Keeping your appliances clean and well-maintained is crucial for their proper functioning and longevity. Your dishwasher is no exception to this rule!
Neglecting to clean your dishwasher properly can lead to the buildup of food particles, grease, undissolved detergent, and minerals on the dishwasher filter, interior walls, and spray arm.
Following the professional cleaning and maintenance tips mentioned in this article will help you ensure your dishwasher remains in optimal condition, resulting in spotless dishes every time you run a cycle.
Dishwasher Maintenance Tips
1. Clean the dishwasher filter
The dishwasher filter traps food particles, debris, and other contaminants from the wash water, preventing them from recirculating onto dishes and ensuring cleaner and more hygienic dishwashing results.
Periodically clean your dishwasher filter under the kitchen sink tap with a soft brush. The outer metal filter just needs a rinse with hot water.
A well-maintained and clean dishwasher filter prevents clogging, enhances cleaning efficiency, and ensures that your dishwasher operates effectively and prolongs its lifespan.
2. Clean the door seals
Food particles often get stuck on the edges of the door, making the door seals wear out and causing leaks in your dishwasher.
If you use your dishwasher often, just wipe the edge and seal with a damp cloth once a week. That's all it takes to keep them clean and prevent problems.
3. Add dishwasher salt and rinse aid
Use Finish Dishwasher Salt to prevent limescale buildup in your dishwasher and effectively soften water to prevent white residue marks from hard water on your glasses and dishes.
Moreover, add Finish Rinse Aid with the detergent in the dishwasher, creating a protective barrier between the food and your dishes. This special formula will help leave your dishes streak-free and dry – ready for your next big occasion!
4. Take out and wash the spray arms
If the spray arms are blocked, your dishes might not get cleaned well. Every six months, remove the spray arms, clear any blocked holes, and rinse them under a faucet.
5. Run an empty dishwasher wash cycle with hot water
Running your dishwasher empty with hot water won't greatly affect its reliability, but it helps prevent bad smells. The hot water rinses away food residue that can cause unpleasant odors. This step is especially important if you usually use the eco mode, which uses cooler water and can lead to more food residue buildup.
6. Use dishwasher cleaner
A dirty dishwasher won’t give you the sparkling results you are expecting. Deep clean your dishwasher with Finish Dishwasher Cleaner, which deep cleans the parts of the dishwasher you can't see and removes grease and limescale buildup in the pipes, leaving your appliance hygienically clean and fresh-smelling.
