Get the Most Out of Your Dishwasher

Has your dishwasher been acting strangely lately? Are your dishes not getting completely clean – or clean at all? Before you run out and think about buying a new dishwasher, let’s go over a few things you can try with your current model to get the most out of it.

1. Use the Right Cycle – The eco-friendly cycles are great for smaller and lighter loads, but for a full dishwasher, using a more heavy duty wash cycle can save time and energy in the long run by preventing you from having to run the dishwasher again. Take a look at how dirty your dishes are – if there is a good amount of grime on all the dishes, it’s safe to say you should go with the heavy cycle.


2. Don’t Overload – Don’t overload your dishwasher. It’s easy to keep piling dishes in -- after all, that’s what the dishwasher is for. However, if your plates, bowls, and cups are too close together, they won’t allow the water to spray and flow properly, resulting in dirty dishes and the need to run the washer again, or worse, clean them by hand, wasting more time and water.


3. Heat Things Up – Running the hot water in the faucet before starting the dishwasher will ensure that the dishwasher fills with hot water initially, helping loosen food molecules and making the overall cycle more efficient. The reason for running the hot water is that it brings the heated water from the water heater to your system – this often takes a minute or so. Having this readily available will help the soap foam more effectively over your dishes, providing a better result.


4. Do a Deep Clean – Running your dishwasher while it’s empty with just a bit of vinegar can help remove funky old smells. Additionally, most dishwashers have an easily accessible “trap” in the bottom that traps food and other particles. These build up over time and can affect how well your dishwasher runs. Removing this build-up can provide a huge boost to how clean your dishes are getting.


5. Test Your Water – Make sure that the water you’re using isn’t too hard. Hard water is high in mineral content, which makes it especially tough to get dishes clean. Have your water tested, or test it at home, and consider installing a water softener accordingly.

Try these easy methods before considering buying an entirely new dishwasher. However, if none of the above seems to help, it might be time to think about investing in new equipment. ENERGY STAR^® certified dishwashers save money, energy, and water, providing the biggest benefits for your home. Take a look through all the options or contact a specialist to see what is right for you.

For more ideas on how to save energy and money, check out the Mass Saver blog today!