5 Tips to Help Extend the Life of Your Dishwasher. By Guest Blogger Karleia S.

By Guest Blogger Karleia S.

5 Tips to Help Extend the Life of Your Dishwasher

Photo provided by Guest Blogger, Karleia S.
Photo provided by Guest Blogger, Karleia S.

Considering the cost of a new dishwasher, it’s in the best interests of consumers to take care of their kitchen hardware. While it’s true that modern dishwashers don’t require much in the way of upkeep, their life cycles can be significantly shortened through negligence. If you want your latest dishwasher to go the distance, these quick tips are for you.

Optimize the PH of Your Water

It’s no secret that hard water can do a number on pipes and fixtures over time. People tend to forget that it can also severely damage appliances like dishwashers. Test your tap water for excessive mineral content and soften it if need be so that it has a pH of roughly 7.

Run at the Right Temperature

Another little known fact about dishwashers is that they require hot rather than warm water to operate correctly. That’s because water that isn’t at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit will promote the development of detergent deposits in places where you don’t want them. Check your temperatures and adjust the hot water heater as needed.

Use the Right Kind of Detergent

When selecting a detergent, avoid gels and go with good old-fashioned powder. Look for something that doesn’t contain chlorine bleach. It’s also a smart idea to avoid “rinse aid” additives. Last but not least, keep a supply of fresh detergent on hand that hasn’t been sitting around for a long time and store it in a dry place.

Clean those Filters Regularly

If you want your dishwasher to run trouble-free for years, regularly clean any filters and traps that you see. In addition, occasionally check and clean the spray arm holes to remove any detergent deposits that have accumulated. For more involved repairs and maintenance, go with a qualified repair shop such as Atlas Appliances Ltd.

Load It Full, Load It Right

Last but not least, only run your dishwasher when you have enough dirty dishes to fill it up entirely. When loading, place heavier items on the bottom. It’s also wise to use a dryer rack rather than the automated dry cycle, which just wastes electricity and prematurely burns out the heating element.

A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned

If you adhere to the guidelines detailed above, your dishwasher will last a whole lot longer. The savings on repairs can run into the hundreds depending on the specific make and model in question. A little preventative maintenance and a few simple habits will ensure that your appliance delivers outstanding ROI.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me!