Even though dishwashers are simple machines that are designed to produce spotless dishes. However, no one ever knew that they could be dangerous as well. In this blog, we are going to discuss some dishwasher safety tips that will help keep you and your family a bit safer. Some of these may also help you keep your dishwasher in a good shape and avoid appliance repair costs.
Keep The Detergent Stored In The Original Packaging
The first dishwasher safety tip relates to keeping the detergent stored in its original packaging. You wouldn’t want the kids playing around with it as they can easily put it in their mouth, which can lead to serious consequences.
In addition to that, storing the detergent in its original packaging prevents moisture and carbon dioxide from ruining it. Since detergents retain both moisture and carbon dioxide, it becomes less effective when used in the dishwasher. Therefore, make sure that you store the detergent in an air-tight container to prevent moisture from entering.
Don’t Over Stack
Dishwashers are designed to handle a limited amount of crockery items at a time. In fact, dishwashers come with pre-defined spaces where you are supposed to place the plates and glasses, etc. If you are over stacking the dishwasher, it will not be as effective during the cleaning process as it is supposed to be. The reason is that both water and detergent will not properly cover all the items stacked and therefore, the majority of them will come out half cleaned.
Furthermore, if you observe that the dishes have stubborn stains or food particles, you might want to clean them first. Although dishwashers are designed to produce spotless crockery items, some food particles can make it tough. With that said, make sure that you rinse the items before stacking them inside the dishwasher.
Do Not Leave It Unattended
Never leave equipment like dishwashers and washing machines unattended especially if you have kids running inside the house. Kids are fascinated and curious about items making strange noises and they will come close to investigating it without being aware of the consequences.
Apart from that, although dishwashers automatically stop once the dishes are done, there could be several reasons leading to a malfunction. If the machine continues to work even when the dishes are done being cleaned, it will heat up and might end up damaging itself. This is rare amongst new units but if you own an older unit, you never know what could go wrong.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Irrespective of your dishwasher being old or new, regular maintenance of the appliance is important. In addition to making sure everything inside is clean, performing regular maintenance allows you to spot and fix potential problems beforehand. This is a great way to avoid expensive repairs or replacements in the future.
However, you should keep in mind that regular maintenance should be performed by a certified professional. You will come across many individuals offering their services at a lower price but that carries a huge risk of damaging the machine. Professionals are equipped with the appropriate skills to perform the task and will ensure that your machine always functions as good as new
Place Sharp Items The Right Way
When it comes to placing sharp items inside the dishwasher like knives and forks, you should point them down. However, it differs based on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers suggest placing the sharp items faced up. But there are two safety concerns associated with this technique. First, since the items are pointed up, you will have to touch them with your fingers, which can lead to injuries.
Second, if your hands are dirty while touching the tips of the items, you risk contaminating the food. This can raise health concerns, especially amongst newborns and kids. Therefore, make sure that your hands are clean at all times.
Final Word
Concluding, even though dishwashers tend to be safe machines, you should follow the safety tips mentioned above. Not only does this ensure the safety of your family members but also the longevity of the appliance. For maximum safety, if you experience any problem in the appliance, let expert dishwasher repair Springfield services fix the problem so that it’s solved correctly.