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0871 984 4416It might sound simple, but there’s definitely a right way and a wrong way to use your dishwasher. Let’s explore the best way to use it, from the perfect loading technique to maximise efficiency, to cleaning and maintenance to ensure your appliance stays in tip-top condition for as long as possible. Here’s what you should do to get the most out of this hardworking kitchen essential.
First things first, let’s get your dishwasher loaded. Start with the larger items first, such as pots and pans, large bowls and baking dishes. They go on the bottom rack, facing down and inwards. Cups, glasses and utensils go on the top rack, again face down, to allow the water jets to clean every surface thoroughly. Plastics also go on the top, away from the strongest heat at the base, to prevent them melting or warping.
Tip: always check items are dishwasher-safe before you wash them. If you’re not sure, look for the dishwasher-safe symbol, which is usually a box with a plate and a glass.
Next, stack your cutlery. Your dishwasher may have either a cutlery basket or tray, depending on the make and model. If you have a basket, stack cutlery handles down for the best cleaning results. Sharp objects go handle up, for safety.
Tip: srape any remaining food off your dishes before you stack them — there’s no need to rinse. Your dishwasher is designed to wash most efficiently without rinsing, which only wastes water and energy.
Loading your dishwasher correctly is something of an art form. It’s worth remembering that a perfectly stacked dishwasher is an energy-efficient dishwasher. Check out our How to Load a Dishwasher guide, for our step-by-step instructions.
When your dishwasher is loaded, ensure nothing is blocking the spray arms and they can rotate fully. Give them a quick spin by hand, just to check.
Now add your detergent to the dispenser, which is usually on the inside of the door. If you’re not sure, refer to your manual. Close the dispenser firmly, until it clicks. We’d always recommend using three-in-one dishwasher tablets or pods, to ensure the optimum cleaning performance from your appliance.
Modern dishwashers have a wide choice of cycles such as quick wash, half load, hygienic, glasscare and intensive. The cycle you’ll need depends on how dirty your dishes are and how much time you have. When you’ve chosen a cycle, press start to begin.
Now that your dishwasher is doing its thing, have you ever wondered how it actually works? Well, here’s how. Now for the science bit:
Did you know? Dishwashers are the environmentally conscious choice when it comes to washing the pots. They use less water, energy and detergent than traditional washing by hand.
As well as the usual keeping on top of cleaning the filters and racks, the inner workings of your dishwasher also need to be maintained, to keep it working efficiently. As part of your monthly maintenance, you may need to add rinse aid and dishwasher salt.
Let’s take a look at these two cleaning aids, to see if you need to use them.
We would always recommend using rinse aid in your dishwasher, for the best cleaning results.
Rinse aid is a surfactant, which means it reduces the surface tension of a liquid. This stops the water in your dishwasher sticking to your dishes in droplets — instead it rolls off, leaving dishes drier. Less water means less marks and streaks, so glassware comes out sparklingly clean.
Dishwasher salt keeps water soft and helps to prevent limescale build-up. Limescale can corrode and damage the inside of your appliance over time, so it’s best to keep salt levels topped up, to keep your dishwasher in good condition. It also ensures a more effective wash. Find out more in our helpful guide, Where does dishwasher salt go?
Did you know? We provide detailed energy-saving information about each of our dishwashers, from Bosch dishwashers to Samsung dishwashers, so you can compare the specification of each model
