Using a dishwasher is easy. And it means you don’t have to wash everything up by hand, which is always a winner in our books. There are a few handy tips and tricks though that can make a big difference in how well your dishes come out. Let’s have a look…
Step-by-step guide to using a dishwasher
Let’s start simple. Here’s the best way to go about using your dishwasher:
Load the dishwasher – Put any larger items (like pots and pans) on the bottom rack, with anything smaller, from cups to glasses, on the top rack. Don’t overcrowd the dishwasher, as it’ll stop the water from reaching everything.
Add detergent – Use the right amount of detergent. Each type comes with its own benefits, so pick one that suits you. But more on that later.
Select the cycle – Pick the right cycle to match your load (and how filthy your dishes and cutlery are). Most machines come with several options, including quick, normal and heavy duty.
Start the dishwasher – Close the door and hit the start button. Your dishwasher will take care of the rest!
And that’s how to work a dishwasher. So, you can pop the instructions back in the box for now.
How to load a dishwasher properly
It might seem pretty straightforward, but if you don’t load your dishwasher right, it’s not going to do a good job. Here’s a few pointers:
Top rack – Glasses, cups and small bowls can go up here. This keeps them away from the more intense heat and water pressure on the bottom rack, which can damage them over time.
Bottom rack – This is for any plates, pots and pans. After all, you’ve got the most space here, along with the most powerful cleaning.
Utensil basket – Place your spoons, knives and forks in the basket with the handles facing down. That way, they’ll get cleaned properly.
Avoid obstructions – Check that nothing is blocking the spray arms or detergent dispenser. If there is, you might find yourself having to pop another cycle on.
Do you need to rinse dishes before washing?
The age-old debate. To rinse, or not to rinse? Modern dishwashers are built to handle some seriously dirty dishes, so pre-rinsing isn’t as necessary nowadays.
That’s not to say you should just sling your dinner plate into the dishwasher straight after eating though. Scrape off any big bits of food first and clean any sticky or starchy residues that might be left over. Then you won’t risk clogging up the appliance. And your dishes will come out nice and clean every time.
Choosing the best dishwasher detergent
There are three main types of dishwasher detergent out there – tablets, gels and powders. If you’re standing there in the supermarket struggling to choose, here’s a quick comparison:
Tablets – Convenient and pre-measured but can be more expensive than the others here.
Gels – Easy to use and dissolves quickly. They’re not usually as effective on those tougher stains though.
Powders – Arguably the cheapest option on this list. But it can get a bit messy to measure out the right amounts.
Tech tip: For the best results, think about using a rinse aid. This’ll stop your cutlery and crockery getting covered in spots. Throw in some dishwasher salt, and you’ll soften any hard water too (which can do a number on your machine over time if you let it).
Understanding dishwasher cycles
Dishwashers usually come with a few different cycles. And each of them is designed to tackle different types of loads.
Quick – Meant for lightly soiled dishes and quick cleanups. And who doesn’t like those?
Normal – Suitable for your midweek meals where the prep’s been simple and your pots, pans and plates aren’t caked in sauce.
Heavy duty – Best for heavily soiled pots, pans and dishes. Perfect for when you’ve just whipped up a massive feast.
Dishwasher troubleshooting tips
Dishwasher making its very own soap opera? Here are a few common issues (and how to fix them):
Poor cleaning – Clogged up spray arms and blocked filters are usually the culprit. Clear them up, and you should be good to go.
Cloudy glasses – Use a rinse aid. It’ll stop any mineral deposits building up on them. And they’ll be super shiny for that next dinner party.
Drying issues – If it’s a bit empty, top up the rinse aid dispenser. Then use the heated dry option. The days of using a tea towel to do your drying will be a thing of the past.
How to clean and maintain your dishwasher
If you want to avoid a buying a new dishwasher anytime soon, you’re going to have to put in a bit of TLC every now and then. Regular maintenance will keep it running in tip top shape:
Clean the filters – Remove and clean out the filters to stop any blockages from building up. It can be a bit of a mucky job this one, so grab some gloves and wash your hands properly when you’re done.
Check the spray arms – Make sure the spray arms aren’t covered in any gunk or grime and can actually rotate properly. If they can’t, you’ll be left with mess everywhere still.
Run a cleaning cycle – Use a dishwasher cleaner or a cup of vinegar to run an empty cycle. This’ll help to remove anything that might have built up since your last clean.
Items you should never put in a dishwasher
Some things aren’t dishwasher-safe and need to be washed up by hand. We know, we know, it’s not much fun after you’ve slaved away cooking that Sunday roast. In the long run though, that extra care is going to keep all your kitchen kit fighting fit.
For starters, this lot are a big no-no…
Non-stick cookware – The high heat can damage the non-stick coating on your pans. And once that goes, getting those fried eggs off with a spatula is going to be a right pain.
Fine china – Delicate items can chip or crack. Grab the marigolds and get stuck in.
Wood – It can split and warp in the dishwasher. So, if you want that rustic salad bowl to go the distance, leave it out.
Right, that’s how to use a dishwasher covered. Need any more help with that new appliance? Here’s an in-depth look at how to clean a dishwasher. It’ll take some elbow grease, but it’s worth doing whenever you give your kitchen a deep clean.
And if your machine’s not performing properly, you might have one of the 4 signs it’s time to replace your dishwasher. Speaking of a replacement dishwasher machine, we’ve rounded up the best dishwashers right here.
