Having a dishwasher can save valuable time, energy, and water over washing your dishes by hand. While they increase the efficiency of an everyday household chore, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to ensure you make the most of your dishwasher. Below is what you should and shouldn’t do to avoid unnecessary dishwasher repairs and prolong the life of your appliance.

Do:

Use hot water.

Hot water is much more effective in removing fats, oils, and food particles than cold water. Additionally, high heat kills bacteria and activates the ingredients in your dishwashing detergent. Make sure your dishwasher is running the hottest water possible.

Sort contents strategically.

Organizing your dishwasher will ensure all items are cleaned and sanitized properly. Place plastics, glassware, and other more fragile materials on the top rack, where they won’t be under quite as much pressure or heat. Large, sturdy items like pots and plates need to go on the bottom to receive a full cleaning. Place similarly sized and shaped items together to make unloading easier.

Keep up with maintenance.

Remove food debris and clean your dishwasher regularly. If you begin to notice unusual noises, smells, or grime left on dishes after the cycle completes, contact an appliance repair company to diagnose and fix the issue. When these problems are left unresolved, a simple dishwasher repair can turn into a need for a replacement.

Don’t:

Overload the dishwasher.

You should always wait until your dishwasher is full to run it in order to prevent wasting water, but don’t overstuff the shelves or silverware containers. Stacking and packing items prevent your dishes from getting fully cleaned. Leave some space between each item and fill containers enough that your silverware is snug, but is still able to move freely.

Use too much detergent.

Filling your dishwasher with excess detergent makes it more difficult for the machine to dissolve it all, leaving residue around the dishwasher and on your dishes. This can cause problems in the internal components of your dishwasher over time. Refer to the instructions in your dishwasher’s user manual and the detergent product label to determine how much to use.

Wash the wrong items.

Never wash items that aren’t labeled dishwasher safe. Even if they are considered dishwasher safe, always hand-wash kitchen knives, non-stick pans, wood, cast iron, and hand-painted items. Dishwashers can dull knives, peel off non-stick coatings, dry out and splinter wood, and damage fragile materials.

If you’re having issues with your dishwasher, contact the professionals at Ace Appliance Sale & Service. Serving the Anchorage, AK, area for over 40 years, their team provides quick and efficient repairs for major appliances in residential and commercial settings alike. They will work with a variety of makes and models to ensure your appliances are running at maximum efficiency. To learn more about their services or schedule a dishwasher repair, call (907) 272-8949 today.