How to Care for Dishwashers

Learn proper care for your dishwasher

Based on the 1886 invention by Illinois socialite Josephine Cochrane, dishwashers are popular home appliances that save time by making cleaning up after a meal a breeze. For many homeowners, a dishwasher can represent a substantial financial investment. Luckily, with the proper care and maintenance you can keep your dishwasher functioning properly for many years. Beyond keeping your dishwasher functional, proper care and maintenance can also improve the performance of your home dishwasher.

Things You'll Need

• Dishwashing detergent
• Soft cloth
• Mild dishwashing liquid
• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Make sure that your dishwasher is plugged into an appropriate power outlet. Plug your dishwasher into a grounded power outlet only; never use an extension cord.

2. Load dishes into your dishwasher according to the directions in your dishwasher user's manual. Loading your dishwasher improperly may damage the racks in your appliance.

3. Use only the type and amount of dishwasher detergent that is specified in your dishwasher's user's manual. Store powdered dishwasher detergent in a cool, dry location when not in use to prevent it from absorbing moisture.

4. Clean the exterior of your dishwasher, as needed, using a soft cloth that has been dampened in a solution of warm, soapy water. Dry the dishwasher exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Clean any spots on the inside of your dishwasher by rubbing them with dishwasher detergent and a damp cloth. Allow the interior of your dishwasher to air-dry.

5. Use vinegar to remove heavy film build-up from the inside of your dishwasher. Start a regular dishwashing cycle on your dishwasher while it is empty and wait for it to fill with water. Open the dishwasher and add one cup of white vinegar to the water in the bottom of the dishwasher. Allow the dishwasher to complete its cleaning cycle.

6. Winterize dishwashers in cold climates if they will be left unused in an unheated location for more than a couple of weeks. Shut off the electricity and water supply to the dishwasher. Disconnect the water line and drain line and drain them into a pan. Make your dishwasher operational again by turning the power and water back on. Fill both detergent cups and run the dishwasher through a "Heavy Wash" cycle before use.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use citric acid crystals, rather than white vinegar, to clean the film from the inside of your dishwasher, if preferred. Citric acid crystals can be purchased at your local drugstore.

• Never use dishwashing liquid like Dawn, Joy or similar in your dishwasher. Using dishwashing liquid in your dishwasher may cause it to overflow with suds.

References

• "Cheap and Easy! Dishwasher Repair"; Douglas Emley; 2003
• New Mexico State University: Dishwasher Care and Cleaning
• Electrolux Appliances: Dishwasher Use and Care Guide

Resources

• Dishwasher Care: Troubleshooting