Tips to Improve Dishwasher Performance

A dishwasher is meant to save you time and effort in keeping your crockery, cutlery and cookware clean, but it will need some tender and loving care from time to time to keep it in top condition. Follow these maintenance tips and your appliance will serve you for years to come.

• Use your dishwasher regularly

A great way to keep your dishwasher in good condition is if you use it often. This prevents food residue from settling on the bottom of the dishwasher or in the filter, and this will help you succeed in frequent thorough cleaning of the dishwasher

• Keep spray arms clean

These rotating spray arms are what give the dishwasher its power, so keeping them in working order and clean is key to taking care of it. Food residue or scale can build up in the nozzles and block them, reducing their cleaning power. Check them regularly and use a pin to unclog the clogged nozzle. You should also remove them from the dishwasher and give them a thorough cleaning every few months.

• Keep the filter clean

You will find the filter at the bottom of the dishwasher and it prevents large food particles from entering the drain system. However, over time, food residues can accumulate, which affect the drainage of water and cause unpleasant odors. Clean the filter once every two to three months.

• Use dishwasher salt and rinse aid

Using salt in the dishwasher is important as it helps the unit cope with the hardness of the water in your area and prevents limescale build-up. Be sure to fill the salt tank when the indicator light comes on. However, always use the funnel supplied with your machine and wipe off any excess salt or salt water, as these have a corrosive effect on the inside of the appliance.

• Keep door edges and seals clean

The edges and door seals of the dishwasher are not exposed to water and heat during a cycle, so they are not cleaned when the appliance is in use. So every month, clean them with a cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner to wipe down the door edges and seals. This will prevent the build-up of mold and mildew or any unpleasant odor-causing bacteria.

•Run the self-clean cycle or use a dishwasher cleaner.

Keeping your machine in good condition means keeping it clean. Some appliances have a self-clean cycle that uses high heat to kill all bacteria and give the dishwasher a thorough, deep clean. You should run these cycles once every two months, but make sure the machine is empty before doing so. You can also use machine cleaning products. Several of these are available on the market and will remove the build-up of bacteria, limescale and food debris. Always read the instructions before use as they may differ from product to product.