Your Dishwasher Maintenance Checklist — For a Clean Bill of Health

General things to look for:

• Are door gaskets worn or torn?

• Are hinges, handles, knobs, buttons, etc., in good condition?

• Is the motor noisy or not working at all?

• Are water temperatures within 5 degrees of the desired setting?

Dishwasher Maintenance Checklist

1. Empty your dishwasher before you begin

2. Check that the door opens easily

Use a damp cloth to wipe around the edges of the door and a gasket to clean. An old toothbrush or other soft, household brushes can help get into tight spaces. Then, look under the bottom of the door to check for debris. Wipe clean if needed.

3. Check the condition of the plastic coating on the tines of the dish racks

Promptly repair cut or chipped plastic coating on racks to prevent rust. Use steel wool to remove rust and cap the damaged rack tines with slip-on rubber tips. If needed, check with your dishwasher manufacturer to see if you can purchase a repair kit directly from them.

4. Check for lime buildup inside

It’s a good idea to de-lime the water feed equipment periodically. If necessary, run one cycle of your empty dishwasher with a mild, food acid of your choice. Note: If your dishwasher has a stainless steel interior or door, avoid using bleach and detergents containing bleach.

5. Check the wash and rinse arms and nozzles for cleanliness

Make sure all the holes in the spinning arms are unclogged so that water can run through them freely. If they’re clogged, use needle-nose pliers, a toothpick, or a thin stiff wire to clear any debris out of the holes. Take care not to scratch anything. Finally, scrub any mineral deposits off the spray arm with hot, distilled white vinegar.

6. Check that the scrap tray is in place and clean

If you’re careful about what you put in your dishwasher, you shouldn’t have to clean this often, but you should check it and remove any bits of food or shards of broken glass/dishes.

7. When on automatic, check that the dishwasher starts when the door is closed

If not, you’ve got a fundamental problem that needs repair.

8. Check for automatic shutdown in the time specified in your owner’s manual

If not, repair may be in order.

9. Check for leaks

If there are leaks, you’ll likely need to bring in a professional.

Remember, if you take good care of your dishwasher, it will likely take good care of you for years to come.

Paying for the repair or replacement of a dishwasher or other household appliances can take a bite out of your budget. A Home Warranty Plan from American Home Shield® can help save you money while keeping your home running.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.