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You should deep-clean your dishwasher every month for optimal performance. A simple scrub down using a homemade vinegar liquid solution is all you need, but don’t use cleaners that aren’t for dishwashers. 

If your dishwasher needs repair, expect to spend between $50 and $100 or $100 to $200 per hour to hire a dishwasher repair technician to service your machine.

Treat hard water with water treatment tablets to keep your dishes from getting spotty in between washes. Drop one of these into your dishwasher monthly and run a basic cycle with the machine empty.

No, you do not need a garbage disposal to have a dishwasher. A dishwasher will work without one, and while it's rare to see a home with a dishwasher that doesn't have a disposal, it is possible. The two appliances pair well and are often installed together because a disposal simplifies meal cleanup.

However, your dishwasher should not be used as a replacement for a garbage disposal. Subjecting it to continuous food leftovers can lead to major clogs. If you choose not to install a garbage disposal, you should thoroughly rinse your plates or scrape excess food into the trash or a compost pile before loading them into the dishwasher to prevent plumbing issues.

Yes, even a small dishwasher leak is a big deal. While it might seem minor, continuous unnoticed drips can lead to significant water damage to your kitchen floor, subfloor, and cabinetry. This damp environment is also a perfect breeding ground for mold, which can cause health issues and expensive mold remediation. Remember that water and electricity don't mix—having even a small leak poses a potential electrical hazard. Addressing any leak as soon as possible protects your home and avoids costly future repairs.

Some signs that your dishwasher is going out include:

• The door no longer latches 

• Dishes are still dirty after a cycle 

• Dishes are cold after a cycle 

• Rust inside or outside the unit 

• Cracks inside the dishwasher tub

• Water collecting at the bottom or outside the unit

If your dishwasher is not energy-efficient or is older than 10 years, you should also consider replacing it. Repairing an older model may be more expensive than replacing it with something newer and more energy- or water-efficient.