A woman opens the top rack of a dishwasher

If you’ve ever had to grow up without having a dishwasher, then you know how much of a blessing that a dishwasher can be. However, just like with any other appliance or equipment in your home, it’s important to note that your dishwasher must be maintained and wisely used, in order to keep it running better for longer. Here are some tips on how to get the most from your dishwasher…

Scrub off what you can

One important thing to note is that your dishwasher is not a miracle machine. Unless you have forked out a lot of money to get a high-end luxury dishwasher, your dishwasher is going to need a little bit of preliminary help from you to get your dishes truly clean. Because of this, don’t just put your dishes in the dishwasher when they are still covered in food. Take a little time to rinse and scrape off excess food before loading.

Don’t overdo the soap

Many people have a tendency to overdo the amount of soap they put in their dishwasher. There is a misconception that the more soap you put in, the cleaner your dishes will become. However, this isn’t the case. There is a reason that there is a recommended amount of soap for each dishwasher, as it is the amount that the dishwasher is able to use, efficiently. Stick to this amount, and you should be just fine.

Use vinegar to counteract hard water

Depending on where you live, there is a chance that your water might be rougher than in other areas. Hard water can leave a white residue on your dishes that leaves a strange texture. If you want to counteract this, simply wait for your dishwasher to fill with water, and then put in a teaspoon or so of vinegar.

Clean the filter every couple months

The more you use your dishwasher, the more wear and tear you will place on the filter. This can cause bacteria to build up in your dishwasher, and can cause issues, when it comes to draining water. Because of this, simply check your dishwasher’s user manual to find out where the filter is located so that you can clean it every 2-3 months.