7 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Frigidaire Dishwasher

Doing the dishes is a chore that most people dread. Having a reliable dishwasher can make this task much easier and save you time and effort. Frigidaire makes high-quality dishwashers, but like any appliance, proper care and maintenance are key to ensuring your dishwasher lasts as long as possible.

In this blog post, we’ll share 7 tips to help extend the lifespan of your Frigidaire dishwasher so you can avoid costly repairs or early replacement.

With just a little preventative maintenance and troubleshooting your Frigidaire dishwasher should provide many years of reliable service.

Tip 1: Use the Proper Detergent

It’s important to use the right type of detergent in your Frigidaire dishwasher. You’ll want to use a detergent specifically formulated for dishwashers, not hand-washing detergent which will create too many suds. Cascade, Finish, and Electrasol are popular quality dishwasher detergent brands.

Check the owner’s manual for your model’s detergent recommendations, as some new Frigidaire models actually do require detergent pods to work properly. The right detergent will clean dishes, help prevent buildup, and not damage the dishwasher parts.

Tip 2: Clean the Filter Regularly

Over time, food particles, bits of paper, and other debris can collect in the filter and clog the dishwasher drain. This prevents proper water drainage. Cleaning the filter regularly – about once a month – keeps the dishwasher draining properly.

To clean the filter, remove it from the bottom of the dishwasher tub and rinse under hot water. Use a soft brush to remove particles caught in the mesh screen. Make sure you replace the filter securely before running the dishwasher again.

Tip 3: Use a Dishwasher Cleaner Monthly

For a deeper clean, use a dishwasher cleaner designed to remove grease, limescale, and soap scum buildup. These cleaners dissolve hardened gunk and food deposits that regular dishwasher detergent may miss.

Once a month, put a dishwasher cleaner in an empty dishwasher and run it through a wash cycle. This regular maintenance helps keep the inside tub clean and free of buildup. Finish® and Affresh® make dishwasher cleaner products specifically for this purpose.

Tip 4: Wipe Out Exterior and Door Gaskets

While we tend to focus cleaning efforts on the inside of the dishwasher, it’s also important to wipe down the exterior stainless steel and rubber door gasket. Use a soft cloth with warm soapy water. This keeps grease and grime from building up, which can lead to deterioration over time.

Make sure the door gasket is completely dry before closing the dishwasher. Any moisture left trapped along the gasket’s rubber can promote mold growth.

Tip 5: Use Rinse Aid

Rinse aid is an important part of your dishwasher’s cleaning process. It coats dishes during the final rinse to prevent spots and improve drying. With regular use, rinse aid improves cleaning results and can help remove deposits from dishes and interior parts.

Make sure the rinse aid is topped off in the dispenser and that the setting is adjusted to your water hardness level. If dishes aren’t drying well or have cloudy spots, increase the amount of rinse aid dispensed.

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Tip 6: Clean Spray Arms and Check Hoses

Clogged nozzles on the spray arms will result in improper water distribution and poor cleaning results. Give spray arms a periodic inspection and use a soft brush to clear out any blocked holes under running water.

Also inspect the water supply hoses and attachments for leaks or cracks, replacing any worn parts. Check under the dishwasher, making sure no leaks are puddling on the floor. Catching leaks early prevents water damage down the road.

Tip 7: Use a Water Softener if Needed

Hard water can lead to limescale buildup on dishwasher parts and dishes. If water streaks and spots persist even with rinse aid, investing in a home water softener is worthwhile. Softened water improves cleaning performance and reduces mineral deposits.

For existing buildup, try running an extra-hot wash cycle with 2 cups of white vinegar in an empty dishwasher to dissolve limescale and hard water deposits. Consider installing a water softener if your home has very hard tap water.

Conclusion:

Taking good care of your Frigidaire dishwasher and doing regular maintenance will help ensure it lasts for years of reliable service. Following these 7 tips will help prevent problems, keep your dishwasher running smoothly, and extend its lifespan. With proper care, your dishwasher should operate efficiently for over a decade before any major repairs are needed.

Consistently using the right detergent, cleaning the filter, wiping down gaskets, cleaning with dishwasher cleaner, checking hoses, and addressing any hard water problems will pay off with a dishwasher that keeps cleaning effectively season after season. Don’t wait until there’s an issue – a little preventative care goes a long way toward a long-lasting dishwasher.