Dishwasher: How To Put Your Name On It!

Dishwasher: How to Put Your Name on It

So you have decided it’s high time you went shopping for a new dishwasher after the old one finally broke down, but not before flooding the floor, because it had to go out guns blazing. Well, you’re in luck, because modern dishwashers do pretty much anything along with dishwashing. If you manage to find one that has the morning coffee ready when you wake up, let us now. Until then, with so many choices to choose from on the dishwashing market, let’s take a look at how to choose the perfect one for you.

The Aesthetics

There are plenty of models to choose from and you can opt for a modern, drawer dishwasher or a more traditional look that opens from the top down. A drawer dishwasher can usually be installed at various heights depending on your choice and preference.

Traditional dishwashers are still the most popular and they come in all shapes, colors and sizes, much like the drawer ones, but their doors open from the top. These conventional devices can be installed in accordance of the décor of the room, giving it a clean, complementary look all around.

How Many Tiers

Many modern dishwashers have a third rack built in for storing utensils, which makes them a bit cleaner and easier to unload. Still, plenty of people prefer the adjustable rack rather than a third one as it allows them to adjust the space according to the washing loads. This way you can move the rack to accommodate large pots and pans and the other, to place plates and utensils.

The Performance

Typically, drawer dishwashers can be loaded a bit easier and can handle lighter loads more efficiently, saving time and resources. But that ultimately boils down to the dishwasher itself and you can find more traditional models that are optimized for the exact same type of performance.

However, if you have a family and constantly have large loads of dishes to wash, then a traditional high-top dishwasher would be best suited for your needs. Try to find one that works quietly, so you can keep your sanity while spending time in the kitchen.

On the other hand, when you live in a small place, either alone or with one other person, you would be best off with a smaller, portable dishwasher designed for smaller loads that won’t consume as much energy and water. These options are not only eco-friendly, but also very budget-friendly.

Choosing environmentally-friendly appliances is very important nowadays, not only because it’s a worldwide trend, but because the earth needs your help. A good example of a modern, eco-friendly model is the latest Viking dishwasher that uses small amounts of resources and is silent in the process, as well. With the growing scarcity of natural resources like energy and clean water, you should do your best to contribute to the preservation of the environment by choosing dishwashers that conserve resources and utilize only as much as needed.

The Material

Always opt for a stainless-steel dishwasher; it will be a good long-term investment. Also, be sure to check the arms on the bottom of the dishwasher to check the material – the stainless-steel ones are generally sturdier; they generate better water pressure and have bigger holes. All of this contributes to the amount of water the dishwasher needs to use in order to get the dishes clean. And in this case, it’s far less than models made of different materials.

Think of the Future

Don’t think of the dishwasher as a short-term investment, it’s actually supposed to last you nine to twelve years. If you want your new dishwasher to last as much as the old one did for your parents, then you’ll have to take good care of it, but also opt for a high-quality model that will prove to have been worth the cost. The fact that it will last you for years to come gives you plenty of time to return your investment.

Choosing the right dishwasher can be a rather simple process, if not an enjoyable one, provided you have valuable tips such as these to guide you. Be sure to take your time in finding the perfect match for your home and you can enjoy your sparkling new dishwasher for years to come.

Guest Contributor, Lillian Connors

Simple Care For Your Dishwasher

Simple Care For Your Dishwasher

Fortunately, the majority of dishwasher hitches are avoidable with correct usage and proper maintenance.

The modern life conveniences in our homes today make life easy and save us a lot of time and labor. The dishwasher is among the precious appliances that make kitchen chores very easy. Additionally, it uses less water and less water heater energy as compared to washing dishes by hands.

However, you will notice that your dishwasher loses its cleaning efficiency or start to develop an odor over time. Your personal efficiency can also reduce when your dishwasher goes on a fritz or fails to deliver performance as it used to. Fortunately, the majority of dishwasher hitches are avoidable with correct usage and proper maintenance. Therefore it is crucial to care for your dishwasher and keep it in good running condition.

Here are some simple care tips that will ensure your dishwasher performs efficiently.

1) Scrape Food Off Before Loading

Dishwashers do not need you to rinse the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. However, they require that you scrap the food off using a rubber food scrapper. Removing the big chunks from the dishes prevents clogs once the cycle is over, increases efficiency and increases the service life of your dishwasher.

2) Avoid Overcrowding

Do not be tempted to layer in one more plate or bowl to avoid hand washing. Overcrowding the dishwasher can reduce its efficiency, and you may end up with less that clean dishes. Always remember that cookie sheets, big bowls, and other large items frequently block the spray of water from the arms hence preventing the flow of water from properly cleaning other items.

3) Clean Filters or Screens

Every dishwasher brand and model has a filter or screen designed to trap food waste. Remove the filter or screen, soak it in hot water, dish soap it, scrub it gently and rinse it to remove food residue. This prevents clogs and food wastes that have been trapped in the screen or filter from getting back on your dishes.

4) Ensure to Level Your Dishwasher

The appliance needs to be even on the ground to run efficiently and prevent leaks. Place a bubble level in the dishwasher to check that your dishwasher is level. If the washer isn’t level, adjust the legs or add a wedge to ensure it is properly leveled.

5) Clean the Sprayer Arm

The sprayer arm in the dishwasher sprays streams of hot water to the dishes, giving them a thorough cleaning. Over time, food deposits and other debris can clog the sprayer arm. It is important to occasionally clean these holes to enable the washer clean dishes more efficiently.

When cleaning the sprayer, remove it and soak it in warm vinegar for some hours to loosen the clog. Clean the sprayer with warm water and detergent and then wipe it down with a damp towel. It is however recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s manual for detailed instruction on how to remove and clean the sprayer.

6) Clean the Seals and Door

Washers have seals around the door rim to prevent the appliance from leaking while operating. Over time, food gets stuck on the door rims and can cause the seals to deteriorate, making the dishwasher leak. Regularly wipe down the door and rubber seals with a damp cloth, to avoid buildup of grime.

7) Do Not Use Hard Water

Do glasses and silverware emerge from your washer spotted and cloudy? Or do you notice whitish crust on your washer’s heating component? If yes, the problem could be as a result of using hard water. Hard water has a high level of magnesium, calcium and other minerals. These amounts of minerals can lead to rust, causing poor performance or even failure of some expensive parts like heating components and pumps.

If you use hard water, you may need to install a water softener to help your dishwasher work at its best.

8) Fight Mold and Mildew

It is normal for mold and mildew to develop in a dishwasher. Fortunately, it is easy to get rid of this problem. Run an empty wash cycle with two cups of apple cider or white vinegar or use liquid chlorine bleach. Run another empty cycle to ensure the bleach or vinegar is completely rinsed out of the dishwasher.

Observing these simple tips can make your dishwasher more efficient and prolong its service life. In case you encounter a serious problem, be sure to get help from your local plumbing experts.

Charlie Teschner started MESA Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling in 1982. Charlie has a journeyman and master plumber’s license. He was raised with a strong work ethic and he now applies those values to tasks such as Longmont, CO heating repair.