6 Best Tips on How to Use Your Dishwasher

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1. Make sure to only pre-rinse dishes as needed
2. Never overload your dishwasher
Although you should utilize the interior space within your dishwasher accordingly, the racks should never be overflowing with dirty dishes. Loading dishwashers, especially small dishwashers, with too many dishes will interfere with the circulation of the water and the detergent. Overloading even the best dishwashers can result in:
- Not cleaning every dish in the dishwasher. Overcrowded loads consist of some clean dishes and some that seem barely touched at all.
- Longer cycle times. The overall efficiency of the dishwasher’s operation is affected by overcrowding, making most machines work harder and use up more water and energy.
- Increased risk of damaged dishes. More fragile dishes, such as glasses and smaller plates, can easily break if they are shoved improperly into a dishwasher, which not only ruins that specific dish, but also potentially exposes everything else in the dishwasher to broken glass.
- Dishes not properly drying off. Too many dishes packed into the dishwasher prevents the lower-stacked dishes from adequately drying off since they are not fully exposed to the heating and drying elements of the cycle.
3. Place your dishes in the dishwasher properly
4. Choose the correct wash cycle for each use
Not all loads of dirty dishes need to be washed the same way. Instead, you should select the appropriate washing cycle depending on what dishes you are washing, how much they are soiled and how much you’d like them cleaned. Specific cleaning cycles vary depending on the model and brand, but most top control dishwashers and front control dishwashers both boast the same common cleaning cycles, which are:
- Normal. Offering a good balance between performance and efficiency, the normal or auto cycle is used for most loads.
- Quick or express wash. This energy saving cycle minimizes water usage for lightly soiled dishes, which also decreases the wash time.
- Rinse only. Using no detergent and less water than usual, the rinse only setting is great for clean dishes that need an extra rinse or dirty dishes that you’d like to clean off a little before the actual wash cycle.
- Heavy-duty. Perfect for pots and pans and other dishes that are difficult to clean, the heavy-duty cycle uses higher water temperatures, additional detergent sprays and extended wash times to thoroughly clean the most soiled dishes.
- Delicates. Although washing them by hand never hurts, fragile dishes, such as wine glasses or saucer cups, can be washed with a delicate or specialty setting. This cycle adjusts the water pressure and temperature accordingly to cater to the more delicate dishes.
5. Check your water temperature
6. Clean and keep up with regular maintenance
Similar to most other appliances, your dishwasher should be cleaned on a regular basis while you also take care of any necessary maintenance or repairs. If you are wondering how to clean a dishwasher, the process is pretty simple. Clearing out loose food debris, cleaning the filters and wiping down and rinsing the interior should all be included in your cleaning process. Regularly cleaning your dishwasher is beneficial because it:
- Helps maintain performance and efficiency
- Prevents unpleasant odors
- Promotes hygiene and sanitation
- Extends the lifespan of the dishwasher
Essential upkeep for your appliances helps regulate maintenance and keeps your dishwasher running smoothly. In addition to making sure your unit is routinely cleaned, you should also:
- Inspect the spray arms to ensure there are no blockages
- Examine the water valves for any signs of damage or leaks
- Check to make sure the gaskets are sealed
- If applicable, run a maintenance cycle that deep scrubs buildup and other residue
If you clean and stay on top of your dishwasher maintenance and it still doesn’t seem to be working at full capacity, repair services are available.