Dishwashers are one of the most heavily used appliances in a home and when they leak or malfunction it can bring a family to a standstill. However, not all dishwasher problems are catastrophic. Some issues are simple fixes that some regular maintenance and minor repairs will solve.
If you have noticed that your dishes don’t seem to get as clean as they used to, try these five quick fixes to get it running like new.
Start With the Seals
When you open the dishwasher door, look at the rubber seals that run along the edge of the tub where it meets the door. Over time, minerals and food debris buildup which causes a crusty film to develop. Remove this buildup gently using an old toothbrush and then wipe away excess moisture and fragments using a sponge or a towel. While you’re cleaning, pay special attention to the detergent cup to remove excess residue from it.
Spray Nozzle Clearing
Remove all of the spray arms from your top and bottom rack. Some arms twist off when you turn them counterclockwise. Others require a small ratchet to remove the hardware. Thread a thin-gauge wire through each of the spray holes in the arms to dislodge any mineral buildup and crud that may be clogging them.
Time for a Soak
After you remove as much buildup as possible from the spray arms, soak them in vinegar to get into all the tiny crevices. Place a stopper in a sink or find a tub that is large enough to hold the sprayer arms. Set the sprayer arm into the sink or tub, and fill it with white vinegar. Continue adding vinegar until the entire spray arm is submerged. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then drain out the vinegar.
Clean the Tub
Pull out the racks from inside the dishwasher and get down so that you can easily see the bottom. Remove any large debris particles that you see, such as broken glass and bones. Next, look for the area where the water drains out, which has another basket-like filter on it. Remove the basket, if possible, and dispose of the debris. If the basket isn’t removable, scoop out the debris using a gloved hand. Finally, identity the circular doughnut-shaped mesh piece in the bottom, which is actually another fine filter. Remove it and rinse it well under running water to remove coffee grounds and other fine particles that can clog it.
If none of these tips fixed your dishwasher issues, it may be time to call in the pros. Contact Pure Plumbing in Las Vegas Nevada, and let our professional plumbing team get your dishwasher back into top running condition.
