4 tips to get a better clean from your dishwasher

Dishwashers have become a household necessity, especially with an increasingly busy lifestyle. They are also a more economical way of washing up in terms of water and energy usage. If you’ve ever run your dishwasher only to find that things aren’t dry, water has not drained or a few things are still dirty, there are a few things you can do to help your machine clean better.

1. Add Rinse-aid to every wash

Rinse aid reduces the forming of water droplets meaning your dishes and glassware will dry more quickly and are less likely to show water spots.

If your dishes, glasses and cutlery have spots or come out damp after a cycle, it’s worth trying rinse aid.

2. Clean the dishwasher

In order for your dishwasher to clean effectively, it needs to be cleaned itself. You wouldn’t wipe your bench with a dirty cloth! Make sure you check and clean the filter at least once a week or when you notice dirt on items after a wash.

Taking the racks out and cleaning the drain filter is also a good time to check for small items that may have dropped below the rack and could be stopping the spray arm from rotating. Remove any debris that has accumulated at the bottom of the dishwasher. Clean the cutlery basket with hot soapy water and remove any food stuck in the bottom. Lastly, run a dishwasher cleaning product through a short wash.

3. Load the dishwasher evenly

Remember that if the water can’t get to it, it won’t get clean. Don’t overcrowd your dishwasher as this can block the spray arm. Read your manual to see how to adjust the racks to make more space for larger dishes.

Dishwashers can blunt sharp knives, but this depends on what the knife is made of, the abrasiveness of the detergent and how well the machine dries. If you are going to put them in the dishwasher, keep them away from things they may rub against, point them down in the cutlery basket, take them out as soon as the load is finished and dry them by hand.

4. Have the dishwasher repaired as soon as you notice an issue

If after trying all of the above tips your dishwasher is still underperforming it’s worth seeking the help of a dishwasher repair professional. Issues that will need a professionals’ attention are:

• The dishwasher has stopped and there is still water in the bottom
• Water is not running into the dishwasher
• Dishes are not washing well due to the water not heating up
• The dishwasher won’t start
• Water pools on the floor in front of the dishwasher during a cycle
• The dishwasher won’t drain
• Dishes aren’t drying
• The dishwasher is making a lot of noise

Call Fallon Solutions on 1300 712 028 for an experienced Appliance Repair technician to diagnose and offer a solution for your dishwasher.