Your dishwasher saves time and uses less water than cleaning the dishes by hand. However, you may be unintentionally making mistakes that could shorten its life span. At Carolina Appliance Service, the technicians are committed to keeping your items running for as long as possible. They even offer appliance repairs over the phone. Here, these experts from Matthews, NC, share some tips for keeping your dishwasher running longer.

Appliance Repair Experts Discuss 3 Dishwasher Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Cleaning the Food Trap

Did you know food debris is collected inside a trap underneath the spray arm of the dishwasher? That’s where some of the gunk goes when it gets cleaned off the dishes. To keep your dishwasher performing at its best, regularly clean out the food trap. Do this by removing the piece right underneath the sprayer arm. As an extra precaution, appliance repair experts say to scrape the food off your plates before placing them in the dishwasher.

2. Using Too Much Dish Soap

Using more than the recommended amount of soap doesn’t result in cleaner dishes. Instead, the soap builds up inside the dishwasher and affects its performance. It also puts extra strain on the spray arm and pump. If you have soft water, use 25% less than the instructions recommend; use 25% more if your water is hard. Finally, make sure the product is specifically formulated for dishwashers. Dish soap will cause suds to build up, and they could even leak out the door.

3. Not Cleaning the Dishwasher Seals

It might seem counterintuitive to clean an appliance that is used for cleaning, but dishwashers accumulate grime. Every few months, wipe down the rubber gaskets on the door with a damp rag and clean the buildup in and around the soap dispenser. This ensures the door seals properly and your dishes get clean every time.

If your dishwasher isn’t running optimally or is not starting at all, the team at Carolina Appliance Service will help. They have offered appliance repair services since 1993 and will also give you tips on making your dishwasher last. They even work on washers and dryers. Visit the website for more information, or call (704) 847-0004 to speak to one of their technicians.