Routine Maintenance on Maytag Dishwashers

Proper Operation

• Proper dishwasher operation is critical to maintaining a dishwasher. Failure to maintain proper operation procedures may damage the dishwasher, resulting in expensive repairs. Maytag recommends that homeowners use only detergents intended for dishwasher use. Other soaps are ill-suited for dishwasher use because they create a sticky foam that can coat the internal dishwasher parts or cause an overflow of sudsy water. Dishes must be marked as safe for dishwasher use and loaded appropriately. Soft plastics may melt or loose objects may freely spin in the unit, causing damage to the dishwasher's internal parts. Maytag dishwashers require a hot water temperature between 120 to 140 degrees to adequately scour dishes and sanitize the dishwasher.

Cleaning

• The exterior housing of the dishwasher is easily cleaned with hot water and a mild dish detergent. Dishwasher interiors are designed to be self-cleaning, automatically scouring food debris from the internal components and channeling debris into the drain system. If used infrequently, the inside of the dishwasher may emit odors. Maytag recommends that the owner pour baking soda into the detergent cup and run the unit through the wash cycle to remove odors. Rust removal detergents are available in many grocery stores and cleaning supply outlets, but the product should be specifically labeled for dishwasher use.

General Maintenance

• Over time, food particles and sediment deposits from hard water may clog the drain filter and spray arms. Depending on the frequency of use and the mineral content in the water supply, the dishwasher may need to be cleaned. The drain filter is located at the bottom of the Maytag dishwasher tub below the lower spray arm. The spray arms contain small holes from which water spurts. These holes become clogged with calcium deposits. The spray arms are removable and may be soaked in hot white vinegar to remove the deposits. Poke the small holes with a thin wire to remove the clogs.

Mechanical Maintenance

• One of the most common problems with dishwashers is door leaks during unit operation. Routine inspection of the rubber seal around the door and replacement when needed will prevent this problem. Maytag provides replacement parts for particular models. The drain hose should be inspected every year for kinks. If the dishwasher will be stored in an unheated location, all water must be removed from the hoses and valves.