Scrape food bits off plates and bowls before loading them into the dishwasher. (Energy-saving tip: avoid pre-rinsing dishes. Energy Star says on average, pre-rinsing uses 20 gallons of water per dishwasher load.) This not only helps to reduce stuck-on bits but also puts less strain on your dishwasher's seals and traps.
If you know your kitchen taps take a long time to churn out hot water, run the hot water in your taps until it's hot to the touch. Doing this will mean your dishwasher's fill cycle will start with hot water right from the start, helping to clean off those stubborn food bits.
Before starting up the dishwasher, check to make sure the sprayer arms can rotate fully and move the water around freely. The arms can get blocked by utensils or big pots and pans, and stop the dishwasher from effectively cleaning everything.
Occasionally run an empty load in your dishwasher with a cup of vinegar. Similar to running a vinegar load in your washing machine, this will help to clean out any gunk and keep your dishwasher smelling fresh and clean.
What are some secret tricks of the trade your household uses on appliances to keep them running smoothly? We want to know! Let us know on our facebook page.
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