Did you know that the price of a new dishwasher is between $400 and $700, with installation costs running between $200 and $500? And, if you get a higher-end model, prices can easily run into the thousands?
While this may not be a crazy amount of money, it’s still a good chunk of change. Luckily, if you take proper care of your dishwasher, you won’t have to worry about buying a new one any time soon.
But, what exactly does dishwasher maintenance involve?
Maintaining your dishwasher is actually fairly simple. Check out this guide to learn the top dishwasher maintenance tips.
1. Clean the Filter
Most dishwashers contain a trap that’s located either at the bottom or top of the lower spray arm. Resembling a mesh screen, this traps food particles that would otherwise wash down the drain.
Make sure to clean and inspect this filter on a regular basis. Cleaning steps vary from filter to filter, so be sure to check your owner’s manual to learn how to properly clean and inspect it
2. Clean and Unclog the Drain
We all know how much of a pain a clogged drain can be and trust us, your dishwasher hates clogged drains as much as you do.
In order to clean the drain you need to:
- Unplug the dishwasher
- Remove the cover and the screws
- Protect the opening in order to keep debris from getting in
- Use your hand to clean out larger pieces
- Use a brush or cloth to clean out smaller pieces
- Reassemble
Also, make sure you regularly clean around the dishwasher drain. This helps to ensure that dirty water is efficiently exiting your appliance.
3. Touch Up the Racks
The racks are often one of the most neglected areas of the dishwasher when it comes to cleaning, but they need some TLC.
Inspect the racks for chips and repair them in a timely manner and touch up the paint. If your dishwasher racks contain a large amount of rust, you may even want to look into purchasing replacement racks.
Repairing rusty racks isn’t just about looks. If left alone, the racks will corrode and small pieces of rusty metal may get trapped in your dishwasher’s pump, which can eventually lead to expensive repairs.
4. Use Vinegar to Remove Soap Scum
Dishwashers build up grime over time, and too much build up can result in dishes that are dull and not sparkly.
To remove the grime, fill a bowl of vinegar and put it on the top rack of the dishwasher. Add some to the bottom of the dishwasher as well. Then, run your dishwasher on empty. Finally, take a clean cloth and wipe the inside.
5. Run It Regularly
Last but not least, make sure you are running your dishwasher on a regular basis.
This is one of the best ways to prevent excess debris buildup. Plus, this will reduce the number of times you will need to give it a deep cleaning throughout the year.
Dishwasher Maintenance: Are You Ready to Make Yours Squeaky Clean?
As you can see, dishwasher maintenance is a fairly simple and straightforward process. If you have any questions about these maintenance tips, please let us know. And, if your dishwasher is in need of serious repairs, be sure to get in touch with us today.
