Tip from Susan:
After having to spend $100 on a new timer for a 4 year old dishwasher, I was told by the repairman that you should never turn the knob on your dishwasher when the door is shut. That sends electricity through the timer each time you turn the knob, and wears it out. So [...]

You might be thinking that your dishwasher has to be clean because it is always running. Not true. The bits of food and drink splash everywhere as you are loading the dishes.
First- take a sponge or old toothbrush and scrub the sides with warm soapy water. Really clean the rubber rim around the inside because [...]