Most homeowners know the basic dishwasher care tips — like running it regularly, scraping off food before loading, and keeping it clean. But if you want your dishwasher to work efficiently for many years, there are a few extra maintenance steps you shouldn’t ignore.
At Pro-Tech Appliance Repair Services in Newington, Virginia, our appliance repair experts have put together this Dishwasher Maintenance Checklist to help you prevent breakdowns, save energy, and keep your dishes shining clean every time.
Dishwasher Maintenance Tips from Pro-Tech Appliance Repair Services, Newington VA
Keeping your dishwasher clean and well-maintained helps it last longer and run better. Most people clean their dishwasher once in a while, but there are a few extra steps you can take to keep it working like new. Our experts Appliance Repair Services in Newington, Virginia have put together this easy checklist for you.
1. Clean the Filter
Your dishwasher filter traps bits of food and prevents them from clogging the drain. You’ll find it at the bottom of your dishwasher. To clean it, twist and remove the filter, rinse it under warm water, and scrub it with soap. Cleaning the filter also helps get rid of bad smells.
2. Clean the Door Seals
The rubber seals around your dishwasher door keep water from leaking. Over time, they can get dirty or worn out. Wipe them with a damp cloth often to keep them clean and soft. If you notice cracks or tears, it’s best to replace them.
3. Clean the Spray Arms
The spray arms are the spinning parts that spray water on your dishes. You may have one at the bottom and another at the top. Remove or wipe them down with warm, soapy water. Use a toothpick or Q-tip to clean out any clogged holes so the water can spray properly.
4. Scrape Off Extra Food
Before loading your dishes, scrape off leftover food. Too much food and grease can block the drain and spray arms, or even stick to other dishes during the wash. Scraping dishes takes just a few seconds and helps your dishwasher stay clean longer.
5. Deep Clean the Inside
Every few months, give your dishwasher a deep clean. Place a cup of white vinegar in a bowl on the top rack and run a hot water cycle. Vinegar removes grease, grime, and odors, leaving your dishwasher fresh and clean.
6. Run It Regularly
Run your dishwasher at least once a week, even if it’s not full. This keeps the seals from drying out and the moving parts from getting stuck. Plus, using the dishwasher actually saves more water than washing by hand.
7. Fix Rust Early
If you see rust or cracks on the racks, fix them right away. You can buy special dishwasher rack paint online or from a home improvement store to cover the damaged areas. Fixing rust early stops it from spreading.
8. Clean the Outside Too
Don’t forget the outside! Wipe it down with warm water and dish soap or a mix of vinegar and water. For stainless steel dishwashers, you can use a stainless steel cleaner to make it shine.
9. Make a Cleaning Schedule
Dishwasher maintenance isn’t always exciting, but it’s important. Set a reminder to clean your filter, spray arms, and door seals once a month. A little regular cleaning keeps your dishwasher in great shape and helps it last for years.
How to Know It’s Time for Maintenance
If your dishwasher isn’t cleaning well, smells bad, or leaks, it’s time for maintenance or repair. Regular care can help prevent major problems — like a flooded kitchen — before they happen.
Decreased effectiveness: If the dishes don’t look completely clean after a wash cycle or you see leftover detergent, your dishwasher probably needs a good cleaning and some care.
Unpleasant odors: Since your dishwasher works hard every day, it can sometimes get smelly. But if you notice a spoiled food smell or a musty odor, that’s not a good sign.
Wear and tear: If you see rust or damage on the dish racks, utensil basket, or the rubber door seal, it means regular use without maintenance is starting to show its effects.
Leaks: If water is leaking outside the dishwasher, you may need to replace the door gasket or call for professional dishwasher maintenance and repair.
Drain problems: If water stays inside the dishwasher and doesn’t drain properly, there might be a problem with the pump or plumbing.
If your dishwasher starts leaking or making strange noises while running, it’s time to call a professional appliance repair technician. Other than basic cleaning, dishwasher repairs should only be done by an experienced appliance service professional. Depending on how old your dishwasher is and what kind of repair it needs, fixing it is often cheaper and better than replacing it.
Need Your Dishwasher Repaired in Northern Virginia, Newington, or Nearby Areas? We’re Here to Help — Call ProTech Appliance Repairs Today!
