The expert shares simple tips on how to improve the appliance and achieve that the dishes shine after each wash.
Among all modern appliances, the dishwasher is one of the most convenient inventions. It effectively copes with the tedious task of scrubbing and washing dozens of dirty dishes daily, freeing you from the work of hand washing. However, even though the dishwasher does most of the work, you still have to play a role.
There are several important steps to take – some after loading the dishwasher each time, and others only occasionally to keep the dishes as clean as possible. Performing these steps can also help extend the life of the device. With the help of an expert, we share a list of things you can do to make your dishwasher wash more efficiently. So, the next time your dishes aren’t clean, remember in this guide how you can improve your dishwasher skills.
1. Clean the dishwasher regularly
Cleaning the dishwasher is a necessary task. But do you do it properly – and if so, do you do it often enough? “Run a monthly empty cycle with the dishwasher cleaner to ensure that the dishwasher stays clean, which in turn will help you wash dishes more efficiently,” advises Morgan Eberhard, Senior Scientist at Cascade, “If you don’t have a commercial cleaner on hand, add distilled white vinegar to a dishwasher-safe cup, place it on the top rack, and run the empty dishwasher.
An often overlooked area of the dishwasher that needs to be cleaned is the filter. “Over time, food particles can accumulate in the filter, which can affect the efficiency of the dishwasher, so make sure you clean it regularly,” says Eberhard. Other places to look out for: the drain channel, nozzles and the bottom of the device. If you notice food particles or general debris, remove them before starting the dishwasher; they become clogged and interfere with the good washing of the dishwasher.
2. Load dishes correctly
With proper loading of dishes, the dishwasher will not only clean better, but also avoid the headache of having to play Tetri every day. Eberhard shares the following key points to remember.
- Lower Rack: “Load the lower rack down or to the center,” she suggests. “Place plates and messy, burnt pots and pans on the bottom shelf in front of the water source.” Since the water source is usually located in the center, it is desired to create a free path and avoid stacking dirty dishes on top of each other.
- Top shelf: Eberhard: “Make sure that the cups, cups and bowls on the top rack are facing down so that they clean better and don’t accumulate water, which can leave unsightly deposits.” If you are not in the mood to wash wine glasses by hand, she says that this advice should apply to them as well.
- Plastic containers: Eberhard says that anything made of plastic should only be placed on the top shelf. “Usually, the temperature on the top shelf is cooler, so the plastic doesn’t melt,” she explains.
- Silver dishes: “You don’t want your spoons to be spoons, so place the dishes carefully so they don’t form nests and distribute them evenly in the cutlery compartments,” says Eberhard. She also recommends loading silver tools downwards, especially if they have sharp ends.
Finally, even if you are used to loading it properly, do not overfill the dishwasher. This interferes with the proper circulation of water and detergent.
3. Use quality dishwashing detergent (and use a dispenser)
The dishwashing detergent you use should be of high quality and suitable for your appliance, as well as your water type (more on this later). While it’s not necessary, using rinse aid can help reduce water stains on dishes. Eberhard emphasizes the importance of using a detergent dispenser for this. She explains that most dishwasher models use pre-wash at the beginning of the cycle, before the washing phase. “If you throw a detergent capsule into the bottom of the machine or a cutlery basket, it will dissolve during this part of the cycle and will be washed out in the first ten to twenty minutes.” It is best to clean using a dispenser so that it is released at the right time of the cycle.
4. Choose the right dishwasher setting
Understand; The number of dishwasher settings can be just as overwhelming as washing machines and dryers. However, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with them, as using the wrong setting can harm your dishes. Not anymoreAs for the fact that it interferes with the good washing of dishes. Once you’ve learned which setting to use for which dishes, consider turning on the heat drying option, which can increase cleanliness even more. Please note that this feature should not be used for plastic containers, wooden tools or cutting boards, fine porcelain, and other fragile items (try using the air drying setting instead!).
5. Check the water temperature and softness level
Different dishwasher cycles use different water temperature levels, but they should all be hot, with a standard minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Run the kitchen sink before starting the dishwasher until the water is hot, this can help ensure that the initial filling of water is warm enough.
Depending on where you live, your home will have either soft or hard water. Make sure you use dishwashing detergent designed for the one you have. For those who are unlucky that the water is hard, the installation of a water softener can help prevent hard water stains on dishes. Alternatively, if your appliance has a dishwasher salt compartment, try using it for the same purpose.
6. Maintain the condition of the dishwasher
“Like any other machine or appliance, the dishwasher needs regular maintenance to keep it running in the best condition,” says Eberhard. Address any issues immediately and check the door seals from time to time, as they are often the cause of leaks, which in turn can reduce the water pressure during the cycle. Ensuring that your dishwasher is working well is crucial to how clean your dishes will be after each charge.
Will pre-rinsing the dishes help?
An eternal debate about the dishwasher: rinse or not to rinse? Although, yes, you should always rinse off large food particles for a moment before putting the plate in the dishwasher (as they can easily clog the filter), it is usually not necessary to rinse the dishes. “You don’t have to wash them before putting the dishes in the dishwasher,” says Eberhard. She explains that if the dishwasher detergent contains enzymes, it will “attach, break down and wash the food, so skip swimming in the sink.”
