Dishwasher Maintenance Tips
Check and clean food drains and filters everyother week to avoid clogs. - If you notice rust on your dishes, there may be portions of the rack where the coating is scratched off and should be replaced with water proof sealant or some type of plastic coating.
- Twice a year, lift out the strainer and scrub with warm, soapy water.
- At least once a year, remove the spray arm and clean it by poking a stiff wire through the holes to clear them of deposits.
- Place a small cup filled with one cup of distilled white vinegar on both the top and bottom racks and run a regular wash cycle to remove soap residue.
- Do not use an extension cord with a dishwasher.
Ice Maker
- Change the inline water filter at least twice a year with the recommended replacement filters.
- Routinely clean freezer and refrigerator door gaskets with a solution of 1 tsp. of baking soda dissolved in a quart of warm water. This will keep the gasket soft and pliable for a good seal. Test the gaskets by closing the door on a dollar bill in various places, and then pull lightly. If the bill moves easily, replace the gasket.
Refrigerators/Freezers
- Clean coils with a condenser coil brush. The coils are usually behind the snap-out grill at the front bottom of the unit. On older models, they're located in the back and are partially covered by cardboard. Remember to unplug the unit first so you don't strike the moving fan. Even when the unit is unplugged, avoid disturbing the insulation or bending the fan blades, which could damage the fan. If you have pets that shed, do this four times a year.
- Test the door gasket. A leaky gasket wastes energy and shortens the life of the compressor. Close the refrigerator door on a dollar bill at various places along the door, and pull lightly. If the bill does budge, replace the gasket. Peel back the gasket enough to loosen the retainer strip screws and slip a new one in place.
- Once a year slide the refrigerator out and vacuum around and beneath it or this dirt will end up on the coils.
Oven, Range, and Stove Tops
- Periodically check to be sure the oven door gasket is tight. Adjust or replace gaskets as required.
- Keep range-top burners and reflectors clean; they will reflect the heat better and save energy.
Disclaimer: Manufacturer's guidelines should be your first source of information, some maintenance issues may be model specific.
