Your Dishwasher is Sparkling! Post-Repair Care for Optimal Cleaning in SA

There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of opening your dishwasher to a load of sparkling clean dishes. When your trusty appliance needs a bit of TLC and you've had it repaired, it’s a huge relief to get it back in working order. But the repair is just the first step. To ensure your dishwasher continues to deliver that pristine clean and avoids future issues, a little post-repair care and ongoing maintenance go a long way.

Think of it like this: an expert technician has given your dishwasher a new lease on life, addressing the specific problem it had. Now, it's up to you to implement practices that will protect that repair and extend the lifespan of your appliance. Here in South Africa, our unique water conditions and common household habits mean that tailored advice can make all the difference.

Why Post-Repair Care Matters

You've invested in getting your dishwasher fixed, so protecting that investment is key. Proper post-repair care isn't just about preventing the same problem from recurring; it's about optimising its overall performance and heading off new issues before they even start. Many common dishwasher problems, like blockages or residue, are often linked to daily usage habits. By adopting smart maintenance routines, you'll ensure your dishes are consistently clean and your appliance runs efficiently for years to come.

Essential Post-Repair Habits for a Happy Dishwasher

Our expert service providers often share these valuable tips, drawing from their years of experience fixing a wide range of dishwasher woes in South African homes.

1. The Golden Rule: Scrape, Don't Rinse!

This might sound counter-intuitive, but it's one of the most crucial pieces of advice for dishwasher longevity. Many South Africans have grown up with the habit of thoroughly rinsing plates before loading them into the dishwasher. However, modern dishwashers, especially those available in SA, are designed to handle small food particles.

• Why scraping is better: Your dishwasher detergent contains enzymes that need food particles to "latch onto" and break down. If dishes are too clean, the enzymes might not activate properly, leading to residue on your dishes or even etching on glassware over time.
• Preventing blockages: While it's tempting to rinse, excessive rinsing can wash larger food scraps (like bone fragments, fruit pips, or even pieces of sticky rice) down into the filter or drain, potentially causing blockages over time. A quick scrape into the bin is all that's needed to remove larger solids.
• Expert Insight: One technician recounted a common call-out where a customer’s dishwasher wasn't draining properly. Upon inspection, they found a build-up of un-dissolved food particles in the filter, often exacerbated by pre-rinsing. It turned out the homeowner was meticulous about rinsing, but inadvertently sending problematic bits into the machine's inner workings.

2. Load it Right: The Art of Stacking

How you load your dishwasher significantly impacts its cleaning efficiency and can prevent undue strain on its components.

• Avoid Overloading: Cramming too many dishes in restricts water circulation and spray arm rotation, leading to poorly cleaned dishes and potential stress on the motor. Give water and detergent room to reach every surface.
  • Proper Placement:Plates: Face the centre of the dishwasher or towards the spray arms.
  • Bowls: Place them upside down and at an angle to allow water to drain.
  • Glasses and Cups: Place upside down on the top rack. Ensure they are stable and won't tip over.
  • Cutlery: For best results, place knives with handles up for safety, and spoons and forks with handles down. Mix them up to prevent nesting. Some dishwashers have dedicated cutlery baskets or trays – use them as instructed.
  • Larger Items: Pots, pans, and serving dishes generally go on the bottom rack, facing downwards or angled for optimal cleaning.
• Keep Spray Arms Clear: Before starting a cycle, manually spin the upper and lower spray arms to ensure no tall items (like pot handles or serving spoons) are obstructing their rotation. Blocked spray arms are a frequent cause of poor cleaning.

3. Choose the Right Detergent for SA Conditions

The South African market offers a variety of dishwasher detergents – powders, gels, and pods. The type of detergent, and how you use it, can impact your dishwasher's performance and longevity.

• Quality Matters: Invest in a good quality dishwasher detergent. Cheaper options may not dissolve properly or clean effectively, leading to residue on dishes and inside the machine.
• Dosage: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for detergent dosage. Using too much can cause excessive suds, leading to residue. Too little might not clean effectively.
• Rinse Aid: In many parts of South Africa, we experience hard water, which can leave water spots and streaks on dishes. Rinse aid helps water sheet off dishes, promoting faster drying and preventing spots. Regularly check and refill the rinse aid dispenser.
• Salt: If your dishwasher has a salt dispenser (common in models designed for hard water areas), ensure it's topped up with specific dishwasher salt. This helps to soften the water, improving cleaning performance and preventing limescale buildup, which is a major concern in some SA regions.

4. Regular Filter Cleaning: A South African Essential

The dishwasher filter traps food particles and debris, preventing them from recirculating and potentially clogging the pump or spray arms. This is especially important in South Africa, where our varied diets can lead to different types of food residue.

• How Often: Aim to clean your dishwasher filter at least once a month, or more frequently if you use your dishwasher daily or notice residue on your dishes.
  1. How To:Locate the filter (usually at the bottom of the dishwasher, beneath the lower spray arm).
  2. Twist or unclip it according to your dishwasher's manual.
  3. Remove any trapped food particles.
  4. Rinse the filter under warm running water. A soft brush or old toothbrush can help dislodge stubborn debris.
  5. For a deeper clean, wash the filter with warm, soapy water.
  6. Reinstall the filter securely. A loose filter can allow debris to enter the pump.
• Expert Anecdote: A professional once shared a story about a client whose dishes were consistently coming out gritty. The solution? A severely clogged filter, packed with rice, coffee grounds, and even bits of packaging – a clear indicator that regular cleaning was being overlooked.

5. Monthly Deep Clean for Long-Term Health

Even with regular filter cleaning, limescale, grease, and detergent residue can build up inside your dishwasher over time.

• Vinegar Wash: Place a cup of white vinegar in an upright, dishwasher-safe bowl on the top rack of an empty dishwasher. Run a hot cycle. The vinegar will help to dissolve mineral deposits and deodorise the machine.
• Baking Soda: For tough odours, sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom of the empty dishwasher and let it sit overnight. Run a short cycle in the morning.
• Commercial Cleaners: Periodically, you might consider using a dedicated dishwasher cleaner available at most supermarkets. Follow the product's instructions carefully.

6. Inspect and Maintain the Door Seal

The rubber seal around your dishwasher door creates a watertight barrier. Over time, food particles and grime can accumulate here, leading to leaks or odours.

• Wipe Down: Regularly wipe the door seal with a damp cloth to remove any debris.
• Check for Damage: Inspect the seal for cracks, tears, or signs of wear. A damaged seal will need to be replaced to prevent leaks. This is a simple repair for a qualified technician if you spot an issue.

A Note on South African Water Quality

South Africa's water quality varies significantly across regions. In areas with particularly hard water (high mineral content), you might find limescale buildup to be a more persistent issue. Using dishwasher salt and rinse aid becomes even more critical in these areas. If you're unsure about your local water hardness, consider a water hardness testing kit, or consult with a local plumber or appliance technician who can provide specific advice.

By following these practical tips, you're not just maintaining an appliance; you're preserving the quality of your recent repair and ensuring your dishwasher continues to be a workhorse in your South African home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my dishwasher?

It's recommended to clean the filter at least once a month, and perform a deeper clean (with vinegar or a commercial cleaner) every 3-6 months, depending on how frequently you use the appliance and your local water conditions.

Why are my dishes still wet after the dishwasher cycle?

Several factors can cause wet dishes, including not using enough rinse aid, an issue with the heating element (though this would typically be addressed during a repair), overloading the dishwasher, or certain plastics that don't dry as easily. Ensure your rinse aid dispenser is full and try adjusting your loading technique.

Can I put all types of dishes in the dishwasher?

While most modern dinnerware is dishwasher-safe, certain items should always be hand-washed. These include delicate crystal, hand-painted ceramics, cast iron, good quality knives (as the harsh detergents can dull the blades), wooden items, and anything labelled "hand wash only."

My dishwasher smells bad. What can I do?

A common cause of dishwasher odours is trapped food particles in the filter or drain, or mould/mildew growth on the door seal. Clean your filter thoroughly and wipe down the door seal. Running a hot cycle with white vinegar can also help to eliminate odours and clean the interior.