Rinse a dishwasher out every four to six weeks to keep it in good working order.
Proper maintenance and repair can preserve the life of your dishwasher. Over time, the dishwasher may malfunction due to worn parts that need to be replaced. Clean your washer every two months to keep it in good working order and repair problems as soon as they begin to prevent permanent component damage.
Temperature
Maintain an appropriate temperature when cleaning dishware. Set the dishwasher to a hot water setting of 130 degrees so that it can effectively remove grime, food residue and soap without overworking itself. Turn on the hot water from the sink and allow water to run for one minute before operating the dishwasher. Place a thermometer under running water in the dishwasher to check the temperature.
Cleaning
Run the empty unit with a quart of white vinegar added to the tank every eight weeks. White vinegar will remove deposits left from several washing cycles that would potentially build up and cause drainage problems.
Detergents
Use solid rinse aides only when washing dishes unless you are already using a water softener. Solid rinse aides help maintain the washer's effectiveness by working best with high to moderate levels of hard water. Limit the use of gel detergents as they contain bleach that can dissolve rubber seals and leave clogging residue that is hard to rinse away from the tub's sump area. Instead, opt for softer, less harsh detergents in powdered or tablet form.
Dishwasher Motor
A dishwasher that does not start and has an unusual humming sound should have its motor inspected. According to Repair Clinic "as motor bearings wear out, they can become quite loud when the motor runs. They wear out quickly if they frequently get wet because the water washes away the motor bearing grease. Bearings can get wet if the spin seal is defective." If water leaks, then the seal--which is most likely worn, should be replaced. If the seal is intact, then the motor may need to be replaced. Listen for a rattling sound. Look underneath the dishwasher for a round, plastic disc mounted on the top of the motor. If you see the plastic disk rattling while the motor is running, this means that the disc has broken free from the motor and motor should be replaced.
Internal Components
Once of the most common problems with dishwashers is that they no longer clean dishware effectively. First, check to make sure that water levels and temperatures is correct, the detergent cup is shut and that you are using an appropriate detergent. If problems persist, check the dishwasher's internal filter. Locate the filter at the bottom of washer to unclog it by removing large chunks of food or residue left over from dishes. Periodically inspect and de-clog the dishwasher's drain arms, or the tall spray tube at the bottom of the device.
Dishwasher Valve
The dishwasher's valve may also be causing drainage disruptions. If the dishwasher is not cleaning properly, then the valve may need to be replaced. Disconnect dishwasher and locate the valve underneath the dishwasher either on the right or the left of the dishwasher's panel.Find the valve by looking for the component that is hooked up to several hoses (which is used to take the water out to the sink's garbage disposal). Disconnect wiring (take note of how wires were connected before removing) and replace the valve with a new one. Screw in place and replace wiring. Reconnect washer.
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