Simple & Effective Dishwasher Hacks
Looking to prolong the life of your dishwasher? Use these simple hacks to get the most out of your dishwasher and help it run smoothly for years to come.
At Diamond Appliance, we are the St. Louis and Kansas City dishwasher repair experts. If your dishwasher is on the fritz, call us for fast and easy repair. Read on for more information about simple and effective dishwasher hacks and call us today to schedule your service.
Increase Space on the Top Rack
The top rack of many dishwashers is often used for more delicate items, but spatial limitations can lead to loading headaches for larger items.
Many dishwasher owners may not be aware that there is another way to address this issue. On many relatively newer models, a user should be able to spot a plastic tab on each side of the upper rack. By pinching the tabs on each side, the user can slide the rack down a few inches, making more room for those awkwardly-shaped items that require top rack cleaning.
Not every make and model of dishwasher will contain this feature. Therefore, homeowners are advised to refer to their appliance’s user manual before attempting to tamper with any piece of the dishwasher.
Save Money with Delayed Start
In certain parts of the United States, utility companies will prorate the cost of electricity based on the time of day. This often translates into lower energy costs in the evenings and nights, when household demand tends to be much lower than during the day.
Many modern dishwasher models contain a delayed start feature that allows the user to choose when the appliance will begin a cleaning cycle. By setting the dishwasher to power on after peak energy hours, homeowners may be able to save a little money with each load, leading to significant savings over time.
Run the Tap Before Starting the Dishwasher
In most American homes, the kitchen sink and faucet are typically located far away from the home’s water heater. This means it will take a while for hot water to be supplied to the faucet. Because dishwashers are usually tapped into the hot water supply line of the kitchen sink, this means that the water coming into the dishwasher may not be as hot as necessary when a new washing cycle is started.
For optimal performance, dishwashers need to use hot water, typically about 120 degrees fahrenheit. Although some models have the capability to heat incoming water to the necessary temperature, not all appliances can do this effectively. By running the hot water tap of your kitchen sink until hot water comes out before starting your dishwasher, you can ensure that the hot water needed for optimal dishwasher performance will be available.
Perform a Sanitizing Wash Cycle
Once a hack known only to experienced dishwasher repair experts, performing a sanitizing wash cycle in your dishwasher is now something that many households do once a month to combat the mildew smell that can affect the appliance after multiple cycles.
To perform a sanitizing wash cycle, simply place a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher. Leave the rest of the dishwasher empty, then run a cycle on high heat. Use the drying cycle, then leave the door open for a few hours to allow the interior of the appliance to air out completely. The vinegar cycle will also help to loosen any accumulated gunk and grime, so take the opportunity to wipe this away with a washcloth or paper towel.
If you need dishwasher repair in St. Louis, Kansas City, or a nearby community, contact Diamond Appliance today. We are the regional experts in all things dishwasher repair, and we service many major brands. Contact us today to get started.
