How to Easily Clean and Maintain Your Whirlpool Dishwasher Model WDT730PAHZ

Your dishwasher cleans your dirtiest dishes with ease, and in return requires minimal cleaning and maintenance. However, if you don’t take the time to properly care for your appliance, bits of food, grease, water minerals, and undissolved detergent will start to affect your dishwasher’s ability to clean your dishes and cookware. Whether you just bought your whirlpool dishwasher model WDT730PAHZ or you’ve had the appliance for a few years and are looking for tips on properly maintaining it, the information provided below will help ensure your dishwasher is cleaning at its most optimal level.

Dishwasher Loading Instructions

Believe it or not, the way you load the dishes in your appliance can affect how well your dishwasher cleans them. The biggest concern is blocking the water flow from the dishwasher spray arms. If water can’t reach all your dishes, then how will they get cleaned? To help you out, we’ve provided loading instructions below.

The Top Dish Rack

1. Glasses and cups should always be placed upside down on the top dishwasher rack in-between the tines. If you place your glasses on top of the tines, they can end-up leaving marks on them, or even worse, the glasses can come out cracked due to them rattling around and bumping into other items on the top rack. Stacking glasses on the bottom rack can block the spray arms.
2. Bowls, such as soup bowls or cereal bowls also belong on the top rack. Each bowl should be placed at an angle in-between the tines to ensure water does not collect inside them. Finally, make sure there’s space between the bowls; otherwise, the water from the spray arms may have a difficult time reaching the entire bowl.
3. Large utensils that do not fit in your dishwasher utensil basket can also be placed on the top rack.

The Bottom Dish Rack

1. Place your plates in-between the tines on the lower rack. The plates should all be facing the center of the dishwasher to ensure they get the best possible cleaning.
2. Pots and casserole dishes belong on the sides or near the back of the rack. Placing them upfront can potentially block the dishwasher soap dispenser. Never lay a pot, casserole dish, or large bowl face down on the rack. This will block the water flowing out of the bottom spray arm. Large items should be placed on their sides, and like plates, they should face the center of the dishwasher.
3. Today, utensil baskets often come with a cover that spaces out your silverware for you, which makes loading your dishwasher that much quicker. However, if for some reason your basket does not have a cover, it’s important to place your silverware in alternating directions. This tiny task prevents your utensils from overlapping, meaning water and soap will have no problem reaching them. While you can place spoons and forks up or down, the sharp end of your knives should always face down in the basket to prevent you from getting cut as you unload your utensils.

How to Clean Your Whirlpool Dishwasher

• The Filtration System. According to the owner’s manual, your Whirlpool dishwasher model WDT730PAHZ is equipped with a top and a bottom filtration system. This system increases your appliance’s energy and water efficiency and cuts back on its noise level. The owner’s manual also emphasizes the importance of cleaning the dishwasher filters. If you don’t clean the filters, your dishes may start coming out of your dishwasher spotty and grime-covered. To properly clean the filters remove them from the dishwasher and carefully rinse them under warm water. To get rid of any hard-to-remove debris, use a soft brush and gently scrub the filters until they are no longer soiled.
• The Tub. From soap residue to leftover food particles, the inside of your dishwasher can turn into quite the mess when not cleaned regularly. Fortunately, a cup of vinegar and some baking soda is all it takes to turn a soiled dishwasher tub into a spotless tub. Fill a glass with white distilled vinegar and place it in the center of the dishwasher’s top rack. Next, with no other dishes in your appliance, run the hottest dishwasher cycle. Once the cycle is over, remove the glass and sprinkle baking soda on the floor of your dishwasher, then run a short cycle. Afterward, use a clean rag to wipe down your dishwasher’s interior.
• The Spray Arms. Your Whirlpool dishwasher has an upper and lower spray arm. The upper spray arm is attached to the bottom of the top rack and the lower spray arm is located on the floor of your dishwasher, underneath the bottom dish rack. After multiple uses, the spray arms can become clogged with bits of food and soap residue. To clean the arms, take them out of your dishwasher and use a metal pick or a long piece of wire to remove the food and soap residue blocking the spray armholes. Once you’ve cleared away the obstructions, run a stream of water through the arms to ensure water can freely flow through the spray arm’s holes. If the spray armholes are still clogged, soak them in a mixture of water and vinegar to dissolve the remaining obstructions.
• The Door Seal. Food particles and mold are known for hiding on the rubber seal that runs around your dishwasher door. Not cleaning the grit and grime off the seal can cause leaks around the door and lead to the rubber deteriorating. To clean the seal, also known as a door gasket, simply mix warm water with a small amount of white vinegar, and then, using a clean rag, wipe down the seal with the water, vinegar solution. If you run into an area that requires a little more elbow grease, use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the spot. While you are cleaning the door gasket, take a few extra seconds to thoroughly inspect the part for small tears in the rubber. If you end up finding any, you’ll need to purchase and install a new rubber seal.

Cleaning and maintaining your dishwasher on a regular basis will ensure your dishes come out of your appliance properly sanitized and looking squeaky-clean. If you have questions about maintaining your dishwasher or you’re worried your appliance is malfunctioning, please contact us today and we’ll be happy to help you.