Take good care of your dishwasher because it takes care of you! Not only does it save you time and money, but you get your dishes clean in a fraction of the time and generally use less water and water heater energy than washing dishes by hand.
If your dishwasher isn't getting dishes as clean as it used to, or you smell something funky, don't give up on it. Try these tips to keep your dishwasher running and performing smoothly.
Why is water is leaking out of the dishwasher door when we run it?
It's likely that the rubber gasket that forms a watertight seal around the door may be cracked due to age and use.
Why does my dishwasher smell funny?
Check the screen at the bottom of your dishwasher. It's likely that you have one and you may even find some long-lost silverware too. Remove it, empty it and clean it out. You should do this regularly.
It's also possible that mold and mildew has developed. Luckily, it's a simple fix. When your dishwasher is empty, pour about two cups of white or apple cider vinegar into it and run it on the heaviest setting you have.
Lastly, make sure your drain line is properly installed. If it's on the wrong side of the drain trap, odors aren't being blocked and are wafting into your kitchen. Give us a call or schedule service and we can take a look.
Why aren't my dishes getting clean?
Make sure they spray arm nozzles are clean and clear. Follow the manufacturers instructions to remove the two rotating arms. Soaks them in warm soapy water for an hour and use a bottle brush to individually clean each spray nozzle.
Also, check to make sure your dishwasher is level. Adjust the feet accordingly if it's off-kilter. An unbalanced dishwasher can cause diminished performance and drainage issues.
Do a weekly check, or at minimum a monthly one, to save yourself some headaches and prolong the life of your dishwasher. If you have any problems, you know who to call.