The Type Of Mess You Should Never Clean In Your Dishwasher For It To Last

You spend a lot of money on your dishwasher, so you want to make sure it lasts. With this in mind, it's important that you take the right steps to maintain it. Checking the filter, keeping it clean, and inspecting for any buildup will help you know if anything's out of whack. However, it's also essential that you look out for what you're putting in it. Guilty culprits that can shorten the span of your dishwasher are fine particles, such as small shards of metal, dirt, or sand. Yes — these materials can actually have an impact on your dishwasher in a way that you may not expect and could eventually land you in some very hot water.  

Thankfully, you can make your dishwasher last longer by keeping tabs on what you're putting in there. However, what exactly should you be looking out for? Let's dish out some dirt on the situation. 

Specific, non-food materials such as metal shavings and sand could impact the longevity of your dishwasher. Senior analyst at Whirlpool Corporation, Christopher Carlson, told Reader's Digest, "The system is robust, but if too much dirt gets into the dishwasher these fine particles might get into the rack tracks and inner workings of the system." This may mean that your dishwasher won't last as long, resulting in you having to fork out a hefty sum for a new one — which nobody wants to have to do if they can help it. Of course, if you're in the habit of tossing anything in there to clean it, this may take some practice to get used to. However, both you and your dishwasher will be thankful in the long run.

Knowing what you can and can't put in there can be difficult. If you're unsure, your best bet is to ask a professional or check your dishwasher's manual.

In addition to the above materials, there are other substances that are a definite no for your dishwasher. In an interview with Consumer Reports, Larry Ciufo, the leader of the Consumer Reports dishwasher test lab, talks about one item that he often sees causing issues: "Car parts are greasy, and the dishwasher and detergent aren't made to handle this kind of grease. It can clog the filter and ruin the pump." While it may seem like common sense, there are plenty of sources online that claim this trick to be effective. Either wash your car parts by hand or get a professional to do it. You should also follow the same rules for other motor vehicles. This could include motorbikes or any other vehicle with an engine.   

Following through and checking what you put in is just one of the many ways that you can maintain your dishwasher. This way, you can get the best out of your household appliances. Just remember, if it's not food, it's probably not for the dishwasher.