Run the hot water in the sink near the dishwasher before starting it, so even during the first cycle the water is at or near the design temperature of 120°F. If the water isn't at least 60°F, the soap won't dissolve.

Promptly repair cut or chipped plastic coating on racks to prevent rust. Use steel wool to remove rust and cap the damaged rack tines with slip-on rubber tips. You can get a rack- or tine-repair kit from the manufacturer (around $9).

Load the dishwasher correctly, follow manufacturers instructions. Use only dishwasher detergent in recommended amounts. Do not put any other cleaning compound inside dishwasher (laundry detergent, liquid dish detergent), as it may suds and overflow — you could fill your kitchen with soap suds!!! Store detergent in a dry, cool place, and do not keep extra packages on hand for a long time as it takes up moisture from the air and then loses cleaning ability.

Two times a year

Lift out the strainer and clean it with warm soapy water and a soft-plastic scrubby pad.

Remove the spray arm and clean it by poking a piece of stiff wire through the holes. Then shake the spray arm to make sure nothing is inside, such as seeds from fruit like watermelon. Finally, scrub any mineral deposits off the spray arm with hot distilled white vinegar. (The cap holding the shower arm in place is typically reverse-threaded, which means you should turn it clockwise to remove it. Be careful not to drop the nut or washer into the motor.)

When you run a regular wash cycle, place a small container filled with 1 cup of distilled white vinegar in both the dish rack (lower) and the cup rack (upper); the dishwasher will disperse the vinegar during the wash cycle. This dissolves mineral accumulation and soap residue throughout the dishwasher, especially at the hinges where rust-causing buildup occurs.