Items That Could Clog or Damage Your Dishwasher

 Your dishwasher is one of the most hardworking appliances in your home, making cleanup after meals quick and convenient. However, not everything belongs in your dishwasher. Some items can cause serious clogs, damage internal components, or even reduce the efficiency of your appliance. To help you avoid costly repairs, here are  items that could clog or damage your dishwasher.

1. Grease and Oils

While it might seem harmless to rinse greasy plates and load them directly into the dishwasher, grease and oils can solidify during the wash cycle. Over time, this buildup can clog the drain, filter, and spray arms, leading to poor cleaning performance and potential water backups.

Tip: Wipe off excess grease with a paper towel before loading dishes.

2. Large Food Particles

Although dishwashers can handle some food residue, large chunks of food can get stuck in the filter or drain hose, causing clogs. This not only affects drainage but can also lead to foul odors.

Tip: Scrape off leftover food into the trash or compost before placing dishes in the dishwasher.

3. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are notorious for causing dishwasher clogs. They tend to form a sludgy, sticky residue that can block filters and drains quickly.

Tip: Dispose of coffee grounds in the trash or compost bin, not in your dishwasher.

4. Bones and Shells

Items like chicken bones, seafood shells, and fruit pits are too hard for your dishwasher to handle. They can damage the pump, get lodged in the drain, or even break the spray arms.

Tip: Always remove bones and shells before rinsing dishes.

5. Paper Labels

Glass jars or containers with paper labels might seem dishwasher-safe, but the labels can peel off during the cycle, clogging the filter or spray arms. The adhesive can also leave a sticky residue that’s hard to remove.

Tip: Remove all paper labels before placing jars in the dishwasher.

6. Stringy Vegetables and Fibrous Foods

Celery strings, corn husks, and onion skins can easily wrap around the dishwasher’s spray arms or clog the filter, restricting water flow and reducing cleaning efficiency.

Tip: Remove all fibrous food residues before loading your dishes.

7. Small Kitchen Utensils

Items like toothpicks, bottle caps, jar lids, and small utensils can slip through the rack and damage the pump or clog the drain.

Tip: Secure small items in the utensil basket or wash them by hand to prevent them from getting loose during the cycle.

8. Non-Dishwasher-Safe Metals

Aluminum, cast iron, and copper items can corrode, rust, or discolor in the dishwasher. Rust particles can clog filters and damage internal components.

Tip: Wash these metal items by hand to preserve both the item and your dishwasher.

9. Dishwasher Detergent Overload

Using too much detergent doesn’t make your dishes cleaner—in fact, it can leave behind a soapy residue that clogs filters and spray arms. Additionally, using regular dish soap instead of dishwasher detergent can create excessive suds, leading to leaks and malfunctions.

Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s detergent recommendations for best results.

Keep Your Dishwasher Running Smoothly! 

Avoiding these common mistakes can help you prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your dishwasher. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filter and running a vinegar rinse, also helps improve performance.

If you’re experiencing persistent dishwasher clogs or drainage issues, it might be time to call a professional. For expert plumbing solutions, contact Chris West Plumbing, Inc.—your trusted choice for plumbing in Jonesboro, AR. Our experienced plumbers in Jonesboro, AR are here to help with all your plumbing needs, from dishwasher repairs to complete system maintenance.