Daily
• Clean the front or top of the dishwasher with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Follow manufacturer instructions to preserve the finish.
• Only use detergents specifically made for dishwashers.
• Use powdered detergents instead of gels. They don’t contain chlorine bleach to harm your seals or filters. They are less likely to clog the soap dispenser.
• Detergents do have a shelf life of about 2 weeks. Once you open the box, the product starts losing strength. So buy a package that fits your usage for a 2 week time frame.
• Use a rinse aid to help prevent spotting on glassware especially if you use well water or live in a hard water area.
Twice a Month
• Clean the screens or filters. Check the manufacturer’s user manual for the correct way to remove the filters in the dishwasher. Soak them in warm vinegar water to loosen mineral deposits. Brush with a soft-medium brush or old toothbrush to remove any food particles trapped in the filter. Replace a torn or damaged filter. You don’t want to allow food particles to damage the dishwasher.
• Check the food drain. While the filters should prevent food particles from getting into the food drain, it won’t hurt to take a peek into the drain to verify that it is empty and clean.
Once a Month
• Clean and deodorize the dishwasher. Run a cycle when the dishwasher is empty of dishes with a quart of vinegar to clean mineral deposits from the interior of the dishwater as well as the food drain. An alternative is to run a cycle with a scoop of Tang powered drink. It will scour the interior walls and leave a clean scent.
Bi-Monthly
• Clean the sprayer arm. Mineral deposits and food particles can clog the holes in the sprayer. Soak the arm in warm vinegar water to loosen the build up. Finish the cleaning with a pipe cleaner to completely clear the holes.
• Repair the dish racks. Should you see any exposed metal or nicks on the dish rack, purchase a repair kit from your local hardware store. The repairs are easy to make and will protect the rack from further deterioration as well as protect your dishes from rust or stains.
Twice a Year
• Level the dishwasher. Open the door and place an air bubble level on the inside rim of the dishwasher. Adjust the legs on the front of the dishwasher to keep it level.
• Check the sealing gaskets. Look at the rubber or plastic seals around the door to be sure they are pliable with no cracks or tears. Poor gaskets can allow the dishwasher to leak.
Tags:
