We have put together some Tips To Optimising Your Dishwashers Performance. When purchasing a new appliance it is always good to learn how to run it at its optimal performance. Here are some things to look out for and how to run your dishwasher at its best.
Removing Bad Odours
We like to think of our dishwashers as the appliance that stands between ourselves and the bacteria that is waiting to thrive on our unwashed dishes. However, the reality is sometimes quite the opposite.
One of the most common issues people face is a funky smell emanating from our beloved appliance. If it smells this bad, is it really cleaning our dishes? Is it going to affect the health of our family?
Bad smells coming from our dishwasher are a clear indication that there is food or debris trapped within the mechanics of the appliance. Bacteria-laden food may be clogging the filters or spray arms, or even be lurking in the seals of the machine.
Left unattended, this could become a veritable petri dish of bacteria or mould which is both unhealthy and pretty gross.
For a proper clean, start with the filters at the bottom of the appliance. Scrape off any grease or debris and leave them to soak in some warm, soapy water. Scrub them thoroughly with a small brush and rinse them well. It’s also worth removing the spray arm (consult your product manual for instructions) and cleaning out the nozzles with a brush and a toothpick or piece of wire. Thereafter, use a soft cloth and some gentle detergent to wipe in and around the seals.
It’s also worth running a hot cycle in an empty dishwasher with a few teaspoons of baking soda to really freshen things up.
My Dishes Aren’t Clean
It can be deeply disheartening to open your dishwasher only to find that most of the load is still caked with food and other unidentifiable substances.
After an hour or more, a good dose of cleaning powder, and temperatures that would rival that of your oven, you are still left with dirty dishes. What could the problem be?
Getting Better Results
There are several reasons for your dishwasher to do half a job, but these are the most common reasons and quick solutions.
Incorrect Loading
You’re over stacking your appliance. If your dishes are loaded without sufficient space for the jets of water to get through, then you’re not going to get brilliantly clean dishes. Rather space the dishes correctly and run a second load afterward.
Obstructions
Items are interfering with the spinning arms. Large knives or plates and other items can shift during the cycle and end up catching on the arms, preventing the water from reaching the rest of the load.
Residual Dirt
Your dishwasher may be dirty. Accumulated grease or food items sitting in the filter or seals may be leaving their revolting residue on the next load of dishes. And the next. A regular cleanout of your machine will prevent this problem.
My Dishwasher is Leaking
Is your dishwasher leaving a small puddle of water after completing a cycle? Or a large one?
That’s never a good sign, but don’t panic – it may not be an expensive fix. Your machine works hard and has many moving parts, so if it doesn’t have too many years under its metal belt then there’s likely a quick solution.
Leaking Dishwasher
Leaking in the Front
If there is water in front of the machine, there’s a good chance that you’ve got a leaky door seal, or the door latch needs some attention. A broken, split, or perishes seal is usually pretty easy to replace, but a faulty door latch may require more handyman know-how.
Leaks from Below
Should you see water leaking from beneath your dishwasher then you may have:
- A cracked hose, loose connection, or a leaking pump seal. Run your hands around the area until you locate a wet spot and then investigate from there.
- A faulty float switch will allow your dishwasher water level to get too high which causes leaks. It may simply be stuck on something, or it may need replacing.
- Blocked filters or misaligned drainage pipes can also result in water pooling beneath your appliance.
If you’re willing and able to attempt these fixes yourself then your dishwasher will be up and running in no time at all. However, be careful if your appliance is still under warranty and if you’re not sure what to do, then call in a professional.
My Glasses Have a Film on Them
After a little while, you may notice a whiteish film forming on your glassware. And it’s not coming off. Is your dishwasher to blame? Is it damaging your glasses?
Preventing White Film
The reason for this unsightly film on your glassware is most likely caused by hard water; that is, water that has a higher-than-normal level of certain minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Usually, regular use of a good rinse aid will soften the water enough to prevent this from happening. However, if your glasses have already become cloudy, then soaking them in a solution of vinegar should help to remove the film.
Fixing Dishwasher Issues
We need to accept the reality that our dear, hardworking dishwasher is, one day, going to face retirement.
Hopefully, today is not that day.
Most dishwashers will enjoy a good 10 years of faithful service, but if yours is battling to fulfill its duties then you may want to start shopping for a replacement. We’d love to assist you in finding the best addition for your family, please take a look at our special offers to get started.
Remember to shop for your favourite kitchen essentials here and view our blog for more news, recipes, events, and information.