You nailed it with the float switch—people always forget about that little guy. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve found a rogue piece of pasta wedged in there, just enough to mess up the whole cycle. Funny how something so small can cause such a headache.
I hear you on the vinegar debate. It’s kind of a mixed bag. Some folks swear by it, but I’ve seen it eat away at seals and hoses over time, especially if you’re running hot cycles. Baking soda’s a safer bet for sure, and it doesn’t leave that lingering “salad dressing” smell.
One thing I’d add: if you’re pulling out the dishwasher anyway, check the air gap (if you have one). Sometimes those get clogged with gunk too, and it’ll back up water into the tub. Quick rinse under the tap usually sorts it out.
And yeah, the pump is a whole different beast. If you get to that point, just be ready for whatever mystery sludge is lurking in there... not for the faint of heart.
Float switch is always my first check too. I’ve seen everything from toothpicks to bits of plastic jammed in there—never fails to surprise me. On vinegar, I’m with you. I’ve had tenants overdo it and end up with leaky seals down the line. If you’re digging into the pump, gloves are a must... learned that the hard way after pulling out what looked like a science experiment once. Always unplug before you get in there—safety first.
I know the float switch is a common culprit, but I’ve actually run into a few cases where it wasn’t the issue at all—even after finding some junk in there. Sometimes it’s just a gummed-up spray arm that’s to blame, or a clogged inlet screen that’s easy to overlook. I’ve started checking those before I get too deep into disassembly.
On the vinegar front, I get the concern about seals, but I think it really depends on how much and how often it’s used. A cup or two every few months seems pretty safe in my experience, but I never let it sit—just run a hot cycle and be done with it.
That’s fair, but moderation seems key.“I’ve had tenants overdo it and end up with leaky seals down the line.”
And yeah, gloves are non-negotiable for me now. Pulled out a wad of wet dog hair once (don’t even own a dog), and that was enough to make me rethink my whole approach...
- I’m with you on the gloves—learned that lesson after fishing out a mystery blob that smelled like wet socks.
- I’ve also started checking the door gasket for buildup or tears. Missed that once and it was leaking for weeks.
- Curious if anyone’s tried those dishwasher cleaning tabs instead of vinegar? I’m a little wary of what’s actually in them, but they seem less harsh on seals...
Curious if anyone’s tried those dishwasher cleaning tabs instead of vinegar? I’m a little wary of what’s actually in them, but they seem less harsh on seals...
I’ve used both, and honestly, I lean toward the tabs for regular maintenance. Had a client once who used vinegar every month—ended up with a brittle gasket after a year. The tabs seem gentler, but I always check the ingredient list for anything too caustic. If you go that route, just make sure to run an empty cycle and double-check for residue. Learned that the hard way when a tab didn’t dissolve fully and left a chalky mess inside.