Archive for Appliance

Is Your Dishwasher Ready for Thanksgiving?

Is Your Dishwasher Ready for Thanksgiving?

Your dishwasher will probably be doing double-duty on Thursday so let’s make sure it’s up to the task.

If you’re like most people, you probably think your dishwasher is always clean since it runs with really hot water and soap – but it has a dirty job, and sometimes parts of that job get left behind. Over time, grease, food particles and soap scum will build up, which can reduce its efficiency and be a breeding ground for germs. You can clean your hardworking dishwasher in 3 easy steps.

Step 1: Check the drain and spinning arm

Remove or pull out the lower dish rack as far as possible. Inspect the dishwasher drain, removing any gunk or food caught there which will improve drainage. (You’d be surprised at what our dishwasher repairmen find!)

Check the spinning arms to make sure all the holes are open so water can run through them freely. If needed, just use a toothpick to clear them out.

Don’t forget to clean the utensil holders with warm, soapy water.

Step 2: Run a Wash Cycle with Vinegar

The Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab recommends placing a large glass cup or bowl filled with two cups of vinegar on the top rack, then running the machine as usual — no detergent, no heat dry.

The vinegar will mix with the circulating water and help to wash away the loose, greasy grime and sanitize your appliance.

Step 3: Baking Soda Rinse

After the vinegar cycle finishes, sprinkle baking soda around the bottom of the dishwasher and run it through a short cycle using the hottest water. The baking soda will help deodorize your dishwasher and removing any stains.

Once the cycle is done, let it sit closed for 20 minutes and continue to steam clean. Then wipe the whole inside with a soft sponge. Along with being shiny clean, your dishwasher will be more efficient in doing its essential job!

Don’t forget, if you ever have problems with any of your appliances, we have a team of trained appliance service technicians ready to get your hard-working machines running properly again. Just give us a call at (804) 358-9333 or visit jamesriverair.com