ARTICLE
7 Ways To Make Your Dishwasher Last Longer
February 16, 2023-5 min read
As the kitchen workhorses that keep sinks clear and crockery sparkling, dishwashers and drawer dishwashers are the sudsy superheroes we cannot live without. After all, no-one likes the hassle of washing by hand. Then there’s the worry about wasting water – researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany found a full dishwasher uses around 13 litres of water to clean 144 items versus 100 litres when washing by hand!So what can we do to avoid dish disaster and keep our dishwashers in great working order? And what are the telltale signs it’s time to upgrade to a brand-new model? We’ve pulled together seven ways to keep your dishwasher going strong, as well as the very best new features when it’s time to upgrade.
How To Know If Your Dishwasher Needs Replacing
Unsure if your dishwasher is on its last legs or has plenty of life left? If there are internal areas of rust or cracks in the body of your appliance, your dishes don’t feel hot to the touch at the end of a cycle, or your machine is starting to make strange noises (often an issue with the motor), it may be time to say a fond farewell to your buddy, and make friends with a brand–new dishwasher.
Shop Dishwashers
Hisense 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher
InAlto 60cm Single Dishwasher Drawer
Bosch Stainless Steel Freestanding Dishwasher >
Best Next-Gen Dishwasher Features
If it’s time to take the plunge and invest in one of the best new dishwashers, you’ll want to look for one with futuristic features that make your life easier. “The latest dishwashers come with a host of game-changing functions. These include built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can download additional programs and even operate the machine remotely from your smartphone,” says Tania Grillinzoni, The Good Guys Buyer – Cooking and Dishwashers. “Other features to look for include self-clean settings for easy dishwasher maintenance, and auto-lift drawers so you don’t have to bend down to add a load.”
“The latest dishwashers come with a host of game-changing functions. These include built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can download additional programs and even operate the machine remotely from your smartphone.”
Shop Next-Gen Dishwashers
Fisher & Paykel 60cm Fully Integrated Dishwasher
Smeg 60cm Under Bench Dishwasher Stainless Steel
LG QuadWash White TrueSteam Dishwasher >
Top Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Dishwasher
Whether you’re the proud owner of a freestanding or an integrated dishwasher, read on to discover how to keep your machine in sparkling form!
#1 Don’t Overload It
While it can be tempting to throw in everything but the kitchen sink just to clear the benches, stand down! Overloading your machine can disrupt water flow and cause leaks – plus, you’ll probably need to run it again just to get things clean.
#2 Clean The Filter
An obvious one, but this is the kind of job that can often sit in the too-hard, too-icky or I’ll-do-it-tomorrow basket. However, giving the filter a good clean can avoid a build-up of dirt, bacteria and food scraps, and is a great way to keep your machine running well.
#3 Run A Cleaning Cycle (Here’s How To Do It With Vinegar!)
Ever wondered if you really can clean your dishwasher with vinegar? It’s not just an old wives’ tale – vinegar really works. Simply pour a cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe bowl, sit it in the rack and run a hot cycle. Voila!
#4 Be A Dishes Purist
The dishwasher is just that – designed for kitchen dishes, cookware and glassware. Be careful stacking anything that might damage the racks or get in the way of the spray arms, and avoid adding anything that could break down and block the filter.
#5 Use The Hot Water Setting
While it can be tempting to save pennies (and the planet) by avoiding the hot water setting, make sure you do use it sometimes. Hot water is a great way to kill bacteria and get rid of any gunk that could be making a home in your machine.
#6 Let It Flow
When you're not using your dishwasher, it’s a good idea to always leave the door ajar. This allows for airflow, helps the seals stay at their best and avoids a build-up of mould.
#7 Run It Regularly
While giving your dishwasher a rest might seem a great way to extend its life, make sure you don’t overdo it. Run it at least once a fortnight to keep it working as it should, and to stop the seals from drying out.
Is it time to upsize to a bigger dishwasher? Want to go sleek and chic with an integrated dishwasher for your kitchen reno? Or maybe you’re on the hunt for a features-packed, energy efficient model to save you time and money. All great reasons to visit The Good Guys! See us online or in-store for expert advice, the biggest brands and the best prices – then let us take the hassle out of installation.
