Dishwasher Maintenance and Energy Conservation Tips

Here are some dishwasher maintenance tips from around the web to make your dishwasher clean better, smell better and last longer. And lasting longer means less repair bills, but in case you don't follow these and you need a dishwasher repair service now, look no further then the Appliance Repair Pros. Nothing is worse then having an expensive dishwasher fail you too early into its life, so here are some tips to keep your dishwasher in tip top condition:  

1. Top 3 Tips from thekitchn.com

1. Don't confuse scraping with washing: No one wants to wash their dishes before they wash their dishes; it's just silly. But you wouldn't want to eat a Thanksgiving dinner and then go run a marathon right after. Well, neither does your dishwasher. Scrape food bits off before loading up to help reduce particles stuck on dishes once the cycle is over.

2. Don't overcrowd the dishwasher: It's something that's easier said than done. It's quite tempting to layer in one more bowl or plate to avoid hand washing. Just remember, it's better to wash a few pieces by hand than it is to rerun an entire load because things were too tightly packed.

3. Run hot water before starting the dishwasher: Before starting the cycle, turn on the faucet and run until the water is hot to the touch. This means your first dishwasher fill cycle will be hot, instead of cold, until it finally makes its way over from the hot water heater. This is an especially important tip in winter time, as it takes longer for the water to heat up.

Read 7 more tips from the original source here: thekitchn.com

2. Top 3 Tips from Repair Clinic

1. Clean and deodorize the interior

Periodically use a warm rag and some household cleaner to wipe the space between the door and bottom of the tub. Food particles often collect here and lead to mold growth, as this location remains untouched during the wash cycle. Use a pipe cleaner or sewing needle to remove food particles, bits of paper or other debris from the spray arms’ small holes. Never use a toothpick, as the tip can break off inside of the wash arm. A deodorizer specifically designed for dishwashers makes it easy to prevent mold growth and keep the interior smelling fresh. A rust-removing solution designed for dishwashers will eliminate rust stains. You can clean the door (exterior) with warm water and a small amount of dish detergent.

2. Clean the filter

Your dishwasher may have a filter located near the bottom or under the lower spray arm. This filter should be inspected and cleaned regularly. Follow your dishwasher owner’s manual for specific instructions about how to properly remove and clean this filter, if equipped. If there are any holes or other damage to the filter, you’ll need to replace it immediately to protect the dishwasher’s pump and motor seals from damage.

3. Repair dish racks

If the plastic coating wears off of your dishwasher’s top or bottom rack, repair as soon as possible. Use replacement tine tips, which are available in an array of colors to match your unit’s racks. Use touch-up paint to cover flaking paint. If left alone to rust, the racks may corrode, allowing small shards of rusty metal to enter your dishwasher’s pump, leading to expensive repairs.

Read the next two tips from the original source at Repair Clinic

3. Top 3 Tips For Energy Conservation From Horizon Services Inc

• Watch Your Water Temperature. The single most important factor in getting good results is hot water. The best way to improve the energy efficiency of a dishwasher is to reduce the amount of hot water needed to clean your dishes. About 80% of the total energy used by dishwashers goes towards heating the water. Too cool won’t clean your dishes well; too hot wastes energy. Most dishwasher manufacturers and detergent companies recommend setting the water temperature at 130 degrees fahrenheit; this will effectively remove all food particles and residue without wasting energy. Place a thermometer inside the dishwasher to determine if the temperature is appropriate. If above or below 130 degrees, adjust your hot water heater.
• Run Hot Water in the Kitchen Sink. Do this for a minute before you turn on the dishwasher. This will get hot water flowing through your pipes and start the wash cycle off with hot water rather than cold.
• Avoid Using the Delay Cycle. This, too, fills the dishwasher tub with cold water for the first few cycles, meaning the dishwasher will have to work harder to warm the water up.

Read the rest of the article at http://www.horizonservicesinc.com/reference/tips-articles/dishwasher-care-maintenance-repair-service

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