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Dishwashers are a modern kitchen essential, making cleanup quick and easy. However, to keep your dishwasher running smoothly, it’s important to understand what practices can harm it. To help you avoid common pitfalls and keep your dishwasher in top condition, here’s a rundown of the worst mistakes you can make with this hardworking appliance.
Add Dish Soap
Dish soap meant for hand washing dishes can wreak havoc on the dishwasher. If you run out of detergent, avoid the temptation of using dish soap—it’s too foamy and can damage the appliance.
Leaving Large Food Particles on Dishes
Before loading your dishwasher, it’s important to scrape off large food particles. Leftover bits of food can clog the filter and lead to drainage issues, affecting your dishwasher’s cleaning performance. As part of dishwasher routine maintenance, regularly check and clean the filter to ensure your appliance runs efficiently.
Not Cleaning the Filter
Your dishwasher’s filter traps food debris. And if you are guilty of leaving large food particles on your dishes when loading the dishwasher, then regular cleaning of the filter is a must. Failing to clean it can lead to blockages and unpleasant odors.
How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter the Right Way
Ignoring Warning Signs
If your dishwasher isn’t performing as it should—leaving food residue or failing to drain properly—don’t wait to address the issue. Sensors and electronics can malfunction over time, and delaying repairs can lead to larger problems. Address issues promptly to keep your dishwasher in top shape.
Skipping the Heated Dry Option
Forgoing the heated dry option can leave your dishwasher damp, creating a perfect environment for mold and mildew. Heated drying helps reduce excess moisture, ensuring your dishwasher stays clean and your dishes are properly sanitized.
Running Cold Cycles
Dishwashers may offer cold washes and quick cycles, but these aren’t the truth is they aren’t the best for proper cleaning. Cold cycles can leave your dishwasher less effective and your dishes less clean.
Failing to Run Hot Water Before the Wash Cycle
Always run the hot water from your kitchen faucet before starting the cycle to ensure the dishwasher gets hot water right away. Dishwashers rely on hot water to break down grease, dissolve detergent, and sanitize dishes. If the water entering the dishwasher starts cold, it takes longer to heat up, which can reduce the efficiency of the wash cycle.
10 Things You Should Always Hand Wash Instead of Putting in the Dishwasher
Dishwashers are a convenient part of many kitchens, saving time and effort. However, some items aren’t suitable for dishwasher cleaning and should be washed by hand. Here are ten common items to reconsider before placing them in the dishwasher.
10 Things You Should Always Hand Wash Instead of Putting in the Dishwasher
12 Seemingly Harmless Items That Could Be Destroying Your Washing Machine
There are several everyday items that can cause serious damage if washed improperly. Here are 12 things that can cause more harm than good to your washing machine.
12 Seemingly Harmless Items That Could Be Destroying Your Washing Machine
