How to Use a Dishwasher the Right Way: 5 Tips

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How to Use a Dishwasher the Right Way: 5 Tips

2023/01/25

Washing dishes is an everyday activity in every home. So, doing it efficiently and quickly is what any person wants. Though some people enjoy washing dishes by hand, most would probably prefer to use dishwashers since they save time and money. They're also safer and can help you avoid breaking dishes.

Are you wondering how to use a dishwasher properly? Follow these five tips to discover the dos and don'ts of using your dishwasher to get the best out of it. These tips will come in handy at each step of use, from rinsing the dirty dishes and choosing the suitable detergent, to loading the racks and selecting the correct cycle.

Don't Pre-rinse Your Utensils

We all spend a lot of time pre-rinsing dishes before we put them in the dishwasher. But with today's modern dishwashers, that might be an unnecessary task. Not rinsing your dirty dishes first might be a way to get back a little bit of your precious time.

Nowadays, most dishwashers have sensors that determine the amount of water and time needed to clean the dishes. But if you pre-rinse your utensils, the dishwasher will detect little food and give them a lighter wash, which can leave bits of food on plates and glasses.

Instead of rinsing the dishes, all you need to do is scrape off the leftover using a spoon or fork. Food residue can block spray jets and drainage pipes. It also promotes bacterial growth, so make sure to clean the filter from time to time.

Use the Right Type and Amount of Detergent

To get started, read your dishwasher's owner's manual for the recommendations of the manufacturer. Beyond that, you may want to try several types and brands to find the one that best matches your needs.

There are dozens of detergent brands available, and they come in three common forms: powders, tablets, and gels. When choosing the best detergent, there are several factors to consider, including the price, the type of your dishwasher and your lifestyle.

Make sure to use only the recommended amount of detergent because too much can leave behind a residue, and too little can result in dirty dishes. We also advise you to choose an eco-friendly brand to minimize its environmental impact.

Avoid Overloading the Racks

You may want to run your dishwasher when it is full because this saves time and resources, but overfilling it will not allow it to wash properly. Overloading prevents dishes from getting thoroughly cleaned and may cause you to rinse the same dishes twice.

Educate yourself and your family members about the correct way to load the dishwasher by reading the manual that came with your machine. Your manual will recommend a loading method that works best for your dishwasher. In general, you can follow these instructions: 

  • Load large items along the sides and back so they don't block the water and detergent.
  • Face the dirtier side of utensils toward the center of the machine, and don't let them nest together.
  • Place items with burned-on food in the bottom rack, face down toward the sprays.
  • Rest glasses upside down on prongs so that they don't fill with water.
  • Use the top rack for plastic and delicate items that are dishwasher-safe.

Choose the Correct Cycle

Modern dishwashers, such as Toshiba's dishwashers, provide users with a wide range of washing cycles and functions, each designed to meet specific cleaning needs. Most models come with three standard cycles: light, normal and heavy for larger pots and pans.

How do I choose the best dishwasher cycle to use? This depends on the size of your load and how dirty your dishes are. Super dirty dishes may require a longer, deeper clean, and others a shorter cycle. Knowing what each cycle does can help you make the right choice.

Some dishwashers may also feature additional cycles like Sensor, Prewash, Eco, or Sanitize, as well as various drying options. Be wise and take time to select the appropriate dishwasher cycle for the dishes or other items.

Stop Putting These Things in the Dishwasher

A dishwasher can clean many things, but there's still a lot you shouldn't load into it, such as the following:

  • Knives, blades and any sharp-edged tools
  • Any metal except stainless steel
  • Utensils with metallic decoration
  • Delicate glassware
  • Anything wood
  • Crystal
  • Plastics not labeled "dishwasher-safe"
  • Rubber tools

Lastly, avoid placing sterling or silver-plated and stainless-steel flatware into the dishwasher at the same time. The reaction between these two metals can damage both finishes. And, don't jam too many pieces into the silverware basket because doing so could lead to scratches.

A dishwasher is a perfect time-saving appliance that gives you clean dishes. Toshiba Lifestyle website offers free-standing and built-in dishwashers with different washing programs, making it easy for you to wash all types of kitchen utensils. Other features include a 70°C Hot Water Wash, Anti-bacterial Technology and UV LED Sterilizer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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