Dishwasher Do’s: How To Maximize Your Dishwasher’s Efficiency

image of a homeowner loading dishwasher

Most people love eating meals at home but they are less enthusiastic about the chores that follow. Cleaning dishes is messy and time-consuming, especially if you had to do it manually. Fortunately, dishwashers can do this automatically for us. However, most households are not optimizing the abilities of this appliance. An energy-efficient dishwasher can provide much better results. All you have to do is make a few minor adjustments.

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How To Maximize Your Dishwasher’s Efficiency

This article shares a few tips on how to use your dishwasher efficiently.

Organize The Contents

A lot of users pay no attention to how they load up their dishwasher. They simply grab the nearest items and stuff these inside the dishwasher without any rhyme nor reason. While the machine will work no matter the arrangement, this method is inefficient. There will be large pockets of empty space left unutilized. Instead, it would be better to develop your own plan based on the items that you have. For example, you might choose to insert the largest plates and bowls first before adding in the cutlery and other small objects where they can still fit. Refine your strategy over time.

 

Note The Spray Direction Of Your Dishwasher

The dishwasher has sprayer arms that point in specific directions. You must consider these when loading the dishes to ensure thorough cleaning. Make the dishes face these sprayers so that the water can reach the dried sauces, grease, and other things that require removal. If they face the opposite direction, then you might end up with dirty dishes that you will have to wash again until you realize what the problem is. Keep this in mind while organizing the contents so you can wash everything once and get the results that you want. No repeat washing will be necessary.

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Perform Regular Cleaning Of Your Dishwasher

Dishwashers are there to clean your dinnerware and cookware. In the process, the machine can also get dirty from the residues. You have to perform maintenance checks on this appliance from time to time. You should also perform regular cleaning such as once a week to prevent it from fouling up and getting filthy. This will also help it to run at high efficiency while decreasing the likelihood of breakdowns. Be sure to remove the filter and throw out its contents to avoid clogs. Bits of food, glass, corn kernels and bone could get stuck there.

 

Put Space Between Flatware

When using the dishwasher, do you notice that your spoons, forks, and knives don’t come out completely clean? Perhaps you placed them in a way that hides them from the sprays. They might have also bunched up such that liquid cannot penetrate between their surfaces. In this case, it may be wise to rethink your loading strategy. There should be ample space between each item. They should also have their heads facing the sprayer arms. Try this and see if there is any difference.

Get The Timing Right

homeowner setting dishwasher to energy efficient setting

Many dishwashers use hot water to dislodge dirt from surfaces more easily. However, other parts of the house might also be using hot water including the laundry and the shower. If all of these are running at the same time, then one or more of them might not get the supply of hot water that they need. Schedule your use of the dishwasher so as not to compete with other appliances. For example, you can have it run before bedtime and get the dishes out in the morning.

Use Natural Dishwashing Powders And Liquids

Study the cleaning solution that you are using right now. Does it contain natural ingredients? Does it contain phosphates and petroleum-based substances? Consider switching to a greener alternative. Find non-toxic products that are good for the environment. Check products that do not leave any residues.

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Take Advantage Of Air Drying

Some dishwashers have the ability to dry the dishes after washing them. They might have a fan inside to make this happen. Others will depend on electric heating to make the moisture evaporate. Both will require extra energy. You might want to consider air-drying instead to reduce energy consumption. Just place the dishes on an open rack at the kitchen counter overnight. You should find them completely dry in the morning. Store them away in the cabinets to prevent them from collecting dust. They will be ready for the next meal.

In case your dishwasher breaks down, call a plumber immediately for repairs. Plumbers can troubleshoot and fix the problem fast to reduce household disruption. If you have an old dishwasher, then you can also consult them for possible dishwasher replacement.

 

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