Cleaning and Stain Removal - Ideas? (Dishwasher)
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Skagit
12-09-06, 10:17 AM
I have a 3 year old Kenmore builtin dishwasher that has recently started to develop a black scum inside the tub and also on all the racks. Some of the black scum buildup reminds me of what you will find in a sink drain..if that helps describe it. What is causing this and how do I fix it? Any help would be appreciated.
twelvepole
12-09-06, 11:16 AM
It is always best to follow manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance of dishwasher. Usually heat in dishwasher is hot enough to kill germs. Depending on manufacturer, the dishwasher may require 120 degrees or higher or 140 degrees or higher. Check your owner's manual. If in doubt, check water temp with a thermometer before wash cycle begins. You may have a problem with your heating element.
Empty the dishwasher and pour some bleach in the bottom, add detergent, and run through a full cycle. This should disinfect the interior of the dishwasher. Next, dump a couple cups of white vinegar in bottom and run through a cycle. The vinegar will remove hard water deposits, minerals, and scale. Use an old toothbrush and bleach/water solution to clean around seals, wipe with plain water to rinse.
Some dishwashers have a filter in the bottom or under the lower spray arm that requires cleaning. Your owner's manual should show you how to do this. Check the condition of the filter. If it has holes or appears to be damaged, it should be replaced to protect motor and pump from food particles. On many dishwashers, there's a filter near the bottom, or under the lower spray arm that needs to be cleaned regularly. If you have this sort of filter, check your owner's manual to find out how to remove and clean it. If it has holes in it, replace it to protect the pump and motor seals from particles that may be in the dishwasher. Check holes in spray arm to see if they are clogged and preventing or reducing water spray. A toothbrush can be used to clean the holes.
Also check to see that dishwasher is getting enough water to do its job. Run the sink water until it gets hot before starting the dishwasher to assure that you are getting hot water into the dishwasher. You can stick a cooking thermometer in a glass of hot water to test your water temperature. You may also want to check your water heater setting. Most are set at 140 degrees or higher. Many reduce water heater temperature to save energy and to prevent scalding, especially if there are children. 120 degrees tend to work well for most households. Many, however, prefer 140 degrees for the dishwasher.
If dishwasher is used on a regular basis, washing tends to keep the inside clean and disinfected. Note: Plastic dishwashers tend to be more prone to mold than stainless steel.
Empty the dishwasher and pour some bleach in the bottom, add detergent, and run through a full cycle. This should disinfect the interior of the dishwasher. Next, dump a couple cups of white vinegar in bottom and run through a cycle. The vinegar will remove hard water deposits, minerals, and scale. Use an old toothbrush and bleach/water solution to clean around seals, wipe with plain water to rinse.
Some dishwashers have a filter in the bottom or under the lower spray arm that requires cleaning. Your owner's manual should show you how to do this. Check the condition of the filter. If it has holes or appears to be damaged, it should be replaced to protect motor and pump from food particles. On many dishwashers, there's a filter near the bottom, or under the lower spray arm that needs to be cleaned regularly. If you have this sort of filter, check your owner's manual to find out how to remove and clean it. If it has holes in it, replace it to protect the pump and motor seals from particles that may be in the dishwasher. Check holes in spray arm to see if they are clogged and preventing or reducing water spray. A toothbrush can be used to clean the holes.
Also check to see that dishwasher is getting enough water to do its job. Run the sink water until it gets hot before starting the dishwasher to assure that you are getting hot water into the dishwasher. You can stick a cooking thermometer in a glass of hot water to test your water temperature. You may also want to check your water heater setting. Most are set at 140 degrees or higher. Many reduce water heater temperature to save energy and to prevent scalding, especially if there are children. 120 degrees tend to work well for most households. Many, however, prefer 140 degrees for the dishwasher.
If dishwasher is used on a regular basis, washing tends to keep the inside clean and disinfected. Note: Plastic dishwashers tend to be more prone to mold than stainless steel.