In the kitchen, the dishwasher is the ultimate workhorse, tending to piles of dishes that would take hours to hand wash in a fraction of the time. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that this appliance can benefit from routine care and maintenance. If you’re hoping to take better care of your dishwasher, adopt the following do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Clean the dishwasher.

Since your dishwasher is responsible for cleaning your dishes, you might not have ever thought of it as something that needed cleaning of its own. However, over time, food particles, oil and butter, and soap scum can build up inside the appliance. To prevent it from circulating every time you do a load, clean your dishwasher at least once every two weeks.

Schedule an inspection if you hear loud noises.

While your dishwasher may not run silent, you should hear nothing more than the water being dispersed, the fan churning it, and maybe some steam escaping. If you hear any loud banging noises, there may be a loose or broken part. Turn off your dishwasher immediately and call for an inspection before using it again.

Don’t:

Put thin plastic or greasy machinery in your dishwasher.

Some people have been known to use their dishwashers to clean items they can’t put in the washing machine, such as auto or machinery parts. The lubricant and grease on these components can clog the holes where water shoots out, permanently damaging your appliance and coating your dishes in the substance. Also, thin plastic items — including some Tupperware containers — can melt in the dishwasher, and the small broken scraps can clog the dishwasher filter.

Use regular dish soap.

When you use dish soap to hand wash dishes, you notice how much just a tiny drop can turn into countless suds. Just imagine how many there would be if you filled the dishwasher detergent receptacle! Detergent made especially for dishwasher doesn’t create any suds, as this can damage the plumbing, filters, and drainage system in the appliance.

If you need help taking better care of your dishwasher, turn to Carolina Appliance Service of Matthews, NC. Since 1993, they have been offering top-quality appliance repairs, and they will even come to your property the same day you call. Whether your dishwasher, refrigerator, or dryer is acting up, just call them at (704) 847-0004 to receive a quick response. You can also visit the website to learn more about their appliance repair services.