5 Dishwasher Dos & Don'ts This BBQ Season: 2025

The Crucial Role of Proper Dishwasher Maintenance

Proper care for your dishwasher is a non-negotiable requirement to ensure its optimal performance and durability. By adhering to these 5 dishwasher do's and don'ts this BBQ season, you can prolong its lifespan, fend off drainage issues and clogs, and guarantee superior cleaning results.

Regular tasks like cleaning the filter, removing debris from the spray arms, and checking for leaks can prevent minor hiccups from turning into significant issues, saving you from expensive repairs or premature replacement.

Common issues like clogs and drainage problems can hinder your dishwasher's performance. Avoid these by scraping off large food particles before loading your dishes and avoiding overloading. Excessive use of detergent can also lead to residue build-up, resulting in clogs.

Regularly cleaning the interior of your dishwasher, including the spray arms and detergent dispenser, can help maintain its cleaning efficiency, ensuring your dishes come out sparkling after every wash.

The Top 5 Dishwasher Do's and Don'ts This BBQ Season

For maximum dishwasher efficiency, adhere to these crucial tips:

1. Remove excess food before loading: This prevents food particles from blocking the filters, ensuring a thorough clean. You don’t have to prewash the dishes, just scrape off the big stuff before loading to prevent clogging the dishwasher filter.
2. Load dishes efficiently: Organize plates, bowls, and utensils so that water and detergent can reach all surfaces. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper water circulation. Our How to load a dishwasher video provides expert loading tips.
3. Use suitable detergent and rinse aid: Opt for a dishwasher-specific detergent and avoid regular dish soap as it will cause excess suds and damage your appliance. Always use rinse aid to prevent spots and streaks on your dishes.
4. Don’t wash BBQ grates: Unless recommended by the grill manufacturer, you shouldn’t try to wash grill grates in the dishwasher. Cast iron grates will likely rust. Even if the grill manufacturer does allow it, the dishwasher likely won’t clean the grate very well. Also, grease from dirty grates can clog the dishwasher drain hose and residue from grates can clog the dishwasher filter.
5. Have your dishwasher professionally maintained: Yearly professional maintenance of your dishwasher will help prevent problems and unexpected breakdowns.

These 5 dishwasher do's and don'ts this BBQ season will ensure your dishwasher operates at peak efficiency, delivering clean, spotless dishes all summer long. And, you won’t ruin any dishes that are dishwasher safe.

Common Dishwasher Mistakes to Avoid

To keep your dishwasher running smoothly during the BBQ season, avoid these common mistakes:

• Don't overload the dishwasher: Overloading can obstruct proper water circulation and detergent distribution, resulting in poorly cleaned dishes. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines when loading your dishwasher.
• Avoid dishwasher-unsafe items: Not everything is dishwasher safe. Items like delicate glassware, wooden items, cast iron pans, and certain plastics can get damaged due to high heat and intense water pressure.
• Don't neglect regular maintenance: Regular care extends your dishwasher's life and performance. Set reminders to clean the filter monthly, inspect the spray arms for blockages, and clean the door gasket periodically to prevent leaks.

Caring for Your Dishwasher Filters

Maintaining your dishwasher filters properly is crucial for the appliance's optimal performance and durability. Here's how:

• Clean dishwasher filters regularly: Filters trap food particles and impurities during the cleaning cycle. They can get clogged over time, impacting the dishwasher's efficiency. To clean them, remove and rinse under warm water, using a soft brush for stubborn debris. Ensure all components are clean before reinstalling.
• Frequency of filter cleaning: Clean the filters at least once a month. If you notice a decline in cleaning performance or a bad smell, clean them more often.
• Replace filters when necessary: If you see signs of wear like cracks or holes in the filter mesh, replace the filters promptly. Consult the user manual or contact a professional appliance technician for guidance.

By properly maintaining your dishwasher filters, you ensure consistently high cleaning performance.

If you want Sears Home Services to clean and maintain your dishwasher for you, schedule service and we’ll send a technician to you home.