Many homes and offices rely upon their dishwashers to keep their kitchen areas running smoothly. If your dishwasher is acting up, not cleaning as well as it used to, or leaving your glassware with a powdery residue it may be time to call in a plumber. There are, however, some user errors (listed below) you can check first. If your dishwasher is leaking or if these hints don’t help, it’s time to call in a professional Coral Springs Plumber.
Instructions Are There for a Reason
Not every dishwasher is created equal, and some have some fairly specific instructions included. If you’ve recently upgraded, glance at the instruction booklet – it might include some handy tips that will help you avoid problems in the first place. Further, if the machine comes with a recommendation regarding dishwashing detergent, give their recommendation a try. Finally, remember that when it comes to dishwashing detergent, more is not better. Inundating your dishwasher with dishwashing detergent isn’t likely to get your dishes any cleaner and can leave them with an oily residue. Follow the instructions on the dishwashing detergent – they’re there for a reason.
Filling the Dishwasher
Some of us fill our dishwashers with extreme care – and some of us don’t. Whatever your style, however, there are some tips you can implement to help ensure that all of your dishes and pans get equal treatment in the wash and rinse cycles. Any items that are more delicate but that are also “dishwasher safe” or “top-rack dishwasher safe” should be placed in the top rack. If you’re not sure that an item is dishwasher safe, err on the side of caution. Dishwashers are no place for family heirlooms or fine dishware.
Typically glasses, cups, individual bowls, and cooking utensils should go on your dishwasher’s upper rack, and plates, serving dishes, and dishwasher-safe pans should fill the bottom rack. Finally, eating utensils should be placed in the utensil basket. Stack items neatly, and consider your dishwasher’s sprayers in the process.
Pay Attention to the Sprayers
Locate the spraying mechanisms inside your dishwasher – they’re easy to locate – and consider these when you’re filling your dishwasher. Ideally, every item will get its fair share of water spray, which is a major factor in obtaining clean dishes. With this in mind, it’s important to make sure that your larger items aren’t blocking the spray and hogging it for themselves. Typically, it helps to stack larger bowls and pots on their sides and to keep large flat items to the side of the rack. Again, your dishwasher’s instruction booklet (which you can also find online) should provide you with excellent guidance. If you are not the one to troubleshoot, an experienced Coral Springs plumber has the knowledge to do it for you.
Watch the Utensils
Utensils deserve some attention of their own. Our knives, forks, and spoons often collect debris that can quickly harden, but these utensils typically get shoved into the wash basket with very little – if any – care. In the process, your utensils can nestle together and not get as clean as they should. When loading utensils into the cleaning basket, put them in one at a time and stagger them so that there’s less chance of them losing out on the full cleaning benefits of the dishwasher.
Unloading Also Matters
When it comes time to unload your dishwasher, it can help to start with the lower rack. The dishes on the top rack are more likely to collect water, which can spill into the lower rack as you unload them. The goal is to have clean, hygienic dishes at your disposal, and that includes clean, dry dishes. Take the time to unload with a bit of care.
When It’s a Plumbing Problem
Sometimes, a dishwasher that isn’t cleaning properly is indicative of a larger plumbing issue. If the problem isn’t a function of inferior loading, it’s time to call in a plumbing professional. If your dishwasher is leaking, there’s no time to lose; leaks can cause serious structural damage and can even lead to mold and mildew that is not only unsightly but also unhealthy. Take the time to understand how to make the most of your dishwasher but know when to call in an experienced Coral Springs plumber.
If Your Dishwasher Isn’t Performing Well, Call a Professional Coral Springs Plumber Today
At Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration in Coral Springs, our professional plumbers have the experience, knowledge, and dedication to help with all your plumbing issues, including problems with your dishwasher. We’re available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, so please contact or call us at 561-260-5763 today.
Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration
11555 Heron Bay Blvd #200,
Coral Springs, FL 33076
Phone: 561-260-5763
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