Your dishwasher is incredibly helpful for saving time and conserving energy. However, if you’re not handling it correctly, your dishes may not come out as clean as possible, and you risk more frequent breakdowns of your machine. Ahead, you’ll find some fantastic tips to get the most out of your dishwasher.
Don’t Pack It In
It’s natural to want to clean every dirty dish in your sink right away. Unfortunately, when you cram your dishwasher head-to-toe with dishware, the appliance won’t run as efficiently. Don’t be afraid to run more than one load until you’ve gotten everything clean, and handwash any items that aren’t that filthy.
Skip the Prerinse
You should avoid rinsing and soaking your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. These actions merely waste your water and reduce the effectiveness of your detergent. Instead, scrape any food or muck into the garbage before putting the dish into the machine.
Get It Hot
Once you’ve loaded the dishwasher, you should run your tap water until it’s hot to the touch. Circulating hot water through your sink lowers the pressure on your water heater, helping you save money on energy. Hot water can kill any bacteria lingering on dishes and utensils.
Clear Out the Traps
There’s a tiny tray at the bottom of your dishwasher that collects all the leftovers that aren’t rinsed away. While it may be a little gross, you need to clean out this tray regularly to ensure your appliance runs well.
Know Where Your Sprayer Is
Look toward the lower half of your dishwasher and locate the sprayer arm. You should angle the grimiest dishes, so they face the sprayer directly to avoid handwashing or running another load afterward. Avoid placing more oversized items in front of this spot; otherwise, they could block other dishes.
Sometimes Breakdowns Are Unavoidable
No matter how well you treat your appliances, they’ll all break down eventually. One of the most prominent signs you need to replace your dishwasher is that it’s over ten years old. Older machines contain less efficient parts, resulting in higher utility bills, even if you haven’t noticed substantial wear and tear.
Using these tips to get the most out of your dishwasher ensures your dishware comes out spotless every time. That way, you can rest assured that you and your family are free from pathogens clinging to plates and utensils while also extending the life of your machine.
