Dishwasher Hacks: Cleaner, Better, and Longer Lasting

We all like our little life and home hacks that make us feel like we’re carrying out practices above and beyond what most people would do.

So here’s our comprehensive list of dishwasher hacks to keep your dishwasher running smoothly for years to come.

1. Clean the dishwasher regularly

Over time, dishwashers can become clogged with grease and food particles. Clean your dishwasher regularly to prevent this build-up and extend the life of your appliance.

It may seem like an added expense to buy cleaning products to put through your dishwasher, but you may regret it if your dishwasher only lasts you a few years.

2. Remove scraps of food

Of course, the idea of a dishwasher is that you can just throw anything in there as long as it looks reasonably cleared of food. And you don’t need to rinse plates and dishes prior to adding them into the dishwasher.

However, any food remains and particles you can clear beforehand will all help toward preventing blockages and drainage issues.

Potential drainage issues may lead to faults that need repairing. And as studies have shown, repaired dishwashers have a shorter lifespan than non-repaired dishwashers by a year or more.

Some modern dishwashers are designed to work better when the detergent is able to stick to debris on the plate. But often, food residue from juices is sufficient.

3. Descale regularly

If your dishwasher isn’t clean, it can leave scale and mineral deposits on your dishes. Descaling it regularly will help to prevent this and keep your dishes looking sparkling clean.

You can get specialist products from your local supermarket designed for descaling dishwashers.

Our next hack, however, might just give you a quick and inexpensive option for this.

4. Use vinegar to descale

If you notice your dishwasher isn’t cleaning dishes as well as it used to, it may be due to a build-up of scale.

To understand this build-up you might want to look into your kettle and see the kind of layering that limescale can leave on the lining of your appliance.

Vinegar is a natural descaling agent and can help break down this build-up, restoring your dishwasher’s performance. It’s relatively cheap and available in all supermarkets.

5. Run hot water before starting a cycle

This simple tip can help ensure that your dishwasher is using hot water to clean your dishes, rather than cold water which can be less effective.

Simply turn on your hot water tap located nearest to the dishwasher unit, and let the water run for a minute or two before starting your dishwasher cycle.

6. Avoid overloading

Cramming too many dishes into your dishwasher can result in them not being cleaned properly. Make sure you leave enough space between items so that water can circulate and do its job properly.

7. Keep the filters clean

Dishwashers have filters that need to be kept clean in order to work properly. Over time, these can become clogged with food and grease, so it’s important to give them a good clean on a regular basis.

8. Don’t use too much detergent

Using too much detergent can actually make your dishwasher less effective. Only use the amount that is recommended by the manufacturer, and be sure to rinse away any detergent residue after each cycle.

On that note, using the right detergent matters if you want to look after your dishwasher in the long term.

9. Use the right detergent

Using a dishwasher-specific detergent will ensure that your dishes are cleaned properly and that your dishwasher isn’t damaged in the process.

Often, experimenting with different dishwasher detergent products can produce different results.

So try to find one that works well for your machine, and this might avoid the second-wash cycles you have to put dishes through.

10. Run it regularly

If you only use your dishwasher once in a while, the seals and gaskets can dry out, leading to leaks. To prevent this, be sure to run it at least once a week, even if you don’t have a full load.

Modern dishwashers usually have an express cycle. Using this would be more than enough to keep your dishwasher’s moving parts running just fine.

11. Run it empty occasionally

Running your dishwasher without any dishes in it will help to clean out the interior and remove any built-up grime. Just be sure to add a cup of vinegar to the cycle to help break down any stubborn deposits.

An express cycle is ideal for just this purpose. Mark a calendar date once a month and simply set the machine running when prompted.

Add baking soda to the floor of the machine before starting, and you can even add a cup or two of vinegar halfway through the cycle for a thorough rinse.

11. Leave a towel over the door

When your dishwasher cycle finishes and there is a lot of steam in the unit. Hang a teatowel over the door of the dishwasher so most of the towel is on the inside of the door.

This will quickly absorb more moisture and help your dishes become dryer quicker.

12. Remove standing water

It might seem like nothing important, but standing water in the bottom of the dishwasher can lead to corrosion of the base.

If the dishwasher is not level then it can lead to a constant pool of stagnant water. Avoid standing water and if there is some then mop it up.

Discover more about water in the bottom of your dishwasher here. Some of which could mean you have a leak. This brings us to hack number 13.

13. Check for leaks

Even if you’re vigilant about maintaining your dishwasher, leaks can still happen. Periodically check underneath and around your dishwasher for any signs of water damage.

If you do find a leak, it’s important to address it immediately to avoid further damage to your home.

Need help finding and fixing a leak? Then give us a call, not only can we deal with your dishwasher, but our appliance plans mean you won’t have to worry at all about the smooth running of your home appliances again.

Leaks can also occur in the door seal. If you notice water leaking from your dishwasher, it could be due to a damaged door seal. Inspect the door seal for any cracks or holes and replace it if necessary.

Dishwasher Hacks – Get more help

Dishwashers these days are more high-tech than ever, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. By following these simple tips, you can keep your dishwasher running smoothly for years to come.

Perhaps these types of hacks would be less important to remember if you had your appliances covered for just about any repair scenario.

With our appliance plans, you can get peace of mind, knowing that if anything goes wrong – we just get it fixed for you!