The dishwasher is one of the most useful appliances in the kitchen, as it allows us to save time and effort when washing dishes. However, to ensure that the dishwasher works properly and has a long lifespan, it is important to follow some tips and recommendations. In this article, we offer you a complete guide to keeping your dishwasher in good condition and solving common problems that can affect its performance.
How to clean the dishwasher
One of the keys to keeping the dishwasher in good condition is to clean it regularly. Below are some tips for cleaning the dishwasher properly:
Clean the filters and spray arm
The filters and spray arm are two of the most important parts of the dishwasher, as they are responsible for removing food debris and dirt from the dishes. Therefore, it is important to clean them regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and ensure good dishwasher performance.
To clean the filters, follow these steps:
- Remove the filters from the dishwasher.
- Clean the filters with hot water and soap.
- If the filters are very dirty, you can soak them in hot water with vinegar for a few minutes.
- Replace the filters in their place.
To clean the spray arm, follow these steps:
- Remove the spray arm from the dishwasher.
- Clean the spray arm with hot water and soap.
- If the spray arm is very dirty, you can soak it in hot water with vinegar for a few minutes.
- Replace the spray arm in its place.
Clean the pump
If the water does not drain properly in the dishwasher, it is possible that the pump is clogged. In this case, it is important to clean the pump to prevent major problems.
To clean the pump, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the dishwasher from the electrical outlet.
- Remove the lower grille of the dishwasher.
- Locate the pump and remove any food debris and dirt that may be clogging it.
- Replace the lower grille and connect the dishwasher to the electrical outlet.
Use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean the inside of the dishwasher
To keep the inside of the dishwasher clean and free of bad odors, it is recommended to use a mixture of water and vinegar. To do this, follow these steps:
- Pour a cup of white vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher.
- Run the dishwasher on the hottest program.
- When the dishwasher is finished, open the door and let it air dry.
Perform periodic cleaning
In addition to cleaning the filters, spray arm, pump, and inside of the dishwasher, it is recommended to perform periodic cleaning to prolong the lifespan of the appliance. To do this, you can use specific dishwasher cleaning products, which are sold in any supermarket.
Tips for keeping the dishwasher in good condition
In addition to cleaning the dishwasher regularly, there are other tips that will help you keep the dishwasher in good condition and get efficient use of it. Below are ten tips for keeping the dishwasher in good condition:
- Avoid pre-rinsing: it is not necessary to pre-rinse the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, as the dishwasher takes care of removing food debris and dirt.
- Place each piece in its place: it is important to place each piece in its place to prevent them from moving during washing and damaging the dishwasher.
- Clean the filter regularly: as mentioned earlier, it is important to clean the filter regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt.
- Use the appropriate washing program: each dishwasher has different washing programs, so it is important to choose the appropriate program for each type of dish.
- Use dishwashing detergents formulated with active ingredients that remove grease and dirt: it is important to use specific dishwashing detergents, as they contain active ingredients that remove grease and dirt from the dishes.
- Keep the rinse aid and salt tank full: it is important to keep the rinse aid and salt tank full for optimal washing.
- Do not overload the dishwasher: it is important not to overload the dishwasher to prevent the dishes from not being washed properly.
- Do not use too much detergent: using too much detergent can damage the dishwasher and not improve the washing of the dishes.
- Do not use abrasive products: it is important not to use abrasive products to clean the dishwasher, as they can damage the parts of the appliance.
- Do not use hot water to wash dishes: using hot water to wash dishes can damage the dishwasher and not improve the washing of the dishes.
The best value-for-money dishwashers
If you are thinking of buying a dishwasher, it is important to choose a model that suits your needs and budget. Below is a list of the best value-for-money dishwashers available on the market:
Brand | Model | Price |
---|---|---|
Bosch | Serie 4 SMS46MI08E | 499€ |
Balay | 3VS572IP | 399€ |
Siemens | SN236I03ME | 549€ |
AEG | FFB53600ZM | 599€ |
Beko | DFN28422X | 349€ | </tr