Maintenance · Dishwasher
How to keep your dishwasher running
A dishwasher is a pump, a heater and a filter. Keep the filter clean and the water hot and most of the problems we're called for never happen.
- Proudly CanadianOttawa-based team
- BBB accreditedRepairWell, our operator
- 15+ yearsin appliance repair
- Insured technicianslicensed for gas work
- Satisfaction guaranteed90-day warranty on replaced parts
- Free diagnosticwhen you go ahead with the repair
The checklist
| Task | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Clean the filter | Monthly | Twist it out of the bottom of the tub and rinse it under the tap. A clogged filter is behind most gritty dishes and slow drains. |
| Clear the spray arms | Every 3 months | Pull the arms off and poke the holes clear with a toothpick; seeds and labels block them. Spin them by hand to check nothing is hitting a rack. |
| Keep rinse aid topped up | Monthly | Modern dishwashers dry by condensation and rely on rinse aid. No rinse aid is the top reason dishes come out wet. |
| Run the hot tap first | Every load | Run the kitchen tap until it's hot before starting the dishwasher, so the first fill isn't cold. Hot water is what dissolves detergent and cleans. |
| Check the door gasket | Every season | Wipe it clean and look for tears at the bottom corners, where leaks usually start. |
| Scrape, don't rinse | Every load | Scrape food off; don't pre-rinse spotless. Detergent needs something to work on, and broken glass or seeds should be picked out of the tub right away. |
| Run it empty with a cleaner | Every 2 months | A dishwasher cleaner or a cup of vinegar on the hottest cycle clears grease and scale, which matters on Ottawa's harder well water. |
Signs it's past maintenance
- Water left in the bottom
- Dishes dirty or gritty
- Dishes wet at the end
- Smell
- Leak at the door
If you're seeing any of these, maintenance won't fix it. Book a visit: the diagnostic is free when you go ahead with the repair.
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