Check Your Dishwasher!

The next time you load your dishwasher – I’ve got something for you to check in there first...

Dishwashers can be finicky appliances – and a few simple maintenance steps can prevent some bigger problems. Here are some things to check in there:

• The tines – the dish rack feature that holds the plates up. Broken tines can stain your dishes – or break off and damage the pump. Hardware stores carry repair kits for that.

• The sprayers – they’re on the ceiling and floor of your dishwasher. Check the holes every once in a while to make sure there’s no food or detergent clogging them.

• The filter – it’s usually located in the floor of the machine – an we’re supposed to clean it after every load.

Source: Sharon Harvey-Rosenberg author of "Frugal Duchess”