As one of the hardest working appliances in your home, you want to make sure your dishwasher is working optimally. With the ability to leave your dishes spick and span without putting in much effort, it’s no wonder that dishwashers are among the most loved appliances. Although dishwashers are incredibly convenient, they don’t come without some annoyances. Here are a few common dishwasher problems you can encounter and how to fix them.
Regardless of the brand you own, there are common problems that can arise with all models of dishwashers. If left unattended to, they could potentially cost you more money in the long run.
1. Dishes don’t get cleaned properly
One of the most common complaints about dishwashers is that they don’t clean thoroughly. All dishwashing detergents are designed with different cleaning agents, but you can still see differences in results if you switch them up. Depending on the package you buy, brands can be available in powder form or liquid form. Liquid dish soap cleans better than powdered, but not by much. Combining liquid dish soap with a non-scented detergent will create one that is completely free of added chemicals.
2. Clogged pipes/tubing
A dishwasher relies on water pressure to run. If you have a clogged pipe, your dishwasher will automatically shut off, but it will continue to take in water for the next cycle. When this happens, it can lead to costly repairs which you can not afford. You may also notice that the dishwasher isn’t pitching the desired amount of water when it’s turned on, which means less is being pumped into the dishwater compartment and into your dishes.
3. The racks are too close together
Bread, utensils, and glasses are sensitive to heat. These objects are typically placed close to the heating element, which can create melted food on the latch during the drying cycle. If your dishwasher is too close to the heating element, you may end up with melted soap scum on your dishes or that hot cycle will overheat it even more because it’ll have to heat up that much more air.
4. Washed dishes are dull and faded
Dishwashers aren’t designed to get all of the soap off of dishes, but it’s best if they’re not completely dry either. All dishwashing detergents are made with different cleaning agents in order to achieve different reactions in your dishes. Dig into what is in your detergent, making sure it’s the kind that won’t leave soap residue on your dishes.
5. The dishwasher smells bad
If your dishwasher is not venting properly or is not allowing enough air to enter the dishwashing compartment, it will produce an unpleasant odor. This means that your dishes are receiving no air circulation and are sitting inside this bad smelling dishwasher. If you notice that the dishwasher doesn’t smell good, there are tons of steps you can take to resolve this issue. You can buy an inline vent for your dishwasher so it can be vented outside, or you could also install an exhaust fan directly above the dishwasher.
In conclusion, the dishwasher is a daily necessity, and it can save a lot of time in your household if you understand a few basic common dishwasher problems. It’s always a good idea to give your dishwasher a checkup every once in awhile, so you can fix any issues before they get too costly!
