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6 Dishwasher Maintenance Tips
Some people assume that because a dishwasher cleans dishes, it doesn't need any cleaning itself. But grease, food particles, and soap scum can build up inside, causing unpleasant odors, reduced cleaning performance, and even mechanical issues. So, how do you clean a dishwasher to keep it running at its best? With simple household items like vinegar, toothpicks, and even citrus drink mix. DIY dishwasher maintenance eliminates grime and freshens the machine. Plus, scheduling yearly professional checkups can extend the dishwasher's life and help prevent costly repairs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Regular cleaning keeps your dishwasher running efficiently and prevents odors.
- DIY maintenance can be done easily with household items like vinegar and citrus drink mix.
- Professional inspections help extend your dishwasher’s lifespan and prevent costly repairs.
Vinegar, bleach…and Tang? These are just a few of the magic ingredients to help get a clean, functioning dishwasher that will last.
How to Clean a Dishwasher for Optimal Performance
Keeping your dishwasher clean doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a few simple steps and household items, anyone can perform DIY dishwasher maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Regular cleaning prevents grease, soap scum, and food debris from building up, helping to maintain fresh smells and sparkling dishes in every load. Give your dishwasher the care it needs with these easy tips.
1. Clean Your Dishwasher with Vinegar
- Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the bottom of the empty dishwasher.
- Run a hot water cycle.
- Pause the cycle midway for 15-20 minutes to let the vinegar break down grime.
- Resume and complete the cycle.
2. Use Citrus Drink Mix for Dishwasher Freshness
- Fill the detergent holder with powdered lemonade or other citrus drink mix.
- Run an empty cycle.
- The citric acid helps remove mineral deposits and freshens up the dishwasher.
3. Clear the Dishwasher Spray Arm Holes
- Inspect the spray arms for any debris blocking the holes.
- Use a toothpick, bamboo skewer, or needle-nose pliers to clear blockages.
- Be gentle to avoid damaging the spray arms.
4. Soak and Clean the Dishwasher Filter
- Remove the filter located at the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Soak it in soapy water or distilled vinegar for hard water deposits.
- Rinse thoroughly and reinstall the filter.
5. Clean the Dishwasher Door Seal
- Mix vinegar and water to create a cleaning solution.
- Use a rag or a soft toothbrush to wipe around the door seal, removing any accumulated grime.
6. Remove Dishwasher Mold with Bleach
- Fill the detergent holder with bleach.
- Run a cycle in an empty dishwasher.
- Avoid using bleach if the dishwasher has a stainless steel interior, and never combine bleach with other cleaners like vinegar.
Why Professional Dishwasher Maintenance Matters
Keeping your dishwasher in top working condition and extending its lifespan requires yearly, professional maintenance. With the expertise of Sears Home Services technicians, you can be sure your dishwasher operates at its best.
Benefits of Professional Dishwasher Maintenance
Professional maintenance goes beyond simple cleaning. It includes a comprehensive checkup that helps identify potential issues before they become major problems. This preventive care boosts your dishwasher's performance while saving you time and money by reducing the likelihood of unexpected repairs.
What’s Included in a Dishwasher Maintenance Service?
Your dishwasher maintenance includes a detailed 13-point inspection featuring:
- Pump and Motor Shaft Inspection: Checking for wear and tear to ensure smooth operation.
- Pump/Spray Arm Cleaning: Removing debris to maintain optimal water flow.
- Water Distribution and Level Check: Verifying proper water levels for effective cleaning.
- Gasket and Draining Check: Ensuring seals are intact and the drainage system functions properly.
- Full Electrical System Inspection: Examining electrical components for safety and efficiency.
- Clean Filter and Door Gasket: Cleaning critical parts to prevent clogs and leaks.
- And Much More: Comprehensive care tailored to your dishwasher’s needs.
Trust Sears Home Services for Expert Care
At Sears Home Services, our technicians are not just skilled professionals; they are dedicated to helping you maintain your appliances with the highest standards of quality. By choosing our services, you’re investing in the reliability and efficiency of your dishwasher. Our team is committed to providing thorough maintenance that helps your dishwasher perform at its best for years to come.
If your dishwasher is experiencing problems, consider scheduling a dishwasher repair service with us. Our experts have extensive experience in diagnosing and fixing dishwasher issues, whether they are simple or complex.
Trust Sears Home Services for Appliance Maintenance and Repair
Keeping your dishwasher and other household appliances in top shape is important for a smooth-running home. At Sears Home Services, our skilled professionals provide thorough care to help your appliances run efficiently and reliably. Whether you need appliance maintenance services or appliance repairs, you can rely on our team to extend the life of your appliances and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Trust Sears Home Services to keep your home running smoothly and your appliances performing at their best.
Schedule your dishwasher maintenance now!
Regular dishwasher maintenance can help prevent costly breakdowns, reduce energy costs and extend the life of your appliance.
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Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A garbage disposal is a device installed under a kitchen sink that shreds food waste into small enough pieces to pass through plumbing, facilitating an easier and more hygienic kitchen waste management process.
A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.
A microwave cover is a kitchen accessory designed to fit over dishes being heated or cooked in a microwave oven, preventing splatters inside the microwave and helping to evenly distribute heat.
Common Repair Dishwasher Symptoms
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher is leaking are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a worn door seal.
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher has no water are a broken detergent dispenser, defective electronic control board or a clogged water valve.
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher is not draining are a failed drain pump, cracked drain hose or a defective electronic control board.
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher is not drying are a broken heating element, defective electronic control board or a stripped wire connector.
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher is not spinning are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a faulty pump and motor assembly.
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher is not starting are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a stripped wire connector.