Dishwasher machine tip.
 

Dishwasher repair guy/friend said DON'T use eco plant based dishwashing detergents in the dishwasher machine. They leave a sediment that builds up until it wreaks the machine. I guess all those little valves, seals, bearings don't like a layer of crud on them.

I know it people try to do the right thing for the environment by using these "friendly" products, but it's also bad for the environment having prematurely dead appliances in the landfills.

The same advice applies to laundry washing machines.

Both machines like an empty hot wash once a month too.

I cleaned a filter that I didn't know my dishwasher had a couple of weeks ago.
Nasty stuff.
Opened it up one day and noticed the arrows on the filter assembly. Washes better now.

The washing machine has a cycle that runs up the temperature and sanitizes the interior. Try to run it and clean the filter on it every few months.

One thing that people don't understand is that hot water is the big mover in cleaning.

Soap/detergents are massively over used.

Think of your det needs as equal to the amount of grease/oil on whatever is being washed.

Another thing he said was don't use those dishwasher cleaning products you see on TV that have an animation of grease being cleaned of the internal pipes. As Island said, just hot water.

Personally, I use parts cleaning solution. Gets the dishes really clean!

Brake clean, or carb cleaner? Which one works best for dishes? :eek:

Safety clean out of my parts washer

My repair guy recommended 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in an empty machine, on hottest/longest cycle, once every few months or so. Amazing what this does to clear out the crud build up. Been doing this for years. Also said to run Tang in there once in a while (you know, the orange drink that went to the moon).

That's weird — oil to clear out oily substance. I also heard of using a cup of cider vinegar.

I use plain ol' Cascade. That stuff will eat your hands.

Why would you need vegetable oil once a month, when that's probably the stuff that you have on pots and plates you're washing on a weekly basis.

I flush my dishwasher with wine a couple of times a week.
Doesnt do much for the dishes, but it does make her happier.

^^^^^
Got me on that one.
I'm losing my mojo, that wouldn't have happened a few years ago

In my case (probably also for some of you), my build up is typically a crusty material, like calcium and/or detergent build up. I've never had an oily build up. Therefore, these solutions work well for me. As always, YMMV...

After they banned phosphates in dishwasher detergent I was having the worst time getting dishes clear. Then I read a Consumer Reports article comparing dishwasher detergents. The premise to the article was that with looser regulation almost any detergent with hot enough water would get your dishes clean, but with current regulations there is a vast difference in how well different formulas work. The recommended the multi-part detergents that come in a little plastic pack like cascade https://cascadeclean.com/en-us/products/by-line/platinum-actionpacs-fresh-scent or Fisish https://www.amazon.com/Finish-Dishwasher-Detergent-Powerball-Dishwashing/dp/B075G629WV/ref=asc_df_B075G629WV/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309748512677&hvpos=1o5&hvne tw=g&hvrand=2592753304253655462&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hv qmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9060341& hvtargid=pla-568836049640&psc=1 I cant remember which one was rated highest, but it was one of them. Anyway, we moved exclusively to the little packs ever since and have had great looking dishes. I strongly encourage moving to the little pod style detergents.

Run the hot water in the sink until it is VERY hot. Then turn on the dishwasher.

angela

What Angela said ^^^^^^. CR's two top brands are: Kirkland Signature & Cascade Actionpacs.

the idea is that the lighter weight oil acts as a solvent to the heavier oils.

Most new wash appliances (dish/clothes) have internal water heaters and are no longer dependent on tank/line-in temp.

Many years ago, the missus switched to some eco-friendly detergent. About 6 months later, I cleaned the inside of the dishwasher and made her switch back.

We're now using Seventh Generation brand stuff and that seems to work well. But for guaranteed success, stick with something like Cascade.

+1 My Mom taught me that one many years ago.

Maybe slightly off topic but one little bread wrapper metal tie or a piece of cellophane can clog the little food grinder screen under all those bottom covers and make for horrid cleaning. Telltale sign is water in the bottom at the end of a cycle or lots of spots..

I think that mostly depends upon how much you spend on the dishwasher.