The dishwasher

Earlier this year, New Year's Day specifically, I received a call from a guest in one of our cabins. She was letting me know they decided to stay and watch football instead of skiing that day. Once they finished the brunch dishes, they loaded the dishwasher and got comfy on the sofas. Awhile later they smelled something funny and looked in the kitchen and saw smoke coming from the dishwasher. Once they opened the door there were flames on the plastic base which holds the spinning sprayer and it was a mess. What happened is a part holding the top rack cracked and broke and happened to fall directly on the heating element, which melted the part and started the fire. She felt terrible about the situation and wanted to notify us as soon as possible.

I was glad she called so quickly so I could call the owner and notify them. (Typically we would get the service people notified as well, but owner is a contractor and can manage these issues.) I said I would check the damage when I was up there following check out. I took pictures and as requested from the owner, brought back the racks and serial number information to order any needed new parts. Once I delivered the racks to their home, he realized the damage was quite extensive and would need a replacement dishwasher.

I share this story because the guest did everything right in letting us know quickly and we had the opportunity to correct the situation. I have also counseled people that it may not be the best idea to leave the dishwasher running if you are leaving home (or a cabin)! Please follow the instructions of the rental manager and let us know as quickly as possible.