Dishwashers are wonderful machines. They make our lives easier and save us precious time until they break or stop cleaning properly. This is why it’s important to take care of your dishwasher to avoid untimely dishwasher repair. Here are some tips to care for your dishwasher:
Clean the Trap. Food collects in the trap and can prevent the machine from cleaning. Most manufacturers recommend you clean this out at least once a month.
Clean Around the Door Seals. Spills can collect around the door. Just wipe regularly with a damp cloth.
Inspect the bottom of your dishwasher around the drain. There will be a grate or grill around the drain. This is where waste water goes. Look for food or other debris clogging up this area. You shouldn’t have to clean this often if you’re careful about what you put in your dishwasher, but you should remove any solid matter that builds up, especially bits of paper, shards of broken dishes, food chunks, etc.
Refill your Dishwasher’s Rinse Aid Dispenser. Prevent spots on your dishes by keeping this dispenser full. The refill area varies by make and model but most are located on the door and have a removable or flip top cap. Just open that and fill to top. Check this at least once a month.
Clean under the bottom of the door. In some dishwashers, this is an area where water doesn’t go, so it can accumulate debris. Wipe this off as needed.
Run the garbage disposal before starting the dishwasher. The dishwasher drains into the same pipe as your sink, so that drain must be clear.
Remove hard water deposits or scale (if needed). Run one cycle of your dishwasher empty, with a mild, acidic product of your choice. A “light” or short cycle is usually sufficient. Place powders into the detergent cup. Place liquids in a right-side-up cup or bowl in the top rack. Use whichever of the following is on hand or inexpensive: Lemonade drink mix or lemon-flavored Kool-Aid mix. (Avoid strong colors that might stain and don’t add any sugar), Tang (powdered), Lemon juice, Distilled white vinegar, Any brand of dishwasher cleaning product.
If you do all of these things and are still in need of dishwasher repair, contact C&W Appliance Service. We specialize in Sub Zero appliances but service most major brands. We have been repairing appliances in the Dallas and Fort Worth area for over 60 years. If you are in San Antonio or the Hill Country region, we now have a Sub Zero repair division there as well. Give us a call today. (855) 358-1496 (TOLL FREE), (214) 358-1496.
