Tips to Optimize the Use of My Dishwasher
After years of doing the dishes by hand, the revolution is finally coming to your home: a dishwasher! Often, during the first few weeks, enthusiasm leads us to run it very regularly for the pleasure of always having clean dishes. But over time, we come to understand that some methods help us use a dishwasher more efficiently than others.
The performance of this household appliance depends, of course, on your model. But it can also vary greatly depending on how you use it. To get the most out of your dishwasher, here are some tips to apply.
Remove Leftovers From Plates
You may feel tempted to let the dishwasher take care of everything, including food remains stuck to plates. While the appliance may remove them, excess food can affect how clean your dishes come out after the cycle. Food scraps also collect at the bottom of the dishwasher and can rot there if you don't remove them. Scrape leftovers off heavily soiled plates before putting them in the dishwasher—a step that takes a few seconds and can save you maintenance time afterward.
Position Cutlery Correctly
Put knives point down in the dishwasher's cutlery basket to avoid hurting yourself when taking them out after the cycle. It is also more hygienic to hold clean cutlery by the handles rather than the ends that touch food.
Also remember to separate cutlery made from different materials. Keep steel utensils and silver utensils in separate sections of the basket.
Check the Operation of the Spray Arms
Before you start your dishwasher, check that its spray arms can spin properly. There are usually two arms, one at the top and one at the bottom inside the appliance. When you start the program, the arms rotate and spray water on the dirty dishes. If an overhanging utensil blocks an arm, it can limit cleaning effectiveness and may damage your machine.
Manually turn each arm to check that it can move freely before closing your dishwasher.
Use the Right Program
Your dishwasher likely has at least half a dozen different programs. Perhaps you feel tempted to choose one and use it every time for simplicity. However, this could be a mistake. If you use a quick program on heavily soiled dishes, you may get a disappointing result that requires a second cleaning cycle.
Choose a program that suits the load rather than judging it by duration alone. A longer eco cycle may use less water and electricity than a shorter program. Matching the program to the dishes helps you balance cleanliness with efficient use of your appliance. After a few weeks, you will undoubtedly know the programs by heart!
When Emptying the Dishwasher
Emptying a dishwasher is quite an art, especially if you want to avoid wiping your clean dishes more than necessary! After the cycle finishes, let the dishes cool and follow your manufacturer's guidance on opening the door to release steam. Start unloading the bottom rack. This prevents water from the top rack from dripping onto the dishes below.
You can lift out the cutlery basket and empty it near your cutlery drawer. It may seem obvious, but many dishwasher owners overlook this useful habit! Once you finish unloading the bottom rack, move on to the top one.
Add Some (Water Softener) Salt
If your dishwasher has a built-in water softener, an empty machine gives you easy access to the salt reservoir. This makes it a convenient time to check the salt level. You may feel tempted not to use any, but hard water can leave traces of limescale on your freshly washed dishes. If your tap water is hard, follow your manufacturer's instructions for using dishwasher salt.
Use regeneration salt intended for dishwashers. If you check its composition, sodium chloride has the chemical formula NaCl. Check the salt indicator regularly and refill the compartment according to your manufacturer's instructions.
Dishwasher Maintenance: Do a Thorough Cleaning Regularly
Your dishwasher cleans your dishes. But who cleans your dishwasher? You do! Thoroughly clean the appliance at least once a month, or according to your manufacturer's instructions. Empty and clean the filter at the bottom of the tub, clean and dry the door seals, and make sure nothing clogs the holes in the spray arms.
This manual maintenance also allows you to check that water drains properly and that your dishwasher has no obvious problems. Do not wait until your dishes come out dirty to check.
Run a Cleaning Cycle When the Dishwasher Is Empty
You can avoid some of the work of cleaning the dishwasher tub by hand by running an empty cleaning cycle. Use a dishwasher cleaner and the cycle your manufacturer recommends. Only use white vinegar if your manufacturer's instructions permit it.
At the end of the cycle, follow the manufacturer's drying instructions and remove any loose residue with a sponge.
With these tips, you can enjoy consistently clean dishes and help keep your dishwasher in good condition for longer. It is therefore worth applying them without further delay.
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