Ways to Maintain a Squeaky-Clean Dishwasher

With a hectic schedule, washing dirty dishes, pots and pans by hand can be troublesome, which is why many people choose to invest in automatic dishwashers. A recent survey shows that about 68% of households own a dishwasher. Not only is this mechanical device convenient for cleaning, but it’s also a good way to boost energy efficiency. In 2011, researchers found out that an average of 3.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity is used in a hand washing session, which is three times what a standard dishwasher uses.

To make the most of your dishwasher it’s important to clean it regularly. Learn some of the best dishwasher cleaning tips:

Remove and Wash Demountable Parts

Unscrew the bottom spinning arm/disc and pull out the grate and filter. Remove other demountable parts, too. Use a soapy sponge and warm water to clean all these components. Moreover, you should look for any stuck-on food pieces in your utensil rack. Use a brush or sponge soaked in soap to clean this part.

Inspect the Holes in the Spinning Arm or Disc

The spinning arm or disc of your dishwasher has holes that are prone to clogging. To keep them clean, use needle nose pliers, toothpicks, or other small pointy tools to remove any debris. Newer dishwashers come with more than one spinning arm or disc, so remember to check each arm and their holes.

Focus on the Door

To clean your door seal, use a cloth soaked in vinegar and wipe around the area. For hard-to-reach spots, a toothbrush or Q-tip may come in handy. In some dishwasher models, debris tends to accumulate at the bottom of the door. Wipe this off and while you are at it, clean the inside of the dishwasher, too.

Follow the Vinegar Cleaning Technique

Return all the dismounted parts of your dishwasher. Before running the device on a low or energy-saving cycle, add two cups of vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher. Stop the dishwasher mid-cycle and let the vinegar stand on the bottom for at least 20 minutes. Lastly, complete the wash cycle.

For your electrical and carpentry needs, work with a reliable company like Handyman Connection® of Golden. Call us today at (303) 848-2752. You can also fill out our online form for an estimate.