After working, cooking, and taking care of the rest of the home, having a dishwasher is a great advantage for many homeowners. However, when the dishwasher breaks down it can be frustrating, not to mention inconvenient. Get your kitchen back on the clean track with these easy DIY repair tips for dishwashers.
Always be sure that you have your safety as paramount before you try to do anything with your dishwasher. Turn off the circuit breaker, and make sure that you have read the manufacturer's manual so that you know what not to do.
Trouble-shooting dishwasher problems:
1. A leak.
If you have a serious leak from your dishwasher, you should call a professional. However, if you just notice a small pool of water near the unit, it is worth trying to fix it yourself before shelling out money for a repair bill. Having a leak is usually a quick fix because it is due to an unlevel dishwasher. Expose the feet by removing the access panel cover. You can usually use pliers to adjust them so that the entire unit is level and able to hold water without spilling it.
2. Dishes with a water film.
Sometimes the water that your dishwasher uses isn't hot enough, which can leave dishes looking less than clean. When dishes have been through the cycle they may still have a cloudy film on them, in this case, turn the water heater temperature up to 54 degrees Celsius or 130 Fahrenheit.
3. An unpleasant odor.
Because it processes many food particles and works in many complex parts, your dishwasher may develop an unpleasant odor. This is usually the result of food that has become trapped inside over time. Any odor found should first be checked by emptying the food trap. If this doesn't work, you could also try cleaning your dishwasher with inexpensive products that are usually found around the house, such as baking soda or vinegar. All you need to do is run the unit empty for a cycle with this in the detergent dispenser.
4. A blocked spray arm.
Sometimes, the holes in the spray arms of your dishwasher can become clogged, especially if you have hard water. A solution to this tends to be easy to find, however. Place the spray arm in a vinegar solution and allow it to sit. Have a look frequently to see how clean it is.
5. A rusty dishwasher.
Another common remedy used to solve issues with the dishwasher is citric acid. If your dishwasher has become rusty over time, run a cycle on empty with either natural lemon juice or citrus flavored powdered drink mix.
