Got a dishwasher that seems a bit smelly or is leaving a weird film on your dishes? The simplest and easiest solution to this problem is just learning how to clean your dishwasher. With a few basic tips, you can make sure the inside of your dishwasher is sparkling clean.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dishwasher?

Many of us can admit to not cleaning our dishwashers as often as we should. Most people just do a deep cleaning every now and then, but it turns out, everyone should be cleaning their dishwasher on a monthly basis! Appliance experts explain that cleaning the dishwasher each month helps it run more smoothly and reduce the need for dishwasher replacements. You can delay a little if you are not using the dishwasher every day, but it still needs to be done fairly often. If you notice any smells, mold, mildew, buildup, or dirty dishes, it’s definitely a sign you need to clean the dishwasher.

What Is the Best Way to Clean a Dishwasher?

There’s a bit of debate on the best way to clean a dishwasher. Some people like to clean their dishwasher with vinegar or other natural materials, while others like to use a store-bought dishwasher cleaner. Either option works fine according to Good Housekeeping, so just pick whichever method is easiest for you. As long as you’re making sure to clean the filter and scrub the interior, your dishwasher will remain in great shape.

Tools and Materials Needed

Learning how to clean a dishwasher does not have to involve any unusual or pricey tools. It can typically be done with items you have lying around your home. You will need:

• Your chosen dishwasher cleaner
• A dishwasher-safe cup
• A sponge
• Soap
• A dish brush
• A microfiber rag
• Baking soda
• Stainless steel cleaner (optional)
• Cleaning gloves (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning a dishwasher isn’t usually dangerous, but when working with chemicals, always follow the instructions on the label carefully. You may want to wear gloves to protect your hands from contact with hot water and harsh chemicals.

1. Clean the filter and drain: Start by pulling out any debris from the dishwasher drain, then take out the filter and clean it in the sink. Standard soap and warm water will work well. If possible, scrub with a dish brush, but you can also use a rag or sponge in a pinch. Some older models do not have removable filters, so you may have to get in there and clean bits of food out manually.

2. Add your cleaner: Put your chosen dishwasher cleaner in the empty dishwasher. If you’re doing a commercial cleaner, follow the instructions to place it in the detergent cup or the dishwasher rack. For a DIY dishwasher cleaner, place it in a dishwasher-safe cup on the top rack. Most people clean their dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar, but some DIY cleaners use apple cider vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice.

3. Run the dishwasher: Set your machine to its longest, hottest wash cycle. Some units will have a self-clean cycle, while others may not have this option. Pretty much any hot water cycle will be effective.

4. Spot clean the interior: Typically, cleaning the inside of a dishwasher can be done just by running your cleaner through the machine. However, take a glance inside after it is done. If you notice any spots or streaks, use a soft rag and a paste made with a cup of baking soda and water to clean away lingering stains.

Clean the Stainless Steel

The above steps work great for all the plastic and interior parts on a dishwasher, but if your unit has stainless steel, you need to also know how to clean stainless steel. Never clean these surfaces with bleach since this can damage the metal. For the outside of the machine, polish the steel gently with your favorite stainless steel cleaner. For stubborn water spots or soap scum on the inside, mineral oil is a great, food-safe cleaner. Use it with soap to clean away streaks and speckles, then run another cleaning cycle through your machine.

FAQs

Should I Clean the Dishwasher Filter?

Yes, the dishwasher filter is actually the main source of grime in your machine. It catches all the food particles in your machine, so it is where bacteria can flourish. Most modern machines let you remove the filter, so it is very easy to clean the filter. How do you clean a dishwasher filter that isn’t removable? Just use a toothpick or other small tool to clean out any visible pieces of food, then pour some vinegar over the filter.

What Should I Do If My Dishwasher Has Mold?

Dealing with a mold outbreak will depend on your dishwasher type. For a plastic dishwasher, Hunker recommends a blend of 3/4 cup bleach to a gallon of water. Thoroughly scrubbing all areas with this will help reduce mold. Bleach can damage the stainless steel finish, but vinegar is just as effective. It actually kills 82% of all mold species. Just use a sponge or brush to thoroughly scrub all moldy spots with vinegar before cleaning your dishwasher normally. To prevent mold in the future, leave your dishwasher open a crack to improve ventilation.

Regular dishwasher cleanings can prevent clogs and other problems. If something does go wrong with your appliance, having a plan from HomeServe will help. When you’re prepared with a plan, you’ll have peace of mind in case anything breaks or needs replacing. We cover repairs up to the benefit amount, and we send highly qualified local technicians to fix the issue. See how plans from Services Lines Warranties from America can help with the costs of covered repairs today.

When something goes wrong in your home, your first thought may be, “Oh no, what is this repair going to cost me?!” When it comes to plumbing, you may definitely be thinking “plumbing repair costs are going to put me in debt!” But getting a rough estimate of how much plumbing repairs will be can help you feel prepared, mentally and financially. There are a lot of factors that go into plumbing pricing, so there’s quite a bit of variation in how much you might have to pay.

Average Plumbing Repair Costs

The average plumbing repair tends to be about $175 to $450. However, there can be quite a bit of disparity. Simpler jobs may be as little as $50, while more complicated repairs can be around $500. The overall average trends toward the cheaper side because the majority of plumbing repairs are for very basic and easy-to-fix issues. However, for major plumbing repairs that involve system-wide fixes, you could pay around $1,000.

Costs for a plumbing repair may include:

• Labor for the job
• Parts and supplies to repair the problem
• Replacement parts or appliances
• Service and diagnostic fees
• Permit fees
• Haul-away fees for old plumbing

Typical Plumbing Costs by Service Type

To get a more accurate idea of how much you might be required to pay, you need to identify the problem. The problem could be anything from a shower drain clog to a major sewer pipe malfunction. Due to the variations in how long a repair takes and how challenging it is, different repairs have widely different prices. Here are the average costs for plumbing repair broken down by repair type.

• Drain clog: $125 to $300
• Leaky pipe: $150 to $700
• Drain line problems: $250 to $1,000
• Toilet issue: $150 to $300
• Broken water heater: $200 to $900
• Water main repair: $400 to $2,000
• Septic tank problem: $300 to $2,500
• Well pump repair: $350 to $1,350
• Sewer issue: $1,200 to $4,000

What Should a Plumber Cost Per Hour?

Many plumbers’ fees will depend on how long the job takes. Something simple like busting a clog in a drain could be completed in under an hour. Meanwhile, a major repair such as replacing piping throughout the home may take up to 10 days. Plumbers’ prices tend to be about $20 to $150 per hour. This variation in pricing is usually due to the individual plumber’s expertise and can also be due to geography. A new journeyman plumber may just charge local minimum wage, but an experienced plumber who takes on challenging jobs can command a much higher price.

Do Some Plumbers Use Flat-Rate Plumbing Pricing?

Though most plumbing repairs are priced on an hourly basis, some plumbers may use flat-rate plumbing pricing. This is typically done for small jobs, like replacing a faucet, that can be done quickly. It may also be done for more major jobs like handling the piping for a bathroom. Since there’s so much variation for flat-rate pricing, you can expect this to be anywhere from $75 to $6,000.

Can You Save Money With Plumbing DIY Repairs?

If the price of plumbing seems a little high, you might be interested in doing the repairs yourself. Whether or not this is a good idea will depend on the problem. There are several plumbing repairs you can DIY for just the cost of parts or tools, so it is possible to save hundreds. For example, handling a clogged drain may just require you to purchase a $5 plunger instead of paying the full plumber fee. The typical competent DIYer can manage:

• Clearing a clogged drain
• Fixing a toilet that runs constantly
• Repairing a leaky faucet
• Replacing a shower head
• Installing a new faucet

However, for more complex tasks like rerouting pipes, fixing a dishwasher, or handling large repairs, you may need to call in a professional. Depending on where you live, your building code may specify that certain tasks like a water heater replacement only be done by a licensed plumber.

Find Affordable Services by Understanding Cost Factors in Plumbing

There are several reasons that there is such a wide range in plumbing costs. Understanding all the various cost factors in plumbing can help you hire an expert to get the job done properly.

First of all, the area you live in has a huge effect on plumbing costs. You may want to enter your zip code into cost calculators for plumbing to find out how much the average price is in your location.

The condition of your current plumbing also has a big influence on costs. Older homes with galvanized plumbing should expect to pay around $100 extra or so for plumbing assistance. Multiple stories or extra plumbing fixtures in your home may increase prices as well.

Another factor is the company itself. Some bigger companies can charge less since they have more customers. Sometimes, more experienced plumbers will also charge more for their expertise. You may want to call around and get plumbing estimates to find the best deal.

If you want to save money on plumbing repairs, be prepared with a plan from Service Lines Warranties of America. Having a plan in place before things go wrong can help you pay for covered water, sewer and other service line repairs.

Once you have a plan in place and a plumbing issue arises, you can call our 24/7 repair hotline and schedule an appointment with HomeServe’s network of plumbing technicians. We assist with the cost of repairs so you can protect your finances.

Learn more about  how plans from Service Lines Warranties of America can help with the costs of plumbing repairs.

Most people assume that drainage is something a washing machine does automatically. However, this appliance actually needs a pump and drain line to drain properly. If the machine breaks down or if you are moving the machine, you need to take a little extra time to drain it completely. This easy guide will show you some tips for getting all the water out of your washing machine.

Step 1: Power It Down and Turn Off the Water Supply

Start by powering down your machine. If there is any problem, powering off the machine can keep it from getting worse. If you are trying to drain a washing machine for moving or drain a washing machine for storage, powering it down will keep any electronic problems from popping up. To do this, you need to both switch the power button on the model off and unplug your washer from the outlet.

Next, you just need to find your water supply hoses and turn them off. The water supply will be the red and blue hoses or knobs running from your machine to a pipe on the wall. Twisting them counterclockwise until they will not move further will shut off the water to the machine.

Step 2: See If You Can Drain the Drain Hose

The drain hose is the line that carries water away from your machine. It is gray on many models, and it typically just sits loosely in a large pipe on the wall. This drain hose almost always has some water in it, so you will need to drain it before you move the washing machine or clean it. If your washing machine is broken, it is still important to try to drain the drain hose. Often, the whole reason for a washing machine that won’t drain is just a clog in the hose, so you need to disconnect it and take a look inside.

To do this, you can usually just wiggle the hose and slide it right out. Hold it upright in the air because if the end goes below the waterline in your washer, water may start to shoot out. When you have a bucket ready, lower the drain line and place it in the bucket. If water drips out or moves slowly, you probably have a drain clog. Fortunately, drain lines are short enough that removing a clog is simple. Just break up the blockage with a plumber’s snake or an unclogging solution.

Step 3: Check Out the Drain Pump

Washing machines use a pump to remove water from the machine, and this can also get clogged. If that happens, you can open up the washer and access the pump. Models vary, so check your user manual to see where the pump is located. Drain pumps are usually translucent, so you may be able to see the clog from the outside.

Following the user manual, disconnect the drain pump to access the clog. Have a bucket handy since water may come out when you do this. Then, you can just use pliers to pull the clog away. In some cases, the pump itself may be bad. This usually results in leaks and strange noises, and it will need to be replaced to drain the machine.

Step 4: Drain the Interior Manually If Needed

If you have checked all the components of the drain line and still cannot get the machine to drain, you may want to consider draining it manually. This is not an actual fix, but it will keep water from sitting around inside your machine and let you access your clothes.

If you want to drain water from a front-loader washing machine, you can try the drain hose process outlined in step 2. Do not try to open the door since this will let water gush out all over your floor. For a top-loading machine, it is quite simple. To drain the water from your washer manually, start by using a siphon or a bucket to get out most of the water. When it is too low to scoop up any more, use towels to soak up the remaining water.

Step 5: Know When to Call a Professional

One of the final and most important steps of how to drain water from a washing machine is simply knowing when to get some help. Washing machines are fairly complex appliances. The average homeowner can handle the basic drainage project, but some repairs may be hard if you do not have the expertise. There are potential issues like a broken drain pump or a snapped belt that can keep your washing machine from draining properly. Call an expert plumber if it still will not drain or if the machine is making strange noises.

It’s a smart idea to be prepared with a plan from Service Lines Warranties of America . Once you have a plan in place and a washing machine issue arises, you can call our 24/7 repair hotline and schedule an appointment with HomeServe’s network of plumbing technicians. We assist with the cost of repairs so you can protect your finances. Learn more about  how plans from Service Lines Warranties of America can help with the costs of home repairs.