Your dishwasher makes meal cleanup much easier, but a mechanical malfunction could force you to wash your dishes by hand while you wait for costly repairs to be completed. The way you use and maintain this household appliance will have a significant impact on how long you can expect it to last. Learn about three of the most common mistakes that shorten a dishwasher’s lifespan so you can avoid making them.

Mistakes You May Be Making With Your Dishwasher

1. Leaving Too Much Food

Too much solid residue left on dishes can get stuck in the dishwasher’s drain filter, clogging up the system and decreasing its efficiency. You’ll have longer cycles and each cycle you run will take its toll on this household appliance as it works harder to compensate. There’s no need to wash or even rinse your dishes before putting them inside, however. Simply scrape your leftover food into the trash or compost first.

2. Using Too Much Detergent

Using more detergent won’t make your dishes cleaner; it can actually leave an undesirable soap film on everything in the load. The ingredients in the detergent will collect in the intricate moving parts at the bottom or back of the dishwasher, as well as clogging up the drain. Avoid using pods, which tend to have more detergent than you need. Buy powder or liquid detergent instead and follow instructions for the recommended amount – you may even find you like to use less than the recommended amount.  

3. Neglecting Maintenance

Maintenance is essential for all household appliances, and your dishwasher is no exception. Skipping this will lead to system breakdowns as the appliance clogs up, wears down from dirt buildup, or as a single worn part damages the parts around it. Check your owner’s manual for recommended maintenance advice and follow it diligently. Occasionally clean the inside of the dishwasher by running an empty load with a cup of baking soda and 1.5 cups of white vinegar.

If your dishwasher isn’t running as efficiently as it once did, schedule appliance repair as soon as possible. The team at Ace Appliance Sales & Service in Anchorage, AK, will keep all your household appliances in top condition. They carry a wide inventory of appliance parts to provide as quick a repair as possible. Your home and its major appliances will be in good hands with these experts, who have been serving the community for over 40 years. Contact at (907) 272-8949 to schedule a service.