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Last updated on November 4th, 2022 at 08:31 pm
Show your dishwasher some love. The dishwasher is one of those luxuries we take for granted until it’s not working properly. The amount of time you can save from being hunched over the sink is priceless. Who wants to wash all the dishes by hand anyway? So to keep those dishes sparkly, we’ve put together 7 simple dishwasher tips to keep your dishwasher running smoothly. From loading techniques to maintenance must-dos like how to clean your dishwasher filter, be sure you follow along!
Tip #1: Small Items In Center
When loading your dishwasher, keep the smaller stuff in the center of the rack and the larger items on the outside (but be sure to keep large items from blocking the detergent release area). If you load the big dishes in the center, they will block the cleaning spray from reaching the smaller stuff.
Tip #2: Don’t Overload
If there’s one dishwasher tip to follow, it’s this one. Don’t overfill the rack. We all know we do it, however you need to allow enough room so that detergent solution and water has access to every surface. This will ensure your dishes are getting as clean and sparkly as possible.
Tip #3: Lean Those Plates Back
When it comes to plates, be sure to always tilt plates back versus letting them lean forward. Furthermore by having them tilted back or straight up and down, water can more easily access the dishes and runoff. There’s nothing worse than stuck on food or streaky dishes.
Tip #4: No Long Utensils
Avoid placing tall or long-handled items in the utensil basket as they can stop the spray arm from turning. Place these on the rack.
Tip #5: Rattle and Turn
Be aware of items on the top rack that could drop down and block the spray arm. First, lightly rattle your top rack to ensure nothing shifts and then give that spray arm a quick spin to make sure it’s not blocked by anything and there is plenty of clearance.
Use Rinse Agent
The rinse agent is your friend. Keep your rinse agent full and don’t let it run out. It not only helps rinse off the dishes, it lets the water roll off to help with drying. You can definitely tell when the rinse agent runs out.
Clean The Filter Monthly
If you don’t know how to check and clean a dishwasher filter, you need to learn. A lot of people don’t even realize our dishwasher’s have a filter. You will want to keep your dishwasher’s filter clean and avoid getting it clogged. It’s best to clean it monthly. Just remove your filter (most can be removed by twisting counter-clockwise) and then fill your dish sink with water, a few drops of Dawn and a splash of distilled white vinegar. Clean with a sponge and if it’s clogged with food and grime, use a toothbrush to loosen. Rinse the filter, wipe down the filter opening with warm soapy water, and finally re-insert the filter. Now you know how to clean the dishwasher filter and can incorporate it into your monthly dishwasher maintenance routine.
