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Using your dishwasher correctly ensures that your dishes come out pristine every time. While it may seem that simply placing dishware inside the appliance is enough, the truth is that key practices can help you achieve a more effective clean while preventing breakdowns. Read on to explore five essential dishwasher maintenance tips.

Use Your Dishwasher Frequently

The more often you run a complete dishwasher cycle, the better. Using your dishwasher regularly prevents waste and sediment from collecting in the appliance's base. It can also significantly reduce the number of times you need to perform a deep clean. Try to run the machine at least once a week, even if it's just a short wash.

Clean Out Your Filter

Your dishwasher's filter can slowly accumulate grime and food waste that can start to smell and leave residue on your dishes. You should make sure you're cleaning out this component at least once a month to prevent buildup. Check your owner's manual for the exact location of your filter and give it a thorough wash.

Do a Deep Clean at Least Once a Month

Vinegar is a fantastic DIY cleaning solution to remove any leftover food particles or detergent residue. Simply place a dishwasher-safe container filled with a cup of vinegar on the center of either rack, then run the appliance on its hot cycle. The vinegar will sanitize the dishwasher and break down any debris lodged inside.

Load Your Dishware Properly

The way you load your dishes in your appliance can significantly impact how clean they get. Load from the back to the front to make room for more items. Try to always unload from the bottom up to avoid dripping on dry dishes.

Additionally, you should use heavy cycles when you have plenty of pots and pans. Use a lighter cycle for more fragile items. And while you should avoid presoaking dishes, you should take a moment to dump any excess grease from plates and bowls.

Wipe Down the Exterior and Edges

If you're using regular cycles and deep cleaning at least once a month but still notice foul odors, you may need to give extra attention to the outside edges and exterior of your dishwasher. Since these spots don't go through the wash, they can accumulate spills and grease that start to smell. Take a damp cloth and a household cleaner and give the front of your appliance a quick wipe down.

Applying these five essential dishwasher maintenance tips in your kitchen can help ensure your dishes are as clean as possible. When you need to buy a built-in dishwasher to replace your current appliance, Town Appliance has a comprehensive and high-quality selection to choose from. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our products.