6 Do's And Don'ts For Your Dishwasher

The average dishwasher lasts about 9-10 years, but proper maintenance can greatly extend this lifespan. Follow these six do’s and don’ts from the experts at Tri-City Appliance Repair to prevent breakdowns and get the most out of your dishwasher:

1. DON’T Empty from the Top-Down

Emptying a clean load of dishes should be done with a bottom-up approach. Starting with the top rack can drop water all over the dry dishes below, leaving more work for you.

2. DO Put Plates and Cookware on the Bottom Rack

Pots, pans, and plates should be placed on the bottom rack to ensure a more thorough cleaning. Reserve the top rack for bowls, cups, and heat-sensitive items.

3. DON’T Rinse Your Plates

Most modern dishwashers are powerful enough to remove food residue from your dishes without a pre-rinse. Just scrape off large chunks of food, load your plates in the dishwasher, and you’re good to go.

4. DO Face All Plates Towards the Center

Water in your dishwasher gets dispensed from the center. Facing all of your plates towards the spray arms puts them at an ideal cleaning angle. Place your smaller plates in front of larger ones to ensure they aren’t obstructed.

5. DON’T Run a Half-Full Load

Only run your dishwasher when it is completely full; anything less is wasting water, detergent, and electricity. Be careful not to overload it, though. Placing too many dishes in one load can lead to inadequate cleaning, forcing you to run multiple cycles.

6. DO Keep Up With Routine Maintenance

Like anything else, your dishwasher will perform better if it is properly taken care of. Small acts such as cleaning the filter every two weeks and routinely inspecting the gasket for cracks can add years to the lifespan of your appliance. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Following the steps above can help keep your dishwasher running in tip-top shape for years to come. If a breakdown does occur, Connecticut residents can count on Tri-City Heating and Cooling for fast, dependable repairs. We have more than 45 years of experience and offer same-day service in emergency situations. Schedule your appointment online, or give us a call at (203) 303-5700.