Having a dishwasher at home is really helpful, especially if you are a busy person. This appliance will make it easier for you to wash your dishes quickly, thereby giving you the luxury of relaxing without worrying about washing up your utensils after every meal.
Here are 10 effective tips for making your dishwasher run its best.
1. Remove all food scraps off your plate
Your dishwasher is programmed to clean your dishes well. However, large food particles can get stuck and clog the drain filter. For optimal washing results, ensure large food bits are scraped off with a spoon before loading your plates in the dishwasher.
2. Load your dishes the right way
Crockery should always be placed upside down so that water slips off the surface for complete drying. Ensure that plates do not overlap and create blind spots where the jets of water are unable to reach. Last but not least, check that the spray arms can rotate freely without being obstructed by your dishes.
3. Eliminate residue build-up
Over time, grime can accumulate in your dishwasher’s filter as the latter’s job is to prevent large food particles from clogging up the dishwasher’s drain. If you use your dishwasher regularly, remove the filter once a month and wash thoroughly with soapy hot water to get rid of unwanted gunk.
4. Run hot water first
To clean your dishes effectively, your dishwasher needs hot water. Make sure to turn on the hot water tap first and allow hot water to run for a few minutes before switching on your dishwasher. By doing this, the dishwasher will not wait for the cold water to filter out and this will shorten the time it takes to clean your dishes.
5. Use vinegar
After every few months, it is important to give your dishwasher a thorough cleaning using vinegar. To do this, first, make sure your appliance is empty before spraying white vinegar into its base. Close its door and run a shorter cycle.
Vinegar helps to remove food particles and makes your dishwasher smell fresh.
6. Choose the correct programs and options
Just like washing machines, dishwashers have a variety of programs and options suitable for different washing needs. Depending on how soiled your dishes are, you can configure your dishwasher to have a shorter running time, dry dishes better, and provide a perfect clean for infant milk bottles and utensils. Always check the manual for detailed instructions.
7. Freshen up your dishwasher
Dishwasher fresheners lend a clean and fresh aroma to your dishwashers and dishes. Simply clip it on the upper basket and run your dishwasher as usual to remove any funky smells.
8. Check your water heater’s temperature
There’s a joke about where to put the thermometer, but we’ll pass this time around. Make sure your water heater is set between 120 and 125 degrees. Many units are shipped new set to a much lower heat. This is the ideal temperature for washing dishes; don’t be tempted to turn it higher or else it will cause water to flash dry and not roll off your dishes, taking the ends of the dirty bits with it.
9. Treat water from getting into your dishwasher
Hard water is richer in minerals than soft water. This causes it to not only leave white residue on your appliance but results in mineral deposits on the inside of your dishwasher. This can result in rusting of the internal surfaces of your dishwasher. Therefore, it is wise not to run hard water in your appliance.
If this is not possible, you can use dishwasher salt to soften hard water. When the salt indicator lights up, refill the dispenser compartment.
10. Do not overdose on powder or liquid detergent
If you are not using a dishwasher detergent tablet, check the dishwasher manual for the recommended dosage of powder or liquid detergent. This ensures that the right amount is used for different cycles, for the best wash results.