A British Gas engineer has shared a simple solution for homeowners who frequently find bits of food left on their dishes after a dishwasher cycle. According to the expert, the issue often stems from blocked spray arms, a problem that can be easily resolved without running another wash.
Common Cause of Leftover Food
In a Facebook post, British Gas explained that blockages in the spray arms are a typical culprit. The post read: "Tired of your dishwasher leaving bits of food behind? Before you run another cycle, check your spray arms for blockages!" A video accompanying the post showed an engineer demonstrating the fix, advising customers not to waste electricity on a second cycle.
Step-by-Step Fix
The engineer detailed the process: "If your dishwasher is leaving food on the plates, check this before you run it again. Don't waste electricity running a second cycle. The problem is usually your spray arms. Hard water scale and tiny bits of food block the water jets, meaning your dishes don't get a proper wash. You can actually just pop these arms right off. Take a pin or a toothpick and poke it through the blocked holes to clean them out. Give the arm a flush under the tap and clip it back in. You get a perfect clean first time, saving energy and water."
Additional Cleaning Tips
British Gas also highlighted other kitchen appliances that benefit from regular maintenance. Their spring-cleaning list includes:
- Fridge and freezer: Remove old food, clean shelves, and defrost the freezer.
- Oven and microwave: Clean out food debris and wipe down surfaces.
- Dishwasher: Clean the filter and wipe down door seals.
- Washing machine: Run an empty cycle with white vinegar to remove mould.
Many supermarkets sell dishwasher cleaner for regular use. For example, Tesco offers Tesco Dishwasher Cleaner at £2.70. The product description states: "Eliminates grease and limescale. Helps prevent drain blockages. Use once a month for a healthier machine."
Customer Reviews
One reviewer praised the cleaner: "This product left my dishwasher sparkling clean and a lovely fresh smell." Another added: "Keeps your dishes sparkling clean! Great quality; use it monthly to keep the machine fresh. Would highly recommend." A third fan wrote: "Cleaned dishwasher perfectly, smelled clean afterwards. Good price compared to market leader. Value for money." However, not all feedback was positive. A different review claimed: "Left a terrible smell in machine which passed on to all utensils and food."
