Lengthen the Life of Your Dishwasher – DIY Life
Like most appliances, dishwashers often get neglected (until, of course, they suddenly stop doing their job). With a bit of routine maintenance, though, you can prolong the life of your dishwasher long after its sticker date. Here are a few easy tips for keeping your dishwasher in tip top shape:
1. Keep your hot water heater set to the temperature recommended by your dishwasher’s manufacturer; you can locate this info in your user manual. Forgotten where you stashed that old manual? Try Google-ing the model of your appliance; many manufacturers post their product manuals online.
2. Run a monthly cleanse cycle on your dishwasher. Simply empty a packet of sugar-free lemonade where you normally place detergent and run the dishwasher through a normal cycle.
3. Check the interior racks of your dishwasher. If the paint is wearing off, consider investing in a dishwasher repair kit to prevent scratches on your pots and pans.
4. Soak the spray arm with diluted vinegar monthly to clean off any scum build-up.
5. Be sure to regularly check the food trap for any residue that may have been acquired in a few weeks time.
So go ahead, show your dishwasher a little TLC — and avoid those dreaded prune hands!