Yearly Maintenance for Home Dishwashers

If your dishes are not getting as clean as they used to years ago, there is probably a shortage of water getting into the machine. This is usually caused by a broken or worn out water inlet valve. These valves are located behind the lower kick panel and need replacing every 3-7 years, depending on water conditions. Many do-it-yourselfers can make this repair. It just requires a few common hand tools:

• an adjustable wrench,
• a Phillips head screwdriver, and
• adjustable pliers

To find the right water inlet valve for your dishwasher, make sure that you have your model number.

• Inspect and clean your dishwasher.
  You don't need to clean the interior of your dishwasher if you use it regularly. If it goes un-used for a week or more and begins to mold or smell bad, you can clean it using Glisten Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer.
• Repair broken and rusted dishwasher racks.
  If the plastic coating wears off the dish rack tines in your dishwasher, they will corrode and rust. The rust particles will then get into the pump and cause much more serious problems. Repair kits are available by clicking here. Prior to making the repair, be sure to clean up the rusted spots on the dishwasher rack with household sandpaper to make the repair last much longer.
• Clean your dishwasher filter.
  On many basic and/or European dishwashers, there's a filter near the bottom, or under the lower spray arm, that needs cleaning regularly. If you have this sort of filter, consult your owner's manual for how to remove and clean it. If the filter is damaged, replace it to protect the dishwasher's pump and motor seals.
• Clean your dishwasher spray arms.
  Over time, small holes in the spray arm(s) of your dishwasher may become clogged with bits of paper, toothpicks, glass, etc. Take a moment to clean out these holes to ensure you're getting the best cleaning ability from your dishwasher.
  If you find glass in the spray arm, there are probably glass pieces in the pump housing as well. You may want to disassemble the pump to check and clean it. Also, the glass may have damaged the motor spin seal. If this has happened, you will often see a water leak at the main pump motor. Replace the motor spin seal if necessary.

Labels: Dishwasher Parts