Monthly Tip about Dishwashers!

How well do you know your home and its systems?

As the industry leader in professional home inspections, we show what is required for a home to function efficiently and properly according to local building standards. This month learn about dishwashers!

How to Inspect the Dishwasher:

• Identify the manufacturer of the dishwasher. You then want to determine, based on the manufacturer's sticker and the age of the house, how old the dishwasher might be. Every appliance in your home has a life cycle; this one might be coming to an end.
• Verify Air gap or high drain loop. Verify that the drain line is plumbed into the disposal and both are before the trap. Note: If it is draining out of the air gap there could be an obstruction in the drain line. Check in the cabinet under the sink for leaking. If there is water present, this could be due to the fittings being loose.
• Ensure it’s securely anchored to either the cabinet or kitchen counter. You should see two screws and brackets holding the dishwasher cabinet to the kitchen cabinet.
• Open the door to determine if the door is in good condition. Does it hang at a right angle? Does it drop slowly or does it drop all at once?
• Inspect the door gasket. Is it’s hardened or is it loose and supple? Has it become cracked or broken? A bad door gasket can cause a serious leaking problem.
• Visually check the interior of the unit's tub. Are there any cracks or blisters present? This too can cause a leak.
• Inspect the condition on the dish racks. Do they look like they are in good condition? Is the plastic coating on the racks intact or worn?
• Pull the trays out and spin the spray impellers to see if they are being obstructed by anything stuck in the dishwasher. li>
• Without locking the door, turn the timer to a short wash cycle. Be sure to close the soap dispenser. Now lock the door and the dishwasher should start.
• Check under the unit for leaks.

How to Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Dishwasher:

Think about all the time and effort your dishwasher saves you. By taking the time to maintain your dishwasher, you can make it run even more efficiently. A routine dishwasher cleaning is a good habit and should be included with the routine deep cleaning of your home. After you get the hang of it, you can clean your dishwasher quickly and easily.

• Using a small brush (old toothbrushes work well) dipped in hot soapy water, go around the door of the dishwasher taking care to get into the grooves and crevices of the rubber seal. Most likely, you'll be surprised at the debris that has built up, especially at the bottom of the door and around the hinges on the side.
• Scrub well. You may need to use a soft abrasive cleanser, such as Soft Scrub® to remove the dried and baked on grime.
• Using a household sponge dipped in hot soapy water, wipe off the dirt and grime that you stirred up with the brush. Go over the inside of the door and scrub any obvious areas inside the dishwasher that may have stuck-on food, such as out of reach corners.
• Using a clean wet sponge or dishrag, wipe the cleaning solution from the gasket and the door.
• Pull the bottom rack out and examine the drain area. Wipe around it to be sure there are no hard chunks that can plug the drain, cause damage to the pump or scratch dishes. You'd be surprised at what dishwasher repairmen find - bones, crab shells, chips of glass, and even small pieces of gravel!
• Then place a dishwasher-safe cup filled with plain white vinegar on the top rack of the dishwasher. Using the hottest water available, run the dishwasher through a cycle - except for the cup of vinegar, the dishwasher needs to be empty. The vinegar will help to wash away the loose, greasy grime, sanitizes, and helps remove the musty odor. Note: If you don't have any white vinegar, you may substitute a packet of unsweetened lemonade mix in the soap cup. Don't experiment with other flavors as they may stain the inside of your dishwasher. Baking soda is also effective at freshening and brightening your dishwasher. Just sprinkle a cupful around the bottom of the tub and run it through a short but complete cycle using the hottest water. Baking soda is also helpful in removing stains.

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