Dishwasher Rule: Use It or Lose It

The first dishwasher was invented in 1892. Tired of servants breaking her dishes, Josephine Cochrane rigged a copper pot with stiff brushes and a motor.

It worked so well that she showed it at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and won first place.

Today, most homes have a dishwasher. Unlike other appliances, the less frequently you use it, the more likely it is to break down.

Water that remains in the bottom of a dishwasher is there for a reason--it keeps seals moist to prevent leaks and protect the motor.

But when it is not used for long periods, the water evaporates, seals dry out and leaks and motor problems can occur.

When a dishwasher will sit unused for more than two or three weeks, pour in half a cup of liquid bleach to prevent bacterial buildup, then add three tablespoons of mineral oil.

It coats the surface of the water and prevents evaporation, even over long periods of time.

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Distributed by Associated Press