Preserving Dishwasher

[whirlcool]

We have some friends that have a second home in Florida. They only visit the place three times a year, for about 8 days each time. They have noted that their old GE DW usually has problems when they visit. Usually the DW won't fill with water when turned on and cycle is selected. They have called in a repairman and he usually just grabs a bucked of hot water, pours it in the dishwasher bottom. Waits 5 minutes and the machine will work properly again for the rest of their visit.

They recently bought a new Bosch DW and asked me what can they do to prevent this situation from developing in the Bosch? It seems that it sits up to 5 months at a time between uses.

Sounds to me like a sticky water fill solenoid. Anyway they have gotten rid of that dishwasher and have the Bosch now, and they don't want to have the same problem over again. [this post was last edited: 9/24/2012-12:24]

 

[logixx]

I'd be interested in that, too!

I put in a new Bosch and removed the old POS dishwasher and put it into storage (dry basement room). It belongs to my landlord. How would I take care of it? Pour in some water every now and then to keep the seals moist? This thing is made in China, so... I don't want to have to replace it because it dried out (or whatever) during non-use.

FWIW, my Bosch countertop dishwasher stood unused for years. Never a problem starting it. However, we put it into storage in 2000 and used it in 2006 again - when our full-sized dishwasher quit. It worked flawlessly except for some seal leaking water so the unit flooded. Not right away... slowly. After some uses, and some mopping, all was back to normal again. Fast-forward to 2011, after another five years in storage, the same thing happened again. Unfortunately, this time in a wooden-floor kitchen. *oops* I realized there was something wrong when I came home at 6 AM and found water coming out from behind the cabinets. Mopped everything up and wanted to lift the DW off the counter, not realizing it had completely filled with water! Yep, another gallon gushing all over the floor. We couldn't help but laugh.

Alex

 

[launderess]

Dishwashers Have Seals

If they allowed to dry out all manner and sort of problems can and often do happen.

Don't know if the practice is still recommended for modern washing machines and or dishwashers but years ago owner's manual's advised if the machine was to be stored for long periods anti-freeze was added to the unit. When brought out of storage the stuff was drained by running a "pump" cycle then put through a complete wash and Iwith detergent) and several rinses to clean out any AF residue.

 

[whirlcool]

Well, the house is in Fort Lauderdale and it is unoccupied between visits. I don't think it would freeze due to temps in the winter.

I think what is happening is that the parts were drying out between uses. If they put in a couple of gallons of plain water in the bottom before they left, wouldn't the water get rancid and smelly before the next visit 4 or 5 months down the road?

 

[magic_clean]

Recreational

Vehicle potable water system anti-freeze is generally recommended to keeps seals moist and intact.

 

[combo52]

Not Using Your DW and Washer for Long Periods of Time

I would do nothing as long as there is no danger of freezing. The old tale about seals drying out is just that an old fairy tale when it comes to modern appliances. You can easily let them sit for a year or more and you will have no problems when you use them again.