Elite Upkeep - May 2025 Pro-Active Approach to Home Care - Dishwasher Care -

Dishwashers are the unsung heroes in a short-term rental, quietly handling sandy glasses, greasy plates, and tropical fruit-stained bowls. But Curaçao’s hot, humid climate and mineral-rich water can quickly wear them down. Left unchecked, dishwashers lose cleaning power, build up limescale and will start to smell like last week’s catch at the floating market!

Whether it’s a family of six rinsing off saltwater and sunscreen or a couple who’s enjoying every meal at home, a properly maintained dishwasher means fewer repairs, cleaner dishes, and happier guests.

Dishwasher Do’s

• Clean the Filter Monthly - Nearly every dishwasher has a removable filter at the bottom that catches food particles. In Curaçao’s heat, those scraps decompose quickly, leading to foul odors and clogged drains. Remove the filter, rinse it under hot water, and scrub it with a brush and mild soap.

• Wipe the Door Gasket - Like washing machines, dishwashers have a rubber seal that traps moisture and can develop mold and mildew. Wipe it down regularly with a vinegar-water solution to prevent smells and seal deterioration.

• Run a Vinegar Rinse - Every 4–6 weeks, run the dishwasher empty on the hottest cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack. This will dissolve mineral deposits left behind from Curaçao’s hard water and freshens the interior.

• Use Rinse Aid - High humidity + hard water = cloudy glasses. Rinse aid combats mineral spots and helps dishes dry more effectively. Keep it topped up.

• Inspect the Spray Arms - Tiny food bits can clog spray holes, reducing cleaning efficiency. Remove the spray arms every few months, poke out debris with a toothpick, and rinse thoroughly.

  
  

Bonus Tips for Hosts

• Don’t always assume that guests know how to load the dishwasher.  Posting a quick visual guide or tip card inside the cabinet may prove more useful than you think.  (e.g., no big pans blocking spray arms).

• Check for Leaks Under the Sink. Salt air + water exposure can corrode hoses. Look for drips or pooling water, an early warning sign.

• Leave the Door Open After Use. This helps dry the interior and prevents mold growth, especially after a heavy cleaning cycle.

There’s little question that in Curaçao’s climate, dishwashers benefit from extra TLC in order to keep up with the demands of paradise. With a little routine care, you’ll avoid messages like, “The dishwasher smells funny and didn’t clean the plates…”  Of course, if you’d rather not dive into filters and spray arms yourself, we’ve got you covered.