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Is your dishwasher no longer getting those dirty dishes clean? If you find that you’re running a load more than once or you’re hand washing many of the dishes that simply aren’t getting clean, it may be that your dishwasher is slacking. Before you call for an appliance repair in San Diego County or run out and buy a new dishwasher, try these tips.
Make Sure Dishes are Thoroughly Scraped
This is probably the most important pre-wash thing you can do to make sure your dishwasher gets dishes clean. No, you don’t have to pre-wash. But larger pieces of food will typically just get stuck to the dishes in the washing process.
Use the Correct Cycle
There is a reason dishwasher manufacturers have different types of cycles on today’s dishwashers. Make sure the cycle you choose fits your needs.
Water Temperature
If the water that is running inside your dishwasher isn’t hot enough, dishes won’t get properly cleaned. When you turn on the hot water at the kitchen sink and hot water takes a long time to begin to flow, that may be the reason your dishes aren’t getting clean. Run your hot water a couple minutes at the sink to get hot water flowing before you begin the dishwasher. Also, run the dishwasher when hot water isn’t being used in other parts of the house if at all possible.
Load the Dishwasher Correctly
If you load tall items on the bottom rack of a dishwasher, it can inhibit the spray arm from turning and washing all the dishes. Make sure the spray arm can turn around easily after loading. The holes in the spray arm may also be blocked due to mineral deposits in your water. This can be easily remedied with a toothpick or thin skewer. Make sure there is plenty of room for water circulation by not overloading.
Clean the Drain
Your dishwasher drain could be clogged with food remnants. Your dishwasher shares the same drain as your garbage disposal. Run the disposal and clear the drain so food particles don’t back up into the dishwasher and create a mess on your dishes.
Clean the Inside of the Dishwasher
It may seem redundant to clean something that is meant to clean things but dishwashers can build up food particles and soap scum over time. Make sure the filter is cleaned periodically. Run the dishwasher on empty every so often with some white vinegar. Also, try different brands and types of detergents. Some models of dishwashers do better with liquid detergents than powder.
Use the Correct Amount of Detergent
Speaking of detergent, make sure you are using the correct amount. Too much detergent can create a sticky residue on dishes. Too little may simply not be enough to get them clean. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount of dishwasher detergent for your unit.
When all else fails, call the San Diego County appliance repair professionals at San Diego Appliance Repair Company. We can get your dishwasher running properly in no time.
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