Maintaining a dishwasher, how do you do it?

Vaatwassers
Updated on 24 Jul 2023
Table of Contents

There are still very few households in the Netherlands that do not have a dishwasher. It is so much easier to quickly clean out the ‘box’ with all your dirty dishes than to rinse, sop and scrub everything by hand. But how do you make sure your dishwasher is properly maintained? In this blog, I would like to cover some aspects of maintaining such a machine. 

Placing the dishwasher correctly

It is good for a dishwasher to be used regularly (daily). There are a few things you should know about cleaning a dishwasher that will ensure it can continue to be well maintained. For example, make sure the spray arms are always free to rotate. If you don’t, the mechanism can sometimes break down. Use the dishwasher properly and responsibly and never go too crazy. 

The right dishwashing detergents

This also applies, for example, to the choice of which detergents to use. You can’t just use any tablets, salt and agents for any dishwasher. Read the manual carefully to make sure you get it right. It is also not unimportant not to skimp on detergent. For example, if you only put half a dishwasher tablet in the machine, it may affect the accumulation of food residues. 

Running a hot programme

Especially if you often use the eco programme, it is a good idea to run the self-cleaning programme once every one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half months. Such a programme – when the dishwasher is completely empty – allows the dishwasher to clean itself completely that way. If your dishwasher does not have such an option, you can also just run an empty standard programme. 

Clean the filters regularly

Besides the self-cleaning programme, there are a few other things you can do to keep the appliance clean. Make sure you clean the filters. Food particles can accumulate in them, which can give mould and bacteria free rein to multiply in your dishwasher. In addition, clean the rubber rim and make sure the nozzles are working properly and not scaling. 

What if your dishwasher stinks?

It happens to some people that the dishwasher starts to smell. This is obviously very unpleasant, especially if it has a negative effect on the beauty of your cutlery, plates and cups. Often, smell is not so innocent and can be a symptom of the presence of mould and bacteria. So we recommend that you not only fight symptoms, but fight the bacteria and fungi with dishwashing detergents. You can also buy an air freshener or neutraliser for your dishwasher. 

The dishwasher doesn’t work

Unfortunately, the lifespan of a dishwasher is not eternal. There will come a time when the appliance quits. All sorts of things can happen. A dishwasher can start leaking, water can stay in it and it may just not respond at all to pressing buttons. Sometimes replacing the nozzles, filters or door rubbers is enough. At other times, you will need to look at the water inlet or the drain to the sewer, chores that are a bit more difficult to perform. 

Self repair, a mechanic or replacement

Some things are quite simple to fix yourself, but sometimes more serious things happen. Getting a mechanic to come is not always the most economical thing to do. Get out your calculator and see if the cost of a mechanic might not be better used to buy a replacement, newer and more energy-efficient dishwasher. 

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Vaatwassers


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