Tips to Fix a Dishwasher That Leaves Dirty Dishes
Dishwasher Detergent and Rinse Aid
Your dishwasher detergent is crucial for removing food and cleaning your dishes effectively. Consult your machine’s instruction manual for recommended detergents. If you have hard water, consider a detergent with added water softeners or purchase a separate additive to enhance cleaning ability and reduce filminess.
Rinse aid is also essential. It attaches to soap and food residue during the rinse cycle, chemically bonding it to the rinse water, ensuring thorough removal.
Cleaning Spray Arms and Filters
Your dishwasher has upper and lower spray arms that deliver water to your dishes. If these arms become clogged, their ability to clean is hindered. Remove and clear the spray arms regularly, using a thin, flexible wire to dislodge mineral deposits or debris. Soak them in white vinegar for further cleaning if necessary.
Filters prevent dislodged food from recirculating over the dishes and protect your sewer line from large food items and non-food debris. Clean the filters at least once a year, or more frequently if you do not scrape food before loading or run over 10 loads per week.
Water Temperature
Hot water is essential for effective dish cleaning. Ensure that the water entering your dishwasher is at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit by using a glass candy thermometer to check the temperature of the hot water leaving your kitchen faucet.
If the temperature is below 120 degrees Fahrenheit, raise the temperature on your water heater or check the connections under your kitchen sink to ensure the hot and cold supply lines are correctly hooked up.
Avoid Overcrowding
Overcrowding the dishwasher prevents the spray arms from reaching all necessary spots and can hinder detergent effectiveness. Double-check your manufacturer’s loading instructions to ensure proper placement of dishes.
Additional Tips
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Scrape Rather Than Rinse Dishes: Leaving more food on the plates helps dishwasher detergents perform better. Enzymes in the detergent break down food proteins, releasing them from the dishes and washing them away.
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Clear and Clean the Filters: Regular filter cleaning is crucial to prevent recirculation of dislodged food and clogging of the sewer line. Use warm water and a soft brush to clean the filters.
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Check and Adjust the Water Temperature: Ensure that the water entering your dishwasher is at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal cleaning performance.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Machine: Double-check the manufacturer’s loading instructions to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper water distribution.
By following these tips, you can effectively troubleshoot and fix a dishwasher that is leaving your dishes dirty, ensuring sparkling clean results every time.