Particles Stuck in Dishwasher Holes

Causes

• Food particles become stuck in the holes of dishwashers when dishes are loaded with food still stuck on them, or when the dishwasher is overloaded and unable to clean and rinse dishes properly. Scrape off all food particles into the trash before loading. The hot water and soap helps to break down and dissolve food remnants, but removing as much as you can before loading reduces the potential of clogs and dishwasher malfunction.

Effects

• Food particles clogging holes in a dishwasher can affect the dishwasher's ability to drain properly. This could lead to poorly cleaned dishes, soap and water residue or more serious issues like leaking or damage to the appliance. Food particles can also rot and mold inside the dishwasher holes, creating an unpleasant odor and possibly leaving rotting or molding food debris on your dishes.

Food Trap

• All dishwashers have a trap designed to catch left over food. This is the most common place the remnants build up. The trap location and size vary by manufacturer, although the trap is generally always removable. You should remove and clean the trap regularly, about once a week or more if you do not rinse dishes before using the dishwasher.

Cleaning Your Dishwasher

• It is important to regularly clean your dishwasher, although it is not a necessarily easy chore. You can use and old toothbrush and hot soapy water to scrub the edges. You'll want to clean off any mold, old food and grease, as well as the rubber seals. Use a rag to wipe the walls down with hot soapy water and remove the racks to clean them. The final step is to fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with a cup of vinegar, place it on the top rack, and run the dishwasher. Use the "clean" or "sanitize" setting if you have one.