Although often overlooked, dishwashers play a vital role in making work easy in the kitchen. Other than saving time you would have spent washing dishes by hand, using a dishwasher will reduce your water consumption. It helps ensure kitchen counters are clutter-free. And you will not have to worry about breakages as in the case of washing dishes in the sink.
But you need to make sure your dishwasher is efficient. You can do so through proper maintenance practices. This way, you prevent spending for a new dishwasher orĀ dishwasher repair in Bountiful or wherever you live. Highlighted below are some of the ways through which you can increase the efficiency of your dishwasher and save on energy costs.
Proper Loading of the Dishwasher
To ensure that the dishes are properly cleaned, place them in better positions within the dishwasher. You should try as much as possible to avoid putting items such as trays on the top shelf. Such cookware should instead be strategically placed on the bottom of the dishwasher’s rack in a manner that does not obstruct the cleaning of the dishes above.
Hand Washing of Smaller Utensils
Cases of slippage of small items to the bottom of the dishwasher are quite common. These often result in obstruction of the drainage system or damage to the spray arm. To avoid this, you should consider washing smaller items, such as cutlery, by hand. In as much as this may seem like an inconvenience for you, it will go a long way in securing your finances since it will cut down on dishwasher repair or replacement expenses.
Using the Right Detergent
The performance of the dishwasher will also depend on the type of detergent you use. Some liquid detergents may leave your dishes greasy since they lack the necessary components to break down food residue. To ensure that all the food residue is broken down before getting into the spray arm, you should switch to an enzyme dishwasher detergent. Also, keep in mind that some detergents are suitable only for hard water. Seek clarification when making a purchase.
Proper Cleaning of Dishwasher Filter and Spray Arms
If some items on the bottom of the rack are not properly cleaned, you may need to check out some key areas in your dishwasher, such as the drains, filters, spray arms, and rubber seals. See if there’s any debris or residue build-up in these areas and address them immediately to restore your dishwasher’s efficiency. During the cleaning of the spray arms, you should consider hiring a professional to disassemble them if you are having difficulties doing so.
Using or maintaining a dishwasher is no rocket science, but it is still advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep it in its tiptop condition. In case all the efforts towards enhancing the efficiency of your dishwasher, as discussed above, do not seem to work, you should consider calling the professionals. Appliance repair experts have the right knowledge and tools to fix any issue that your dishwasher may have, restoring its optimal performance.