Caring For Your Dishwasher To Make It Last Longer & Work More Efficiently

If you've got a dishwasher then you'll probably never want to go back to washing dishes by hand. And why would you? Not only does the dishwasher save you time on hand washing dishes, but it also uses less water and energy in heating that water than washing your dishes by hand does. So, you'd want to make your dishwasher's life as long as possible, right?

Unfortunately, over time, its performance may be less than when you first purchased it and this is where a little love and care can keep its performance levels up and extend its life.

Here's our tips on caring for your dishwasher...

1. Clean The Filter

All dishwashers come with manufacturer instructions that tell you to clean out your filter regularly, but do you actually do this? The filter is usually a little basket at the bottom of the dishwasher that is designed to catch and retain any food or other objects. This can become clogged quite quickly, so it's well worth taking it out regularly and rinsing it out.

2. Clean The Screen

At the bottom of your dishwasher you'll see a screen that's designed to catch food and anything else that drops to the bottom of the machine. If you don't clean this regularly you may find that your dishwasher is making a strange, unpleasant smell. All you need to do is remove the screen and give it a quick clean on a regular basis. Cleaning this screen will also help the water flow properly around your dishwasher.

3. Check The Seals

One of the things that often goes wrong on a dishwasher is the rubber seal around the door. They can break, come detached or perish over time. If there is a problem with the seal then the dishwasher won't operate effectively and you could end up with water on your floor and in surrounding cupboards. But don't worry, the seals can be replaced and the manufacturer of your dishwasher will advise on the appropriate replacement seal for your model.

4. Check It's Level And Hasn't Moved

This may seem like something you'd check when your dishwasher first goes in and then think no more about it, but it's still worth checking. Is your dishwasher standing level? If it isn't then water won't drain correctly once the cycle has finished and standing water in your dishwasher will begin to smell and affect the performance of the machine. Just pop a spirit level on top of your dishwasher to check if it's level.

5. Check The Spray Arm Nozzles Are Clear

The majority of dishwashers have removable rotating arms with nozzles (usually two or more). They will be in different places and attach differently depending on the make and model of your machine, so check the manufacturer guidelines for where these are and how to remove them. Then soak them in warm soapy water and clean carefully with a soft brush.

6. Give Your Dishwasher A Good Wash

Mould and mildew can build up in your dishwasher and affect its performance. It can also lead to smells and eventually your pots won't be coming out clean any more. This problem will gradually get worse over time, despite the dishwasher's regular use. However, it's very easy to get rid of and prevent recurrence. All you need to do is pour some white vinegar into the detergent cup of the machine and then run it through on its highest setting.

So there you have it, our top tips for making your dishwasher last longer. If you have a dishwasher problem or any other type of plumbing issue, we're always here to help. Just call us on (01773) 749 713 and we'll be right there!