10 Common Errors That Damage Your Dishwasher

According to Cleaning Experts

Dishwashers are a daily convenience, sparing us both time and effort—provided they are used properly. Missteps such as replacing dishwasher detergent with regular dish soap or cramming the machine beyond capacity can result not only in poorly cleaned dishes but may also shorten the appliance’s lifespan. To help you maintain your dishwasher’s performance and durability, we consulted a professional cleaning expert to identify the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them. With these insights, you can ensure your dishwasher runs smoothly for years to come.

Overloading Your Dishwasher

One of the most frequent errors when using a standard or countertop dishwasher is overloading it with too many items. Crowding the space with excess dishes and utensils hinders the spray arms from thoroughly cleaning everything. As a result, you’re likely to end the cycle with frustration, faced with dishes that still need scrubbing. To avoid this, resist the temptation to squeeze in that extra bowl or plate. Instead, adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines and load the dishwasher properly to ensure optimal performance.

Failing to Scrape Food Off Your Dishes

While many modern dishwashers are designed to handle some grease residue, leaving large food scraps on your dishes is a recipe for trouble if you want them to come out spotless. “If you’re placing dishes straight into the dishwasher without scraping off leftover food, you’re inviting clogs,” warns Julia Klein, operations manager at Clean Company. “These small food particles can build up and block the spray arms and filters, preventing water from effectively reaching all the dirty areas.” Thankfully, Julia notes that avoiding this mistake is easy—a quick scrape with a spatula or fork is all it takes to keep your dishwasher running smoothly.

Placing Non-Dishwasher-Safe Items in the Machine

After a long day, it’s tempting to toss wooden utensils, delicate wine glasses, or other non-dishwasher-safe items into the machine for convenience. However, this shortcut can lead to costly consequences. Loading items like specialty knives, fragile plastics, or delicate glassware can result in warping, cracking, or dulling. Worse, a shattered glass or melted plastic piece could cause damage to the dishwasher itself, leading to expensive repairs. To protect both your kitchenware and appliance, take a moment to review the care instructions for your items and hand-wash anything deemed unsuitable for the dishwasher.

Improperly Loading Plastic Items

Plastic food storage containers are a kitchen staple, but arranging them incorrectly in the dishwasher can lead to problems. “If you place plastic items on the bottom rack, they’re exposed to direct heat from the dishwasher’s heating element,” explains Julia Klein. “This can cause warping or even melting, which is a real hassle to deal with!” To avoid such issues, Julia advises always placing plastic items on the top rack, where they’re shielded from intense heat. She also recommends labeling dishwasher-safe items for added convenience. “This simple step serves as a helpful reminder and ensures everyone in the household knows how to load them properly,” Julia says.

Running the Dishwasher Without Filling It to Capacity

For smaller households or individuals who rarely cook, it can be challenging to fully load the dishwasher before running it. Perhaps you prefer handwashing or only accumulate a few dishes at a time. However, running the dishwasher without reaching its full capacity is a costly mistake. It wastes both water and energy, making it far less efficient. Interestingly, the same inefficiency applies to those who handwash all their dishes. For most families with modern dishwashers, the most eco-friendly and cost-effective practice is to wait until the machine is completely loaded before starting a cycle.

Neglecting to Inspect the Spray Arms for Blockages

If you’ve ever found dirty dishes after a wash cycle, clogged spray arms might be the culprit. Over time, food debris can accumulate in the spray arms, obstructing the water flow needed to thoroughly clean your dishes. Though not the most enjoyable task, cleaning the spray arms is essential for maintaining your dishwasher’s efficiency. “Make it a habit to routinely inspect and clean the spray arms,” advises Julia Klein. “A toothpick or small brush works perfectly to clear any blockages from the holes.” For optimal performance, Julia recommends cleaning both the spray arms and the dishwasher filter monthly.

Overlooking the Dishwasher Filter

Much like the spray arms, your dishwasher’s filter can become clogged over time, leading to a host of issues. Neglecting this crucial component can not only hinder the appliance’s ability to clean effectively but may also cause more significant problems down the line. In the short term, you risk using dishes that aren’t properly sanitized. Over the long term, the strain on the machine could result in the need for premature replacement. To ensure your dishwasher runs smoothly and lasts as long as possible, regular upkeep is vital. Make it a priority to clean the filter at least once a month.

Using the Incorrect Dishwasher Cycle

Just like your washing machine, your dishwasher offers various cycles tailored to different kitchenware and cleaning needs. While it may be tempting to stick to the same cycle for every load, choosing the appropriate setting is both more energy-efficient and gentler on your dishes. “Take a moment to review the manual or refer to the labels inside the dishwasher door to understand the purpose of each cycle,” suggests Julia Klein. “For added convenience, create a cheat sheet of the cycle options and their ideal uses, and attach it to your dishwasher for quick reference.” Selecting the correct cycle not only enhances performance but also helps preserve your dishes for longer.

Placing Detergent in the Wrong Spot

While tossing detergent pods into your laundry machine is common practice, doing the same in your dishwasher can lead to poor results. Dishwashers are designed to release detergent at a specific point during the cycle, and if you place your detergent pod at the bottom, much of it will be washed away before the main cleaning process even begins. The solution is simple: always place your detergent pod in the designated dispenser cup to ensure it’s released at the right time for optimal cleaning performance.

Using Excessive Rinse Aid

Rinse aid is a valuable tool for eliminating spots and streaks, as well as ensuring your dishes dry properly. However, using too much can create new problems. “Rinse aid is beneficial, but overusing it can lead to unwanted results,” warns Julia Klein. “You may end up with a cloudy film on your dishes, which is the last thing you want.” To prevent this, Julia recommends adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines, ensuring you use the correct amount of rinse aid for optimal results.