Dishwasher hacks for cleaner dishes
A dishwasher is one of those appliances that does not seem like a necessity… until you get one and ask yourself, “how did I ever live without this?” Dishwashers provide a level of convenience that is hard to match. And dishwashers are efficient and eco-friendly; many dishwashing appliances today use less water than traditional hand washing methods.
Despite the benefits, dishwashers have their challenges. For example, nothing is less desirable than pulling out a load of “clean” dishes only to discover remnants of past meals still present. In addition, clogged filters and overheating can be nuisances to your daily cleaning regimen.
If you have a dishwasher or you are considering purchasing one, read on to discover our top dishwasher hacks for cleaner dishes.
Choose the right detergent
In today’s detergent market, dishwasher pods filled with liquid detergent are all the rage. However, experts in the dishwashing machine industry have historically pointed to powder detergents and tabs as being superior cleaning agents compared to liquid detergent and pods. If you are using liquid detergent and seeing suboptimal results, consider switching to powders or tabs.
Be mindful of dish placement
It can be easy to get into a habit of mindlessly placing dishes and silverware in the dishwasher and assuming they will all get equal cleaning treatment. However, making a few key adjustments tends to yield enhanced results. For example, make sure to mix up your silverware; don’t place all spoons or forks together. This helps prevent silverware from becoming entangled, which can keep detergent from reaching certain areas. Stagger plates and bowls in a similar manner so that detergent can reach every crevice of the washing basin.
Clean your dishwasher regularly
In order for your dishwasher to clean effectively, the appliance itself needs to be clean. Run an occasional rinse cycle with only a bowl of vinegar on the top rack to leave the interior sparkling clean. Also, make a habit of regularly inspecting the drain filter for evidence of food scraps or gunk, and refrain from loading dishes with inordinately large pieces of food on them to prevent clogging.
Limit the heated dry function
Heated drying is a common feature on many modern dishwashers that users appreciate. However, the heating element on many appliances can radiate out of the unit, impacting the caulk and adhesive compounds that help secure the dishwasher to your countertop and/or wall. For these reasons, it may be a good idea to limit your use of this function, and instead simply open the dishwasher, pull out the racks, and allow your dishes to air dry after the cleaning cycle has completed. This action not only preserves the integrity of your surfaces, but also lowers the energy costs needed to run the heating function.
Don’t overload
Cramming every dish into a single load can be tempting, especially after prepping a large meal for company or cleaning up after the holidays. However, this can inhibit the appliance from performing at maximum capacity and can actually end up costing you more time. Exercise restraint in loading your dishwasher, opting instead for running an additional load or hand washing extras.
Final thoughts
Not everything should be washed in a dishwasher. For example, teflon pans or cast iron cooking utensils should be washed by hand to preserve their signature cooking features. Even detergent advertised as “gentle” or “natural” can be harsh and abrasive compared to hand washing. When in doubt about whether or not to load something in the dishwasher, consider if you would be upset if that item was damaged and if so, wash that item by hand instead.
At Diamond Appliance, we offer expert Amana dishwasher repair, Frigidaire dishwasher repair, Estate dishwasher repair and more to people in the St. Louis and Kansas City regions. If your dishwasher is under warranty, call the manufacturer to schedule your repair with Diamond. If not, call Diamond today.
