Plumbers

How to Properly Maintain a Dishwasher

A dishwasher will run well for a long time if maintained properly. Many common problems with inefficient dishwashers are often preventable.

If it goes un-used for a week or more and begins to mold or smell bad, you can clean it using a mild cleanser such as dish soap.

On many dishwashers, there's a filter near the bottom, or under the lower spray arm that needs to be cleaned regularly. If you have this sort of filter, check your owner's manual to find out how to remove and clean it. If it has holes in it, replace it to protect the pump and motor seals from particles that may be in the dishwasher.

Over time, the small holes in the spray arm(s) of your dishwasher may become clogged with bits of paper, toothpicks, glass, etc. Your dishwasher will do a better job of cleaning your dishes if you take a moment to clean out these small holes, from time to time.

If you're going away for a couple of weeks, pour a few tablespoons of rubbing alcohol in the bottom of your machine. This will help prevent the seals from drying while it is not in use.

Why Won’t my Dishwasher Run?

1. Your Dishwasher may not be receiving any power. It is somewhat difficult to check for power at the plug outlet because the plug for a Dishwasher is usually behind the unit. You should make sure all the circuit breakers of your circuit breaker panel are in the correct positions, or check to make sure no fuses are blown.

2. It is also possible that the door switch of your Dishwasher is defective. If it is, you will need to replace it. A defective door switch may not allow your Dishwasher to operate.

3. Also check your cycle selector dial. If it is the case that the cycle selector dial is not functioning, you should replace it.

4. Your Dishwasher's timer could be broken, causing your Dishwasher to not function. Check your Dishwasher's timer, and if it is broken, replace it.