Treated well, dishwashers can continue to work hard for you for some time. But like any household appliance, they’ll repay a bit of TLC and attention.
First off, maintenance is key. Carry out regular checks on hoses and connections for leaks and wear. Check the door seals and gaskets for any debris or damage to ensure a proper seal during operation. It’s a good idea to ensure there’s adequate ventilation around the machine to prevent the build up of moisture and mould.
If you live in a hard water area, use a water softener, or a dishwasher cleaner designed to handle mineral deposits. Clean the filter and the spray arms regularly to remove trapped food particles and or blockages. Every few months, run an empty cycle with a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of white vinegar. This will remove build up and any sour odours.
Prep your dishes by scraping off large food particles before loading. You don’t need to pre-rinse as modern dishwashers are designed to handle some food residue. Make sure, though, that food scraps aren’t blocking the filter.
Next, are you running your dishwasher at maximum efficiency? Use the appropriate wash cycle for the load: heavy-duty for pots and pans, and lighter cycles for glasses and lightly soiled dishes. And what about water temperature? Make sure your water heater is set to an optimal temperature (around 120°F or 49°C) to improve cleaning efficiency. It’s also a good move to run the hot water tap in your sink for a few seconds before starting the dishwasher. This ensures hot water enters the machine immediately.
When possible, use eco or energy-saving modes to reduce water and energy consumption.
Dishwasher loading is an art! Place dishes so they don’t block spray arms, and make sure dishes face inwards to the centre, where the spray is strongest. Plates, pots, and pans should go on the bottom rack, while cups, glasses, and less-soiled items go on the top. Small or lightweight items need to be secured so they don’t get thrown around during the wash cycle. Remember, overloading can prevent water and detergent from reaching all surfaces, giving rise to disappointing results.
Last, but by no means least, choose a high-quality dishwasher detergent, like our new Natural Dishwasher Powder with Lemon Myrtle and Mandarin, which is formulated to cope with both hard and soft water. Follow the instructions on how much to use. Too much can lead to residue, while too little can result in poor cleaning. Our technician told us it's better to put the powder in the dishwasher directly, not in the tray; however, this may depend on what’s best for your own machine.
With a little extra care and attention every so often, your dishwasher will continue to be one of the hardest workers in the household!
