I bet you haven’t thought about your dishwasher lately. But, your dishwasher needs some attention to keep it in great working condition and keep your dishes spotless.
Did you know?
68% of American households have a dishwasher in th
e kitchen. About 50 percent of those households use their dishwashers between 1 and 6 times per week, with larger households reporting more frequent use .
With the average cost of a new dishwasher at $400-700 and the average dishwasher repair costing $100-350 – it pays to take good care of it!
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How to maintain your dishwasher
Here are the top five ways to maintain your dishwasher for optimal performance:
1. Check the plumbing
Open your sink cabinet doors and take a look. You should be able to see two hoses that supply the dishwasher. One hose (usually metal) brings the water from the wall into the dishwasher. The second hose connects the dishwasher to the drain. Take a look at each of the hoses and check for leaks. Do you notice any water stains or wet spots on the floor? If you notice any leaks or stains – it is time to call KMP.
2. Clean the filter
Food that falls away from the dishes collects in a trap in the bottom of the dishwasher interior. The trap is removable, and should be taken out and cleaned periodically to remove dried soap and food particles.
3. Check sprayer arms for clogs
Dishwashers work by spraying water out of their spinning arms onto the dishes inside. When those arms aren’t spinning properly or the holes in them are full of buildup, your dishes won’t be getting thoroughly cleaned. Check to make sure that the arms spin correctly and clean out any debris that has accumulated inside the holes with a small piece of wire, a toothpick, or small pliers.
4. Check Gaskets for Cracks and Deterioration
If you have a problem of water leaking onto the floor around the front of your dishwasher, the problem could be a damaged or worn out gasket around the dishwasher door. In most cases, the gasket can be easily removed. Take it to your home center to ensure that you get the proper replacement.
5. Check the water temperature
We recommend that your household water heater be set no higher than 120 degrees F, both to help prevent accidental scalding and to maintain energy efficiency. Many dishwashers have heating elements that boost the temperature to about 140 degrees. However, some dishwashers don't have a heating booster and require household water at about 140 degrees. So first, check the owner's manual for the recommended water heater setting.
Bonus Tip
Every few months use a commercial cleaner such as Finish to keep your dishwasher free of mineral deposits.
With these few tips – you are taking great care of your dishwasher!
Ready for professional help?
Kennedale Mansfield Plumbing is your local trusted plumber for both commercial and residential jobs.
Need a plumber? Schedule plumbing service online here
KMP 24 Hour Emergency plumber fort worth tx
Plumbing repairs & installation services by Kennedale Mansfield Plumbing - www.KMPCORP.com
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http://dishwashers.reviewed.com/news/survey-says-1-in-5-americans-dont-use-their-dishwashers
https://learn.compactappliance.com/dishwasher-cleaning-tips/
http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/kitchen/dishwasher-maintenance-basics
https://www.familyhandyman.com/appliance-repair/dishwasher-repair/how-to-repair-a-dishwasher/view-all/
http://www.improvenet.com/r/costs-and-prices/dishwasher-repairs-cost-estimator
