Is your dishwasher not running as well as it used to? Is it starting to show signs of wear and tear? Are you looking for ways to extend its life and get a few more years out of it? If so, this blog post has tips and tricks to help you do that!
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Empty the Dishwasher
Regularly emptying the dishwasher is an important step to extending its life. According to Rogers, an empty cycle should be run every three to six months to clear calcium deposits. This prevents the sprayer arm from clogging and ensures the dishwasher runs efficiently. To maximize its life, it is important to use hot water when running the cycle and rinse off any heavy debris before placing dishes in the dishwasher.
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Keep the Spray Arms Clean
The spray arms of a dishwasher are essential for providing a thorough cleaning, so keeping them clean is essential. Bosch spray arms can be easily removed with just a few simple steps to do this. Unscrew the upper arm and lift out the lower one, then use hot, soapy water to clean and free any trapped debris. Regularly cleaning the spray arms will ensure your dishwasher can work at its full potential and keep your dishes sparkling clean.
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Give the Filter a Hand
Properly caring for your dishwasher filter is essential to extending the life of your dishwasher. To give the filter a hand, turn the filter counterclockwise to remove the filter door, then remove the filter. Run the filter and the filter door under clean water, using a toothbrush to dislodge any stuck food particles. You can also give the filter a soak in a dishwasher cleaning product every two to three months. This will help keep your dishwasher running optimally, providing you with years of efficient performance.
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Clean Your Dishwasher Filter Regularly
Keeping your dishwasher filter clean is essential for extending the life of your appliance. Regularly running the filter and the filter door under clean water is a great way to dislodge any stuck food particles. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the inside and outside of the filter to remove all food particles and buildup. This should be done regularly to keep your dishwasher functioning properly and extend lifespan.
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Use Hot Water to Wash Dishes
Using hot water when washing dishes can help extend your dishwasher’s life. Hot water helps break down food particles and grease, making washing dishes much easier. Additionally, hot water can help to reduce the build-up of limescale and other debris that can get stuck in the nozzles and reduce their cleaning power. To maximize the cleaning power of your dishwasher, try to use hot water whenever possible.
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Rinse off Heavy Debris
It is important to rinse off heavy debris before loading your dishwasher. This will prevent food particles from clogging up the spray arms and filter, which can lead to poor cleaning performance and can cause damage to the appliance. To ensure that your dishwasher runs efficiently, take a few moments to rinse off any food scraps or stuck-on bits from dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Taking this extra step will help keep your dishwasher running smoothly for longer.
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Use Rinse Aid
Using rinse aid is essential to extending the life of your dishwasher. It helps to soften hard water, allowing the soap to foam and the dishes to dry faster. This reduces the strain on your appliance, as well as helps it to run more efficiently. As a bonus, it can also help prevent water spots and streaks on your dishes. Be sure to follow the instructions for your dishwasher when using this product. Doing so will ensure you get the most out of it and help keep your dishwasher working for years.
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Avoid Overloading the Dishwasher
Overloading the dishwasher can lead to poor cleaning results and potentially cause damage to the appliance. To avoid this, it’s important to arrange dishes facing the centre of the dishwasher and leave enough breathing space between them. This ensures that water can reach all surfaces of the dishes and provide optimal cleaning. Check your manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum load capacity of your dishwasher, as overloading can strain the motor and reduce its efficiency over time.
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Clean the Exterior of the Dishwasher
Maintaining the exterior of your dishwasher is an important part of ensuring its longevity. Once a week, you should clean the door panel with a soft, lightly dampened cloth and dry it thoroughly. For stainless steel exteriors, use a wet cloth or special stainless steel cleaner to wipe down the outside of your dishwasher. This will help prevent any build-up from forming on its surface and keep it looking new. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check for any signs of leaking water, as this can indicate potential problems with your dishwasher.
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Check for Leaks
It’s important to check for leaks in your dishwasher regularly. Leaks can cause water damage and other issues, so it pays to inspect the dishwasher regularly for any signs of a problem. Look for water pooled around the base or any remaining moisture spots after running a cycle. You might also notice a decrease in water pressure, indicating a leak. If you find any leak-evidence, contact a service technician immediately to have it repaired.