How to Use a Dishwasher

In today’s fast-paced world, the dishwasher has become an indispensable appliance in many households, revolutionizing the way we handle post-meal cleanup. This modern marvel not only saves time and energy but also ensures a level of cleanliness that’s hard to achieve with manual washing. However, to truly harness the power of your dishwasher and achieve optimal results, it’s crucial to understand how to use it correctly. Many people underestimate the importance of proper dishwasher usage, often leading to subpar cleaning results, wasted water and energy, and even potential damage to dishes or the appliance itself.

Whether you’re a first-time dishwasher owner or someone looking to refine your dishwashing techniques, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps of using a dishwasher effectively. From loading techniques that maximize space and cleaning efficiency to choosing the right detergent and cycle, we’ll cover all the bases to ensure your dishes come out sparkling clean every time. By following these expert tips and tricks, you’ll not only improve the cleanliness of your dishes but also extend the life of your dishwasher and potentially reduce your utility bills.

So, let’s dive into the world of efficient dishwashing and transform your kitchen cleanup routine into a seamless, effective process that leaves you with more time to enjoy the things that matter most.

Using a dishwasher properly can save you time and ensure your dishes come out sparkling clean. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get the most out of your dishwasher:

Loading the Dishwasher

1. Scrape off excess food from dishes before loading. There’s no need to pre-rinse unless dishes will sit in the dishwasher for several days.
2. Load larger items like pots, pans, and casserole dishes on the bottom rack, angled downward for best cleaning.
3. Place plates and bowls on the bottom rack, facing the center where the spray arm is located.
4. Load glasses, cups, and other lightweight items on the top rack.
5. Place silverware in the designated basket, mixing up types of utensils to prevent nesting.

Using Detergent

1. Use automatic dishwashing detergent only. Never use regular dish soap, as it can cause excessive suds.
2. Add detergent to the main wash compartment and close the lid.
3. If your dishwasher has a pre-wash cycle, you can add a small amount of detergent to the pre-wash compartment as well.

Selecting the Cycle

1. Choose the appropriate cycle based on how soiled your dishes are.
2. For heavily soiled loads, use the heavy-duty or pots and pans cycle.
3. For normal loads, the regular wash cycle is sufficient.
4. If you have delicate items, use the light wash or china cycle.
5. If you have a smart dishwasher, like the 24 in. Slide-In Smart 42 dB Dishwasher (SDW6888JS) and 24 in. Slide-In Smart 45 dB Dishwasher (SDW6767HS), the Works with Alexa capabilities helps conveniently control your dishwasher. Simply say, “Alexa, start the dishwasher” or “Alexa, set dishwasher cycle to heavy duty”, sit back, and let the magic happen.

Additional Tips

1. Run hot water at the kitchen sink before starting the dishwasher to ensure the first fill is hot.
2. Don’t overload the dishwasher. Leave space between items for water and detergent to circulate.
3. Check that spray arms can rotate freely before starting the cycle.
4. For best drying results, use a rinse aid and select the heated dry option if available.

By following these guidelines, you can maximize your dishwasher’s cleaning power and efficiency. Remember, a well-loaded dishwasher can not only clean better but also could use less water and energy than washing dishes by hand.