Dishwasher Care

Because more people are home these days, we are cooking and using more dishes, this is a good time to clean a dishwasher. Dishwashers are an important plumbing appliance in a kitchen as it saves hours of scrubbing plates, cups and the piles of silverware.  They also sanitize the dishes, which is especially useful, especially if someone in the family is ill. But dishwashers, like most plumbing appliances, need to be cleaned so they run more efficiently and don’t start to smell like rotten food or mildew.  But how should that be done? And with what?

All that is needed are two items that are already in the average pantry: white vinegar and baking soda. You’ll have to remove the bottom rack of the dishwasher.   This isn’t a hard job, but one that needs to be done on the dishwasher’s level.  Inspect the drain spout. Remove any extra food debris that could be sticking to it or any small items that might have fallen down to the bottom of the washer.  

The bottom

Silverware, straws, plastic lids and other skinny items are notorious for falling through the cracks of the racks.  There are simple baskets designed specially made to hold those smaller items safe for reasonable prices. Removing this debris from the bottom will make the dishwasher run more efficiently and prevent damage to the dishwasher.  It will also avoid the possibility of standing water at the bottom of the dishwasher. If there happens to be any other large debris items in the dishwasher, remove those as well.

The cycles

Next, put the bottom rack back and reach for the household cleaner that everyone should stock in their house:  white vinegar. Place a cup of white vinegar face up in a dishwasher safe container and run the dishwasher through a hot water cycle.  Reminder to skip the drying cycle here and save some energy as it is not needed for the third step. Use ordinary baking soda and sprinkle a cup down on the bottom of the dishwasher.  It does not need to be exact here and if some is sprinkled on the rack it’s not a big deal and it will not ruin the dishwasher.  Run through a short cycle this time on the dishwasher, yet again without the drying feature. The dishwasher will be crisp and fresh-smelling after these simple steps.

Finishing

To finish, use hot water and a sponge or microfiber towel to wipe down the outside of the dishwasher and any other spots that may be there.  Microfiber towels and gentle dish soap (the same one used to wash large items that do not fit in the dishwasher or are not dishwasher safe) is the safest to use on the exterior to avoid scratches.  And help prevent food buildup by rinsing dishes before placing them in the rack. These four steps, done on a monthly basis will keep a dishwasher fresh. Each month when you do this, check underneath your kitchen sink and make sure no leaks have started where the dishwasher connects to the water line and the garbage disposal or drain line. Plumbers get a lot of calls for these leaks, and, if caught early, will only do minimal damage.

 If you need honest and experienced professional plumbing services for residential and commercial plumbing needs in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Enterprise, give us a call at 702-766-3320.