Dishwasher Cleaning Tips
Regardless of how old your appliances are, you can keep them performing their best and maybe even extend their lifespan by regular cleaning and maintenance. This is a no brainer when it comes to ovens and refrigerators because those appliances are meant to keep food and cook it. But what about the dishwasher? This poor appliance gets the dirtiest job in the kitchen, but with regular cleaning, your dishes will always shine!
You’d think that an appliance designed to have one job cleaning would self clean itself afterword, but with a dishwasher that is just not the case. Although using it often will prevent food debris from settling on the bottom, deep cleaning the dishwasher will provide clean dishes cycle after cycle!
Deep Clean
The first step is to empty the dishwasher as you will need to remove the racks to inspect the sprayer arms. To remove the racks, the method depends on the model. Typically the bottom rack will just lift put, and to remove the top rack, push in the end caps and then pull it out.
Once the racks are removed you can access the sprayer arms. When the little holes get clogged with build up, your dishes will come out spotty or even worse, with food still clinging to the glass. Use a small piece of wire, a toothpick, or small pliers to clean out the little holes. For those who want to go the extra mile, you can take off the sprayer arms and really get into those small holes.
The float is the mechanism that prevents your dishwasher from flooding during the cleaning cycle. Over time the float can get coated with food particles, but don’t worry it is the easiest part to clean. Simply raise the float and wipe it clean with a damp hand cloth.
To go the extra mile, remove the filter and drain and rinse it with warm soapy water and remove debris with a brush or cloth. Make sure to put all the parts back together correctly.
When it comes to the door interior and the racks, use a little multipurpose cleaner and wipe down. The edges of the door that seal when the dishwasher is closed do not get washed during the cycle, so spend extra attention there and also on the detergent dispenser.
The finishing touch is to remove hard water buildup as this will ensure sparkling glassware! If you decide to use white vinegar or lemon juice, place in a bowl on the top rack and run a cycle.
Remember that maintaining your appliances is required as part of your home warranty plan. for any questions regarding your home warranty, call us at 888-495-2249 or email [email protected]
