handle large amounts of food debris without clogging.
Additionally, make sure that all items are positioned correctly to allow for proper water circulation. Flatware should be placed in the designated basket with handles down, while utensils like spatulas or large knives should lay flat on the top rack to avoid interfering with the spray arms.
5. Wipe Down the Exterior and Edges
Even though the inside of your dishwasher gets regular cleaning, don't forget about the exterior and the edges around the dishwasher door. Spills, grease, and grime can accumulate on the outside of your appliance, especially around the control panel, handle, and door edges. Wipe down the exterior regularly with a damp cloth and mild dish soap to keep it looking clean and free of fingerprints.
Pay extra attention to the dishwasher door seals and edges, as these areas are prone to trapping moisture and food particles, which can lead to mold or unpleasant smells. Keeping the seals clean will also help them maintain their integrity, ensuring a tight seal during wash cycles and preventing water from leaking. Incorporating these tips for preventing mold in your dishwasher into your routine will help maintain cleanliness and avoid costly dishwasher repairs in the future.
Keep Your Dishwasher Running Smoothly with Regular Maintenance
By following these five essential dishwasher maintenance tips, you’ll keep your appliance running smoothly and ensure your dishes come out spotless every time. Regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning the dishwasher filter, performing a deep clean, and wiping down the exterior can significantly extend the life of your dishwasher and improve its overall performance. Neglecting these simple maintenance steps can lead to bigger problems like mold, mineral buildup, and even appliance failure, so it's well worth the effort.
If it turns out that you need a replacement, Town Appliance offers a wide selection of built-in dishwashers to meet your needs, ensuring you’ll find the perfect fit for your home. Whether you're in need of a high-efficiency model or one with advanced cleaning features, Town Appliance has a range of options to suit every kitchen and lifestyle.
Sources:
Kulesza, K., Biedunkiewicz, A., Nowacka, K., Dynowska, M., Urbaniak, M., & Stępień, Ł. (2021). Dishwashers as an Extreme Environment of Potentially Pathogenic Yeast Species. Pathogens, 10(4), 446. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10040446.
