Think of all the time and effort you save each day by having your dishwasher on hand. It’s easy to assume you’ve got it all down – load up, press a button, and voilà! But there are plenty of common mistakes people make with their dishwashers that significantly reduce their cleaning power or even get in the way of proper cleaning every time. Sometimes, these mistakes cause damage that requires repairs, and you may find yourself calling a plumber in Knoxville, TN more often than necessary. This article will discuss some of the most common dishwasher mistakes and how to avoid them.
Not Pre-Rinsing Your Dishes
Preparing dishes for the dishwasher may seem like a straightforward chore, but there are many traps you can fall into, which could result in dishes not being cleaned properly. One of the most common mistakes is failing to pre-rinse your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. While it may seem as if pre-rinsing is performed to save time, it can make a big difference in how effective your dishwasher is at cleaning. Pre-rinsing ensures that caked-on food and grease won’t remain on plates and bowls before they start the washing process. The few minutes you will take to pre-rinsing will save you time and money you could use to hire a plumber when something malfunctions.
Overloading the Dishwasher
Overloading the dishwasher is another mistake plumbers diagnose when called to repair dishwashers. Not only can stacking dishes too high cause water not to reach the top shelves, but it can also result in dishes that are not properly cleaned after the cycle has finished. To avoid overloading and have your dishes come out sparkling clean and germ-free, ensure you don’t put too many dishes in and leave enough room for items to move around as they are being rinsed with hot water.
Loading the right combinations of items, such as glassware and silverware on one side and pots and pans on an inner basket on another side, can help optimize space efficiently while ensuring all dishes are getting their rightful share of water coverage. Don’t fall into the category of people calling plumbing experts unnecessarily. Read the capacity guidelines of your dishwasher and even consult a professional if you aren’t sure of the best ways to organize your dishwasher.
Using Too Much Detergent
It’s easy to assume that using too much detergent will get your dishes cleaner and faster, but this isn’t the case. Excess detergent can cause suds to overflow, damaging your dishwasher and leaving residue on dishes. To avoid this mistake, check the instructions of your detergent for details about the amount needed for each load. Additionally, depending on the soiled or hard water in your area, you might need to add more or less detergent. Plus, using the right detergent is also important. Using soap not formulated for dishwashers could block filters or hoses, eventually requiring plumber repair.
Failure to Clean the Filter
Cleaning the dishwasher filter is crucial to prevent grease and food particles from building up over time. It’s important to clean your filter every few months and check it for debris regularly. If left uncleaned, food particles could get stuck in the dishwasher’s drainage system and lead to bigger problems if not removed. Clogging may require more intensive cleaning, including dismantling the dishwasher and even manually scraping the filter. If you have not cleaned your filter in a while and notice that dishes are not coming out clean or the dishwasher is emitting an odor, it’s time to call a plumber in Knoxville, TN.
Not Calling for Help Early Enough
Dishwasher damage can be avoided with simple maintenance and repairs. If you start to notice issues such as water pooling in the bottom of your kitchen cabinet, dishes not coming out as clean as usual, food particles left on the plates, or an unpleasant smell after a cleaning cycle, it may be time to call in a plumber for professional help. They can diagnose and repair dishwasher problems before they become major issues that lead to costly repairs.
Unfortunately, some people try fixing their dishwashers by tinkering around with the settings or running multiple cycles. This only increases the chances of further damage, so make sure to call a professional plumber as soon as you notice signs that your dishwasher isn’t working properly.
Not Cleaning the Dishwasher
Cleaning the inside of your dishwasher is just as important as cleaning dishes. Cleaning the dishwasher ensures that food particles don’t get stuck in hard-to-reach areas and lead to damage or bacteria buildup. The easiest way to keep the interior clean is by running an empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner once a month. Don’t forget to clean the outside, too. Grease and grime can accumulate outside your machine over time, leading to a less-than-appealing look and odors in your kitchen.
Cleaning the exterior with warm water and detergent regularly will keep your dishwasher looking and smelling its best. However, remember that cleaning doesn’t replace the routine maintenance that should be done by a plumbing professional. Routine cleaning is a cosmetic solution and doesn’t help with plumbing problems such as blocked filters or hoses.
These are just a few of the common mistakes made with dishwasher maintenance. Avoiding these mistakes will help keep your dishwasher in good condition and save you from expensive plumbing repairs. When in doubt, call a professional plumber in Knoxville, TN for repair or advice to ensure that your dishwasher is working properly.
We are the Plumbing Professionals for All Your Dishwasher Needs
At My Professional Plumber, we are your go-to dishwasher maintenance and repair experts. Our plumbing professionals can help you with all your plumbing needs, from fixing broken hoses to cleaning out filters. We also offer regular tune-ups to keep your dishwasher running smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today for all your dishwasher needs. We can help!
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