What should you do if the dishwasher no longer cleans properly? The answer is simple – clean the dishwasher.
One of the most common criticisms of dishwashers is that they don't wash well enough. Although sometimes the problem is due to the poor quality of the machine itself, chances are good that theyWith a little help it works fine again. Follow these tips and techniques toproperly clean your dishwasherso that it works like new again.
What home remedies can you use to clean your dishwasher?
You don't need a special cleaner to clean yoursDishwasher hygienicto remove limescale, bacteria and fungi. Instead of using chemicals, there are well-tested home remedies that are good for the environment and your wallet.
Use vinegar to clean the dishwasher & unclog it
For minor dishwasher messes caused by food deposits and hard water, you can often correct the situation by running a vinegar cycle. Simply add three cups of white vinegar to the bottom of an empty dishwasher and select the longest program. The vinegar dissolves light mineral deposits and cleans the holes in the spray arm from dirt. It also removes grease residue from the interior walls, leaving dishes cleaner and smelling better.
How can you clean your dishwasher with citric acid
First, dissolve some citric acid powder in lukewarm water according to the package instructions. Clean the rinse arms with a clean cloth. If the limescale deposits are very stubborn, let the citric acid work for a while. Then sprinkle about six to seven tablespoons of citric acid powder on the bottom of the device and run it on the highest possible temperature program.
Save the dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda
Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher. Fill the powder compartment with vinegar and close it. Without dishes, run the dishwasher on a short program on high heat.
Cleaning the dishwasher: What else needs to be taken into account
Check the spray arm for blockages
If the holes in the spray arm are severely clogged, try cleaning it manually. The spray arm is located at the bottom of the dishwasher and can usually be removed by loosening the screw cap. Clean the holes with a toothpick and then rinse the spray arm under hot water.
Increase the water temperature
Hot water is essential for dissolving leftover food. Some dishwashers therefore have a built-in option to heat the water to the ideal temperature. If your dishwasher does not have this feature, increase the water temperature on the heater to at least 120 degrees. Before loading the dishwasher, run hot water in the sink for a minute to ensure only hot water goes into the machine.
Replace the dishwasher inlet valve
If the dishwasher does not clean the dishes even after you have followed the troubleshooting steps above, the inlet valve through which water flows into the dishwasher may be damaged. A knocking noise during a cycle would indicate the problem. At this point, many people prefer to call a technician, but you can also solve the problem by simply looking at the manual. It will list the replacement valve you should order and probably also instructions on how to replace the old valve.
Clean the pump from the dishwasher
If you notice that the dishwasher won't drain andstanding water accumulates, you may need to unclog the pump. This is not a major repair and can be done by most people with a little time, knowledge, and the right products.
Step 1: Remove and clean the filter
Remove the filter and rinse it with clean, soapy water. If necessary, use a soft brush to remove stubborn dirt.
Step 2: Remove the pump cover
Next, remove the pump cover to access the pump, which should be located directly underneath the filter you just removed.
Step 3: Clean the pump
Rinse the pump with water and a clean sponge. Pay particular attention to removing large pieces of food and rinsing them completely.
Take steps to keep your dishwasher in top shape
Once your dishwasher is cleaning well again, you should follow a few simple rules to keep it in good condition.
Rinse before loading
First, remember that a dishwasher is not a trash can. Many newer models come with slicers that work similarly to garbage chutes, but can only process small pieces of food. Therefore, scrape off any leftover food and rinse the containers under hot water before placing them in the machine.
Clean the dishwasher filter
If your dishwasher is not self-cleaning, it probably has a manual filter that catches food particles. If the filter is clogged, the dishwasher will continue to circulate dirty water, causing small food buildup and potentially smelly dishes.
The filter is located at the bottom of the device and is usually covered by a rotating cap. Take off the cap and then remove the filter.Soak it in vinegar overnightto loosen deposits. Then clean it with a toothbrush. For best results, you should clean the filter every one to two months.
Load the containers as recommended by the manufacturer
Some dishwashers have powerful water jets, while others are less powerful. No matter what type of machine you own, you will get the best results if you load it correctly.
Use a quality cleaner
Dishwashing detergent contains a blend of enzymes, detergents and rinse aids that work together to dissolve food deposits and reduce hard water stains on glasses. For excellent results, use high-quality dishwashing detergents.
Add rinse aid to the dishwasher added
Using a rinse aid can make the difference between cloudy, dull dishes and crystal clear glasses and shiny plates. These liquid additives contain surfactants that are designed to prevent water droplets from leaving stains. Keep the dishwasher's rinse aid dispenser full and add a small squirt of rinse aid to the bottom of the appliance before running it.
Consider installing a water softener
Hard water can leave unsightly stains on plates and glassware. It can also leave deposits on the internal parts of the dishwasher, restrict the free rotation of the spray arm and block the valves, shortening the life of the appliance. If you suspect your water is hard, do a test with a simple kit. If the results indicate hard water, consider installing a water softener in the water line leading into your home. The softener not only protects your dishwasher, but also reduces hard water deposits in sinks, tubs and showers.
