You can get cleaner dishes and extend the life of your dishwasher by maintaining the appliance's spray arm(s), filter, and gasket. Our Complete Guide to Reducing Energy Costs advises cleaning the spray arms once a month for maximum efficiency. The four steps below are adapted from that book ($19.45, including shipping). Also check out our maintenance advice for other appliances and systems in your home.
1. Take out the lower tray. To get access to the spray arm and filter, you need to lift out the lower tray.2. Inspect the spray arm(s). If the holes are clogged with detergent and hard-water minerals, remove the spray arm(s) as directed by your owner's manual. Most lift off after you remove the center screw, which is often covered by a plastic hub. Soak the part(s) in warm distilled white vinegar until you can clear the holes with a scrub brush. (Click on "See the Full Article" below for steps 3 and 4.)
4. Wash the door gasket. To keep water from leaking out of the machine, clean the gasket around the door with dishwashing liquid and water. If you see cracks and gaps in the gasket, refer to the owner's manual, look for an FAQ on the manufacturer's site, or contact the company's customer service to determine whether you can fix or replace it yourself or should call in a pro.
Remember, because your dishwasher needs water that's at least 120°F to clean well, check the temperature of your water. Run hot water in the kitchen sink until the temperature stabilizes, then use a thermometer to see how hot it is. If the temperature is less than 120°F, find out whether the thermostat on your water heater is set to the proper level. Refer to the owner's manual to see how to set the temperature.
Essential information: To be sure your dishes get clean, follow these tips for loading a dishwasher. If it makes more sense to replace your dishwasher, use our free buyer's guide, and check our ratings of dozens of models and learn where to get the best deals on appliances (available to subscribers). If dishwashers are eligible in your state, take advantage of a rebate from the $300 million cash for clunkers for appliances program.
I was told to put a cup of bleach in my dishwasher and run a cycle with nothing in the dishwasher about once a month. I did this and my dishwasher ran with no trouble for 35 years. It cleans no only the spray attachment but the inner workings like the filters and pump as well.
I just subscribed to CR after many years. The first two reviews I searched for came up with no hits. Am I using the right search engine or has CR quit reviewing these?
I looked for reviews on Car anti-theft systems and Carpeting.
Thanks for any help.
Mitch in Seattle
The dishwasher maintenance suggestions are very good. There is one additional step that can be taken. It is quite common to find rust spots on the racks. These will continue to get worse with time unless they are treated. A rack can cost as much as a $100. A repair can be made using a product called Guardcote from Southeast Specialities of Augusta, Georgia. This is a vinyl liquid that can be applied to the exposed areas. The rust must be removed using fine sandpaper or emery cloth before applying the repair coating. I used this material in June of 2009 and there is no sign of additional rust after 8 months of usage. The Guardcote comes in a small bottle with a brush built into the cap like a bottle of nail polish. I would certainly recommend using it to extend the life of dishwasher racks.
Charlie Popeck, P.E.
Consulting Engineer
@Kathy
Running a dishwasher for 35 years, wow!
That is really quite astonishing as most home appliances that are built these days seem to only have a working life of a few years before they breakdown. Aside from your long lived dishwasher, energy efficiency is a good aspect to consider for getting an upgrade/replacement, not only for environmental reasons but efficiency will translate in to lower running costs, so a newer energy efficient dishwasher can be a worthwhile investment.
http://www.superstoresearch.com/buzz/320/tips/dishwasher-guides-how-to-buy-the-best-dishwashers/ (Dishwasher guide information summarized from here)
Andy, like Kathy, I also had a [GE] dishwasher that ran well with no repairs for over 30 years. When I bought a new one it was because I was replacing other appliances and the old one didn't "match" (color), not because it had stopped working!
Energy efficiency encompasses many different things. Water and electrical usage of course (which generally favor newer appliances). But also, replacing less frequently means fewer appliances hitting the land fills and other incidental side issues (e.g. energy used to manufacture and deliver new ones) which favor hanging on to what you have for as long as reasonably possible.
Just had to replace the motor in my Kenmore dishwasher (after three years) because it was making noise. The repairman and my wife say it's not good to use the detergent capsules (use powder instead), but I cannot accept that theory because the capsules have been doing a great job. Also, the repairman and some of my wife's friends say not to pre-rinse your plates clean because the residual grease on the dishes is good for the bearings on the motor. Hard to swallow that also because if the bearings are being greased, there must be residual grease on the dishes as well.
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