Although they’re probably not what comes to mind when you think about purchases you’re excited to spend money on, the truth is that we all love our dishwashers. In our busy lives, the last thing we want is to spend time washing dishes, and dishwashers save us the pain of scrubbing our plates and utensils every time we eat. They're undeniably one of the best parts of any modern kitchen, and most of us would be lost without them.
On average, dishwashers last around 9 years. While this might seem like a long time for an appliance that works so hard for us, many people don’t realize that with proper care and maintenance, you can often extend your dishwasher’s life even longer (and we’re talking about more than simply switching from powder detergent to liquid dishwasher detergent).
One of the best ways to make your dishwasher last is to purchase an extended warranty. They can help extend the life of your dishwasher by ensuring it's covered in case of damage or accidents, so you aren't stuck paying expensive repair and replacement costs. Install the Mulberry browser extension to views extended warranty plans on dishwashers in real time as you shop.
Let’s take a look at some tips and tricks for keeping your dishwasher in tip-top shape for as long as possible.
Clean the door gasket
One easy step you can take to maintain your dishwasher is by cleaning the door gasket. If you’re not sure what a door gasket is, don’t worry–you aren’t alone. Have you ever wondered how the dishwasher keeps the water from spilling onto your floor during a clean cycle? The door gasket is the seal that you’ll find running along the edge of your dishwasher basin. It keeps the water inside while the dishwasher is operating.
However, it’s also a major culprit for collecting residue and food crumbs, which can affect the dishwasher’s ability to create a proper seal and can even lead to unpleasant odors and mold. Fortunately, it's easy to clean. Simply use a kitchen rag and a cleaning agent, such as vinegar, to carefully wipe away any unwanted residue or food particles. It’s as easy as that!
Clear out the dishwasher drain
Have you ever wondered what happens to the extra particles of food when you put a dirty plate in your dishwasher? Although it’s easy to think they magically disappear when you open the door to find your sparkling-clean dishes, unfortunately extra food particles often get stuck in the dishwasher drain. This can cause blocked drains and other unpleasant problems for your dishwasher.
If you’re wondering how to clean your dishwasher drain, it’s one of the easiest things you can clean in your kitchen. Simply create a solution that’s half baking soda and half vinegar and pour it into the bottom of your dishwasher. Let it sit for several minutes, and then run a quick rinse cycle to clear it out.
Maintain the dishwasher filter
Your dishwasher’s filter is one of the most important parts of your dishwasher. It catches the majority of food that would otherwise find its way down the drain (and cause clogging much more frequently). This means that an important part of dishwasher maintenance is taking the time to clean the dishwasher filter.
To do this, open your dishwasher and scan the bottom. Most filters, including GE dishwasher filters, can be found at the bottom of the dishwasher in the form of a small plastic cylinder that you can unscrew. Lift it out and gently rinse it under warm water. Continue rinsing until there are no food particles left. If you’re having trouble rinsing it out completely, you can use a soft tool to help, but remember to be gentle. You want to keep your filter in top shape to protect the rest of your dishwasher.
Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your dishwasher running for as long as possible. By keeping it well cared for, you can protect your appliance.
Another effective way to protect your dishwasher is by investing in a product protection plan. Plans like MulberryCare offer excellent coverage for a great price, giving you peace of mind, even when the unexpected happens.
And while you’re shopping for product protection, be sure to install Mulberry’s free browser extension so you can get alerts about product protection that’s available to you. Plus, you’ll get three months of product protection for free simply by signing up!