Photo by beckleberry
For the average kitchen, the dishwasher is one of the most used appliances The KitchenAid dishwasher was designed to make cleaning dishes feel like less of a chore. Would you like to avoid hand washing dishes as much as possible? Read on to learn how your KitchenAid can help your dishes get squeaky clean.
Be the dishwasher’s friend
Your dishwasher is a lifesaver, but it can’t do it all alone. Remember that a dishwasher is designed to clean dishes, not substitute as a part-time garbage disposal. Embrace the fact that your dishes will get cleaner, if you prep them before hand. Do your dishwasher a favor and remove any bones or particles that can get trapped in the filters and block the cleaning efficiency. Also be careful to place cookie sheets, and cutting boards away from the dispenser so that the detergent doesn’t get trapped inside of the dispenser.
A clean dishwasher cleans better
It’s best to clean the filters regularly, so that the dishwasher can perform at its peak. Simply remove the upper filter, by giving it a 1/4 turn clockwise and lifting out. The lower filter can be removed as easily by lifting it out of the circular opening and pulling forward. Be gentle when cleaning since wire brushes and scouring pads can leave scratches. Running warm water over the filters will remove most debris, but a soft brush can be used for tougher particles. Aim to clean your filters at least once per month.
If your KitchenAid has a white chalky film on the interior of the machine, hard water is the culprit. To remove this common issue, make a paste with powdered dishwashing detergent and use a sponge or cloth to wipe. Finish cleaning the interior by running a normal cycle with dishwasher detergent only.
The air gap filter on the sink will also need regular maintenance. Simply pull off the chrome cover and unscrew the cap to clean the buildup.
What’s on the outside matters
Now that you know how to get better cleaning from the dishwasher, it’s time to focus on the interior. A soft damp cloth and mild detergent should be used to clean this area. If you have a dishwasher with a stainless steel finish, it is recommended that you use a stainless steel cleaner.
Keeping your dishwasher well maintained will ensure better performance from your KitchenAid. Nothing’s more frustrating than discovering a dishwasher full of dirty dishes after a cleaning cycle. The KitchenAid dishwasher was designed to make your life easier, not to give you more dirty dishes.
