Have you noticed your dishwasher not cleaning as effectively? Nobody likes to wash their dishes in the sink after they have run them through the dishwasher. To avoid this issue, every dishwasher needs a little extra cleaning and maintenance to keep it at peak performance.
Clean With Vinegar And De-Clog
Are you tired of looking at that disgusting build-up of old food and hard water deposits on the interior of your dishwasher? Are these problems starting to prevent your dishes from getting properly cleaned? The solution is simple—and cheap! Pour some vinegar, about two or three cups, into the bottom of your empty dishwasher and let the de-clogging process begin. Vinegar is a magic cleaning solution that breaks down grease, old food, and mineral deposits. As a bonus, your dishwasher will smell super fresh!
Check Arm Sprayer
Is your dishwasher not cleaning the top rack anymore? This may occur if the tiny holes on the spray arm are clogged. If that vinegar rinse cycle didn’t do the trick, you can try removing the spray arm and manually scrubbing the spray arms with some mild soap and warm water. For an even deeper clean, you can use toothpicks to dislodge any food particles stuck inside the holes.
Replace Inlet Valve
If your dishwasher is not cleaning dishes the way it used to, there could be an issue with your appliance’s inlet valve. This part allows water to run into the dishwasher basin during a cleaning cycle. If it starts falling, you’ll experience major problems. The result of a faulty valve can be, for example, the sound of a banging noise in the middle of a cycle. This is the time when most people would call a dishwasher repair professional for assistance.
Rinse Before Loading
A dishwasher may claim to be self-cleaning, but that does no’t mean you can load in plates that still have large chunks of food on them! Dishwashers are built to grind up only tiny food particles. If you overwhelm your dishwasher with larger food items, they will not break down and will just stick to your dishes. Be sure to give all of your plates a thorough scraping—and in some cases, a quick rinse under the tap—before you load them into your dishwasher.
Clean the Filter
Is your dishwasher not cleaning well? The fix could be as simple as cleaning out your filter. Without regular cleaning, your dishwasher’s filter can become coated in old food scraps, forcing your appliance to keep using the same dirty water during a cycle to wash your dishes. Simply remove the filter and let it soak overnight in a mixture of water and vinegar or water and a mild soap. The next day, use a soft brush to scrub away any remaining food deposits. You should try cleaning out your filter once a month.
Add A Rinse Agent or Install Water Softener
Tired of looking at cloudy cups and wine glasses when they come out of the dishwasher? A rinse agent will make all of your plates and glassware sparkle like new. But this tool has its limitations. Installing a water softener could be a huge help in the long run. Not only will it make it easier to have clean-looking dishes, but it will extend the life of your dishwasher. Mineral deposits can sometimes clog the holes in your spray arm or create blockage in other parts of the appliance.
Consult A Pro
If these troubleshooting ideas do not get the job done, it is time to consult a professional. Some dishwasher repairs just need the magic touch of an experienced technician. Look no further than to the team at Appliance Wizards to fulfil this role. We offer fast and reliable service with some of the best prices in the Greater Toronto Area. Contact us today for a free consultation.
