How to Make Sure Your Dishwasher Is Happy (So It Doesn’t Secretly Hate You)

Truth be told, the dishwasher is the unsung hero of your kitchen. It cleans your dishes every day without fail, but it does need a little love in return. But when was the last time you said thank you to it?

Your dishwasher, like any other hard-working appliance, needs the right upkeep to stay performing well for many years. Here’s how to take care of it like an expert (without becoming an appliance repairman).

First things first: don’t use your dishwasher as a garbage can

The food leftovers you don’t want to wash off? They’re blocking the filter and making your dishes dirtier than they were before. Your future self (and your dishwasher) will thank you if you take 10 seconds to scrape off the clumps.

Now let’s talk about the filter, which is the part that gets the least attention

Yes, your dishwasher has one, and yes, it’s probably dirty right now. Find that round item at the bottom (look in your handbook if you need to), twist it out, and get ready to be frightened by what has been dwelling there. Once a month, give your machine a brief scrub with warm, soapy water. This will protect it from putting yesterday’s food on today’s dishes.

Your grandma never taught you this, but once a month you should run a vinegar cycle. Put a cup of white vinegar in an upright container on the top rack and run a hot cycle. This natural cleaner gets rid of mineral buildup and smells without using harsh chemicals. After that, put some baking soda on the bottom to make it smell like new.

Don’t forget about the arms, which are the spinning things that do the cleaning. Use a toothpick to clean any blockages from each spray opening. While you’re at it, use a moist cloth to clean the door gasket to keep mould and leaks from happening.

Finally, leave the door slightly open after each cycle to let the air in. A closed, wet dishwasher is like a science experiment waiting to happen.

If you do these easy things, your dishwasher will last longer than your next three relationships. If you don’t take care of them, you’ll get to know your local appliance repair shop very well.