You rely on your dishwasher to keep plates, bowls, utensils, and drinkware clean, and you might assume that dishwasher upkeep can be as simple as letting it clean itself. However, maintaining appliance efficiency and preventing complications does require some work on your part. Fortunately, you can use the following seven steps to manage this task easily.
1. Scrape Your Plates Without Rinsing
If you want to help your dishwasher last longer, then scrape your plates before putting them in the appliance. However, don’t rinse them. You want to remove solid items ranging from bones to toothpicks that might damage the pump, clog your drain hose, or puncture the filter.
2. Avoid Overloading It
Maximizing your loads might seem like it saves water and energy, and it feels like you have to unload it fewer times. However, cramming a load restricts water spray patterns and minimizes effective cleaning. Rewashing dishes accelerates the appliance’s wear and tear, and it’s the same reason you don’t want to run a partial load.
3. Check the Manufacturer’s Documentation
All dishwashing appliances serve the same purpose but don’t accomplish things the same way. Check the owner’s manual or online documentation from your appliance manufacturer to see what they recommend for regular maintenance. Those pages should tell you how to do specific upkeep tasks.
4. Clean the Filter on a Routine Basis
Larger food particles still have to go somewhere, and the filter catches many of them. Depending on your specific appliance, you might want to clean it after every use or on a monthly schedule. Fortunately, it should be as easy as pulling the filter out of the machine and rinsing it off in your sink. Let it dry before replacing it.
5. Conduct Deep Cleans Every Other Month
The average household cleans their dishwasher three times per year, but you should probably do it every other month. This step is actually when your dishwasher can clean itself. Set it to the hottest possible setting, then run it completely empty for an entire cycle.
6. Only Wash Dishes
Only use your dishwasher for dishes, drinkware, utensils, and maybe serving dishes, pots, and pans. Many online videos advertising life hacks to simplify your daily responsibilities might advocate for cleaning other things in your dishwasher, and these can range from toilet seats to car parts and candlestick holders. The risks include spreading germs and bacteria or leaving grease, wax, and other unwanted substances inside an appliance not designed to handle them.
7. Hire a Professional
Many pieces of technology are easier to replace than repair, including many phones and TVs. However, professionaldishwasher repair services can often repair or replace broken parts without having to swap out the entire appliance. Have the contact information for a reputable one handy for future use.
Your dishwasher might have warranty coverage for parts and labor included. Know what’s still covered before paying for repairs or assuming you need a replacement appliance. It’s best to keep your dishwasher manual and warranty in a secure area where you can easily access it when the need arises.
Daniel 
Sarah Ross