Seven top tips for getting the most out of your dishwasher
From creating zones to using the eco-friendly cycle, here’s how to load and maintain your machine for sparkling clean results
Do you rinse your dishes before loading them into the dishwasher? Or do you always make sure cutlery points upwards? Maybe you throw everything in by pure luck? Ah, the great dishwasher debate – it’s been going on for longer than time itself. But it turns out there is a correct way of doing things when it comes to loading the dishwasher.
So, if, as with most of us, how to get the best out of your crockery-cleaning companion is a familiar bone of contention in your household, it’s time to cast your eye over our dishwashing top tips.
1. Don’t be tempted to rinse
Rather like the urge to clean before your cleaner arrives, it can feel wrong to stack your dishwasher before giving everything a quick rinse. But dishwasher soap uses the friction of dirt to cling to dishes and work its magic: offer up semi-cleaned plates, and it has nothing to work with. We’re not talking chunks of food here – those pizza crusts should definitely go in the bin!
2. Fill up your dishwasher
While it might seem counter-intuitive as your dishwasher rumbles away in the corner, using a modern machine can actually be more energy-efficient than hand-washing your dishes. As well as generally using less water (depending on certain factors), it also heats up more efficiently, saving electricity. Just make sure you fill your dishwasher before running it to keep hold of those green credentials.
3. Make the eco-setting your go-to
To make your dishwasher even more energy efficient, use its eco mode wherever possible. As a rule, this heats water more slowly (and to a lower temperature) than the standard setting during washing and rinsing to help cut down on water and energy use. Although the cycle might run for longer, it’s still a more efficient way to do your dishes.
4. Leave dishes room to breathe
We know it’s frustrating when you have just one more bowl to squeeze into your dishwasher and it won’t quite get there without your crockery getting too close for comfort. But cram everything in too tightly, and you risk needing to hand-wash more than one item once the cycle’s done. Stack smarter, not harder, and make sure everything has enough space for your dishwasher to do its thing.
5. Divide into zones
Dishwashers come in all shapes and sizes, from compact built-in units to large behemoths with multiple racks – in which case it’s worth hunting down your manufacturer’s specific advice when it comes to stacking (if only to nip arguments in the bud).
As a rule of thumb, though, your best bet is to divide your machine into zones. Reserve the lower rack for larger crockery and pots and pans, the top rack for mugs, glasses and long utensils, and your utensil rack or basket for knives, forks and spoons (after checking they’re all dishwasher-proof, of course).
6. Give your arms a spin
To check your dishwasher isn’t overloaded, give the spray arms a quick spin to make sure they can easily clean your crockery and won’t get stuck mid-cycle. In a similar vein, it pays to double-check that the soap dispenser won’t be prevented from flipping open by bulky items when you shut the dishwasher door.
7. Keep it clean
Your dishwasher also needs a bit of care and attention. As well as regularly topping up the salt and cleaning the filter – you do clean the filter, right? – you should clean your dishwasher every month or so using a cleaning tablet, or vinegar and baking soda, to keep things running as smoothly as possible.
Perfectly packed dishwasher tablets
The ideal companion for your dishwasher has to be Ecover’s perfectly packed Power dishwasher tablets with no plastic wrapper. With 40% more enzymes, they’re designed to clean beautifully even on an eco-wash, while their compact, 60% recycled cardboard packaging helps you reduce waste while enjoying sparkling dishes. Curious about these perfectly packed wrapper-free dishwasher tablets? Unwrap the details at: Ecover.com/wastenospace