A dishwasher is an essential and handy home appliance that simplifies the dish-cleaning process and saves tons of your precious time! As compared to manual dishwashing, this modern-day must-have appliance is way superior to cleaning the dishes thoroughly and retaining their shine as it is. But, like any other appliance in your home, a dishwasher may malfunction after some years and show signs of a quick repair or fix!
We have listed below some common issues that will help you identify the problems that your dishwasher may face after certain years and hacks to tackle the home appliance:
Common issues that will help you identify the problems that your dishwasher may face after certain years:
Age of the Dishwasher
The age of the dishwasher is the most obvious sign to understand the state of the appliance. If the dishwasher is older than 10-12 years, then it may be time to upgrade it with a new one, especially if it's a basic, low-end model. The old dishwasher may also increase the water and electricity bills.
Ideally, the dishwasher's longevity is not only determined by the years but also depends upon how well you clean and maintain it as well. Still, it is recommended to replace the 10-plus-year-old dishwasher with a new one.
The Rust Issue
An old dishwasher having a few rust specs is the most common thing and may not need immediate replacement. But, if you notice the rust inside the dishwasher, then you may want to upgrade it sooner.
Rust is the most prominent sign of water leakage or some major technical problem with the appliance. The leakage may expose the underlying metals which start rusting sooner and transfer spacks of rust to the clean dishes.
In certain scenarios, the rust could be formed with leftovers from the washing cycle or due to the rusty pots and pans. To check if the rust is getting formed by the dishwasher, run the empty cycle by adding citric acid and check if the rust is getting cleaned up.
The Door Lock Problem
A broken lock or latch will be required to be replaced or repaired immediately. This is because the dishwasher will not be able to work the wash cycle if the door is unsecured or not latched.
For a relatively new dishwasher, this issue can be solved with a quick fix but if it's an old dishwasher then the repair process may not be such a fruitful affair. In such cases, it is wise to invest in a new model and simplify the cleaning process.
Water Saturation Post Wash
Normally, post the wash cycle, the dishwasher will not have standing water inside the same. Also, it is common to find some amount of water that may be collected inside the bowl mug or wet plastic plates. But, if you see a pool of water at the bottom of the dishwasher, then it may be due to the clogged drain issue.
Often, it could be a minor blockage problem and be easily fixed by checking the drainage pipe. You can prevent the same by ensuring to remove the food particles from the utensils before washing them in the dishwasher. But, even if the clogged drain issue is beyond fixable, then you may need to replace the dishwasher with a new one!
Dishes Are Not Hot Post Wash
Whether you are running the quick wash cycle or drying mode, the dishes should be hot to the touch after the cycle is complete. If the dishes are not hot, then they may not be getting cleaned or sanitized properly in the dishwasher. Check if the heating coil is not working properly and get it repaired or get a new dishwasher!
Cracks on the Dishwasher
The broken dishwasher with water leakage may lead to extensive repair work for the flooring and cabinets that may get warped with mold and mildew issues caused by dampness.
Cracks or scratches on the interior tub of the dishwasher are a major sign to replace the dishwasher. So, if you notice the cracks in the dishwasher, the first thing you must do is stop using the same. Turn off the water supply and get the dishwasher repaired immediately or replace it before it leads to more inconvenience and damage.
Water Leakage
Another common sign that tells you to buy a new dishwasher is when it leaks water over the floor. When you notice any sort of leakage issues, the first thing to do is to stop the water supply to the dishwasher and dry the surfaces. Ensure that there is no moisture in the surroundings.
Call the plumber to check if it's a simple fix or else replace the home appliance with a new one.
Dirty or Spotty Dishes
There are several reasons why you may end up with dirty or spotty dishes after the dishwasher wash cycle. Some of the common issues include:
- Improper loading of dishes.
- Wrong soap usage.
- Food remnants on the dishes.
- Hard water issues.
You can simply address these issues with common solutions like:
- Load the dishes properly.
- Use the dishwasher-compatible soap.
- Soaking the dishes to get rid of food particles, and residues.
- Install a water softener.
Even after trying these solutions, if the dishes are still cloudy or dirty, then it is a sign of a malfunctioned dishwasher. Get it repaired immediately or invest in a new unit.
The Unusual Noises
A dishwasher makes a typical noise during the washing cycle and you will know it. But, if it starts making an odd bunch of noises, then note that the appliance is facing motor issues. Check with the appliance expert and see if the issue can be solved with a repair or replacement of the motor.
Sometimes, the repair of the motor can get more expensive than buying a new dishwasher. Assess your feasible solutions and act accordingly.
Not Energy Efficient
When buying a dishwasher, always look for the energy-star certification. If your current old dishwasher is not energy-star certified, then you might want to replace the same as it could be the prime reason you get more energy and water bills. Know that an energy-efficient dishwasher is an investment that works well for your requirements!
Also Read: Dishwasher Buying Guide: 7 Key Factors To Consider For Selecting The Best One!
