Keep your dishes clean and proper

Having lived in our new house for five months now, my husband and I often go back and forth about things we like at our new place versus things we miss about our old one.

Our new house is in a quieter neighborhood with more space and newer appliances. The newer appliances are a major plus, but they are not without their minuses.

Our dishwasher, for instance, lacks a delay start feature that we found critical in our previous home. (We signed up for Hawaiian Electric Company’s Time of Use program, so running the dishwasher during certain times of the day helps to save on costs.) But this is something we have learned to live with.

We set a reminder and hit the button when it goes off. The real annoyance with the dishwasher comes when both drawers are extended and the appliance slams forward, tipping as if it is on the verge of crashing down.

Luckily, there is an easy fix. If you find yourself rescinding in fear every time your dishwasher tips forward, try these steps to make it better:

Realize that when a dishwasher tips forward, the likely culprit is improper installation. Dishwashers need to be secured to the cabinet or countertop when installed. This is often done through mounting kits that come with the appliance.

Open up your dishwasher and use a flashlight to inspect the top. There should be two mounting brackets that are bent up with screws attaching them to your counter. Sometimes, the fix can be as simple as tightening the screws that are there. If you do not see the screws, then you will need to add them. Check with your manufacturer to ensure you purchase the correct screws for the make and model of your appliance. Use a drill to insert the screws through the bracket and affix it to the counter. If the screw holes are stripped, you will need to repair them first before inserting new screws.

If the brackets are missing, you will need to purchase an under-counter dishwasher mounting kit. Take note of the make and model of your appliance before you purchase the kit. Follow manufacturer instructions for installation. Before you begin, turn off the power to your dishwasher. You can do this either by unplugging the unit or switching off the breaker if you cannot easily access the plug.

Have a comment or question for Joanne? Email thefixisinhawaii@gmail.com.