We buy a new dishwasher, sometimes not knowing that there are certain nuances associated with its operation. But it is the observance of the rules and knowledge of the features of use that will help keep an expensive purchase in working order for many years.
Rule one: we use only special means
Ordinary dishwashing liquid or soap is not suitable: they form an excess of foam, which leads to moisture ingress on electronic components, such as the control module, and the failure of the unit. Unlike the designated products, special preparations for dishwashers - gels, powders, tablets with soluble or removable shells - are able to ensure both the cleanliness of the dishes and the durability of the equipment. To do this, they contain mandatory and additional components. The first are:
1. Surfactants (surfactants) - dissolve fats. They are ionic, anionic and derived from natural components. They differ in the degree of aggressiveness and environmental friendliness, their type and percentage affect the cost of the detergent.
2. Enzymes - neutralize protein contamination. For example, amylase in dishwasher tablets Brileo Classic by Paclan, one of Europe's leading brands of household products, breaks down starch and protease breaks peptide bonds between amino acids in proteins. As a result, enzymes are able to comprehensively cope with such complex impurities as burnt oatmeal in milk.
3. Bleach - required to remove stains from wine, coffee, beets and other coloring foods and drinks. Look for products that contain non-toxic oxygen bleach over chlorine when reviewing the label.
4. Softener (salt) - prepares water for the effective operation of cleaning components, prevents the deposition of hardness salts on the walls of the dishwasher and its heating elements. Even when using all-in-one tablets, it is worth buying a package of special salt and pouring it into the compartment provided for it. After all, if the water in your area is hard, you will need more softener than is present in the standard composition of the tablet, otherwise the drain pump will suffer. In excessively soft water, dishes are washed worse. Accurate information from public utilities will help to avoid mistaken estimates of water hardness. For example, for Moscow, experts recommend relying on Mosvodokanal data and converting them into units that your dishwasher "understands" using a calculator. This will help to set the correct salt flow rate
Additional components that make up the detergents include: rinse aid, which helps to reduce the surface tension of water, ensuring fast drying of dishes, gives shine to glass and stainless steel; anti-rust agents (EDTA or polyphosphates, polycarboxylates) - they take care of the condition of the metal parts of the dishwasher.
Rule two: we carry out maintenance in a timely manner
Even if the dishwasher looks clean outwardly and does not smell of dampness or mold, you should not ignore its timely cleaning and preventive washing.
Recommendations for the frequency of dishwasher maintenance
Strainer: Remove, treat with detergent, rinse under running water - at least once a week.
Sprinkler blades (rocker): Remove, rinse, thoroughly clean the nozzles from food and grease residues - as soon as they become dirty.
Door seal: Wipe with a special agent that does not destroy rubber - once every 6 months.
Lower part of the door: Wipe clean with detergent - once a week.
Baskets (shelves, dish holders): Remove, treat with detergent, rinse under running water - if soiled.
Regularly - at least once a week, and preferably after each wash - wipe the seal and the front panel (together with the controls) with a damp cloth. Thanks to this solution, pollution, mold and mildew will not be scary to these structural elements. Before loading the machine, do not be too lazy to clean the plates of any residues. So, our craftsmen are often faced with a breakdown of the drain pump caused by toothpicks getting into it. Long slender objects pass easily through the strainer and block the impeller blades.
Rule three: we take care of the safety of the dishwasher between uses
In the intervals from the cycle to the cycle of the unit operation, leave the door ajar for airing for 15–20 minutes (so condensation will not fall out), unload clean dishes in a timely manner. Before a vacation or a long business trip, when the dishwasher will not be used for a long time, you need to clean it with special means. If they are not at hand, run the empty machine on high temperature with 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of citric acid added to the powder compartment, and then dry.
It will not be superfluous to periodically refresh your knowledge by re-reading the manufacturer's instructions, especially before loading different types of dishes. After all, care recommendations differ for each material, be it stainless steel, glass or porcelain.
And at the first signs of mold or rust, one should not only deal with the consequences, but also find out the reasons for their appearance by contacting professionals. Compliance with the listed simple rules for handling the dishwasher will extend its service life and give you the pleasure of using it.
