Frugal Living at The Dollar Stretcher


Dishwasher Maintenance

by Audrey M. Smith

Related Articles

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Maintain and Save

Rusty Dishwasher Racks


The next time you find yourself reaching for the telephone to call a dishwasher repairman because the dishes are coming out dirtier than they went in, stop. For sparkling clean dishes load after load, a dishwasher needs monthly cleaning.

First, dump a quart of white vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher and run it through a complete washing cycle without any dishes.

Next, clean the filter located on the floor of the dishwasher underneath the bottom rack. Some filters trap food residues on the outside surface so a simple wiping with a paper towel does the job. Other filters require unscrewing the cover to access trapped food residues. Consult your dishwasher owner's manual.

After every load, take a glance at the filter and in the bottom of the dishwasher, especially if you have children loading and running it. Picking up any food residues, labels, plastic wrap, stray silverware, lids, caps, straws, toys (you never know) will help the dishwasher clean more effectively.

Make sure the water going into the dishwasher is hot enough by running the kitchen faucet until the water is hot and using the water heating option on the dishwasher. In the short and long run, you save time and money by getting a full load of clean dishes the first time.

Take the Next Step:

Discuss "Dishwasher Maintenance" in The Dollar Stretcher Community



Stay Connected with TDS





Subscribe to TDS Newsletters

Join over 250,000 other subscribers!

Surviving Tough Times
Dollar Stretcher Parents
Dollar Stretcher Tips
The Dollar Stretcher

(text-based)

Financial Independence
TDS Special Offers
The Computer Lady
Computer Lady Lessons
Healthy Foods


View the TDS privacy policy.













Money problems?
The Dollar Stretcher can help:

Afraid to lose your job?

Struggling with credit card debt?

Help for your mortgage?

Can't pay your debts?

Need some extra income?

Fighting bad credit?

What you need to know about bankruptcy?

Become money smart?

Trouble repaying student loans?





Get free money-saving articles in your inbox!

Sign up for our free weekly eNewsletter Surviving Tough Times.

Your Email:


Ask The Dollar Stretcher

Looking for an answer to a frugal living question? Click here to ask a
Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!




Copyright 1996 - 2013 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.

Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
941-761-7805


"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.






Dollar Stretcher Community

TDS Forums Forums TDS Blogs Blogs


Also In This Week's Issue

In The Dollar Stretcher Community

Reader Favorites