For many of us, washing the dishes as a kid was a hated chore. Before most houses had dishwashers, all the cutlery, plates, cups, and pots had to be scrubbed by hand. You probably have semi-fond memories of spending what felt like an hour every night with your hands in hot water.
Now most people have a dishwasher, and it has become a favorite kitchen buddy. But when our pal breaks down or starts acting funny, the dishes pay the price. To avoid spending oodles repairing this tool, take advantage of the different ways to get your dishwasher back in tip-top shape.
Here are a few ideas you can try:
1. Clean your dishwasherThis may seem counterintuitive. If your dishwasher is cleaning your dishes, isn't your dishwasher getting cleaned at the same time? Nope. Start by removing any loose debris from the bottom of the dishwasher. (Don't forget to wipe down the filter at the bottom). Then run your empty dishwasher with a glass of vinegar on the top shelf.
2. Unclog the spray armsIf your dishwasher isn't cleaning properly, one of the best solutions is to remove the lower spray arm (check your manual to see if and how this is possible). You'll want to clean out each of the holes with a steel wire or wire hanger. Then soak the arms in vinegar to remove any excess debris before putting them back into the machine.
3. Stop feeding your dishwasherKeep your dishwasher cleaner, longer, but scraping off excess bits of food from your plates. You do
not need to prewash or even rinse them though. In fact, some dish soap actually works better with grease because it provides friction for the soap.
4. Scrub the sealsAny type of debris in your dishwasher can make your dishes look nasty. Make sure to tackle the doors and seals of the dishwasher. Use a toothbrush and some vinegar to remove grime from around the edges of your dishwasher.
5. Keep it hotTry running the hot water in your kitchen sink before turning on the dishwasher to ensure your dishwasher actually fills with really hot water. Dishwasher temps at 120 degrees work best, so if you aren't getting good results, make sure your water heater is set to the right temp.
6. Load your dishes rightYes, Virginia, there is a right way to load the dishwasher. Stop the kitchen squabbling by learning the right way to balance your dishwasher for the best results. You may want to check your owner's manual for tips and try to avoid overloading the machine.
7. Be choosy about your soapsThe type of soap you use makes a big difference. Pick a high-quality dish soap for best results and don't use laundry detergent in your dishwasher. Also, liquid dish soap is a no-no, unless you want a good reason to scrub your kitchen floors...
8. Check your gasketsOver time, the gaskets and rubber seals on your dishwasher may wear out. If you've had your dishwasher for a few years, check to make sure they aren't dry and cracked. You can replace these on most models pretty easily, according to Bob Vila.
Treat your favorite kitchen gadget with a little bit of love, and you'll save yourself wrinkly fingers and hours of scouring pans. Make sure to share these tips with your friends on Facebook!
