Keep your dishwasher well cleaned, so it can clean your dishes well.

In this article I will be sharing tips on how to maintain your dishwasher well, so it would always wash your dishes optimally.

Woman doing maintenance of a dishwasher.

Throughout the years I've had plenty of clients complaining that their dishwashers doesn’t wash their dishes optimally. After inspecting them, their dishwashers are often just a little bit dirty. In most of the cases there was nothing wrong with the device, but rather a misuse or lack of maintenance that can lead to this problem.

If this sounds familiar and you're wondering if your dishwasher have the same problem, first you have to check if your device is working properly. Turn on the dishwasher and check if it's heating up the water at around 10-15 min into the cycle. If the water gets warm, but the dishes at the end still come out a bit dirty, then yes, your dishwasher could use a bit of maintenance.

When we hear the word 'maintenance', sometimes we think that it's something only a specialist can do, or that it's complicated and time consuming. Well, you'd be surprised that it's actually not that hard.

So you're probably wondering that if the device doesn't have a mechanical defect, then what can you do to take care of this problem? - And this is exactly what I will be covering in these 10 easy steps.

Step #1 - Make sure you load your dishes in the way it’s designed.

We've all been there when there is simply too many dishes to load and not enough space in the dishwasher. Since we don't feel like leaving 2-3 dishes for the next cycle we would try and stuff them between the plates and pots and other dishes that are already in their places. What people often don't realise is that in the lower compartment, the spacing in middle is slightly bigger. If we try to put some plates or other things there, it can stick out on the bottom, blocking the bottom shower head from turning and therefore not being able to wash the dishes properly. This can also happen when the dishes are too big or too high, therefore blocking the upper shower head. If this happen often, you might want to adjust the upper basket to one or two levels up instead.

Step #2 - Make sure your dishwasher's salt compartment is always filled.

Not many people realize that salt is very important for the optimal performance of the dishwasher. While most people think that dishwasher tabs or detergent are enough, this is not the case. Salt plays a vital role in softening the water that enters the dishwasher, which helps prevent limescale buildup on dishes and within the dishwasher. This is important because hard water can cause mineral deposits to accumulate over time, leading to food residue and grease being left behind on dishes, as well as spots and streaks on glassware. Using the correct amount of dishwasher salt can contribute to the overall effectiveness of the cleaning process, which may indirectly help keep the dishwasher clean after a cycle.

Step #3 - Always pre-clean your dishes and remove any remaining food residue before loading them into the dishwasher.

When dishes are not pre-cleaned, heavier food residue can remain in the dishwasher and not be washed away with the dirty water. As a result, the food residue can build up in your dishwasher, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can cause unpleasant odors.

Step #4 - Make sure no plastic packaging finds its way into the dishwasher.

This may sound like common sense, but you'd be surprised how often I find plastic packaging inside many dishwashers, which can cause problems with their washing cycles.

Step #5 - Be aware of broken glasses in your dishwasher.

Similar to plastic packaging, broken glass is not something you would typically expect to find in your dishwasher, but it can often be a problem. If you've ever had a glass or cup break in your dishwasher, you've likely searched for the larger pieces and removed them (if you looked at all), but the real problem can be the small, harder-to-see pieces that may pass through the filter and cause issues with the washing cycle.

Step #6: Clean your dishwasher filter regularly to maintain optimal performance.

Over time, debris can accumulate and lead to clogs and reduced efficiency. Most filters are easily removable and can be rinsed under running water. You can then use dish soap and a soft-bristled brush (a good way to recycle your old toothbrush) to scrub the filter. Consult your dishwasher manual for specific instructions on how to remove and clean your filter. It is recommended to clean your dishwasher filter at least once a month to avoid damage, unpleasant odors, and bacterial growth.

Step #7 - Clean your Dishwasher by hand.

If you haven't been pre-cleaning your dishes or replacing the salt in your dishwasher, and it has become dirty with unpleasant smell, it's time to roll up your sleeves and give it a good scrub. There is a specific way to do this, which I will cover in a future article. :)

Step #8 - After running a cycle, it's recommended to leave the dishwasher door open for a short while.

This helps to prevent the growth of mold and other microbes, as a warm and damp environment is created when the door is closed. One study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that leaving the dishwasher door open for an hour after a cycle reduced the number of bacteria present on dishes by 33 percent.

Step #9 - Place the dishwasher tab into the designated place.

Some people place the tab in the upper compartment or in the fork basket, since it's faster and easier to do. But this could impact the result of your dishes being clean. The tab is designed to be inserted into the dishwasher at a specific time of the wash cycle, which it does so automatically.

Step #10 - Do an intensive heat cycle with a special cleaning tab once a month.

Just like everything else, dishwashers can get dirty with time, even if you use them correctly. According to - Prof. Dr. Klaus-Dieter Zastrow, microbiologist at the Technical University of Munich "Dishwashers can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, especially if they are not cleaned regularly. It's important to follow proper cleaning protocols to ensure the safety and cleanliness of your dishes." New models of dishwashers come with a self-cleaning option, but if your model doesn't have it, you can use the intensive program 70 degrees. Make sure you buy a special tab for cleaning dishwashers and insert it after the program begins.

In conclusion, maintaining your dishwasher well is not as complicated as it may seem. By following these easy steps, you can keep your dishwasher in top condition, ensuring it always washes your dishes optimally. With proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your dishwasher and ensure it always performs at its best.

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Thank you for reading my guide on keeping your dishwasher clean for optimal performance. I hope these tips have been helpful for you in maintaining a hygienic and efficient appliance.

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