Your dishwasher is one of those modern conveniences that makes life a lot easier. It saves time, energy, and water—when used correctly. However, it’s easy to fall into habits that could cause damage to your machine or dishes. We have previously posted a complete list of laundry mistakes that many all of us have experienced, but the errors that are made with dishwashers are much more common and many of us do not know exactly how to use our dishwashers. So, Let’s explore these 14 common dishwasher mistakes you should avoid to keep your appliance running smoothly for longer time and your dishes looking their best.
1. Not Using Your Dishwasher Regularly
It might sound counterintuitive, but not running your dishwasher regularly can be actually main common dishwasher mistake and harm your dishwasher. You may one of those person that prefer hand washed for some reason. But If you invest on dishwasher, you have to use it, at least once a week, to prevent seals from drying out and get harden. More using, workings better. Even if you don’t have a full load, it’s a good idea to run a short cycle to keep everything functioning smoothly. Some machines have half-load programs, all you need to do is putting couple of non grassy dish or glass into the machine and push the button. By the way, why don’t you use your dishwasher, huh? If your dishwasher does not washed properly you may doing on of the mistake that we motioned bellow.
2. Overloading the Dishwasher
Like as washing machine, overloading can lead to poor cleaning results or even damage your dishwasher. When you pack dishes too tight, water and detergent can’t circulate effectively, In the end, the dishes are not cleaned. By overloading, Instead of saving time and energy, you might facing with potential damage in your expansive dishwasher or even if nothing would happened with it, you have to remove the extra dishes and wash the rest again with another cycle. On the other hand over loading can potentially causing glasses and plates to chip or crack. So to prevent of extra hustle, load your dishwasher in order.
3. Not Loading the Dishwasher Properly
Loading your dishwasher is an art form. Plates, pots, and pans should go on the bottom rack, with facing the spray arms. Glasses, cups, and bowls belong on the top rack. Utensils should be placed in the utensil holder with handles facing down, except for sharp knives (more on that later). Improper loading can block the spray arms and water won’t reach to all your dishes. Make sure the spray arms can spin freely before starting a cycle, and avoid placing anything tall or bulky in a way that obstructs their movement.
4. Skipping the Rinse Cycle
Sometimes dirty dishes can stay in the dishwasher for several hours until the machine is fully loaded. This causes the remaining food and dirt on the dishes to dry and gets harden to clean easily. Always better to run rinse program before jumping into the main wash. Many dishwashers already have a rinse cycle combined with their main programs that helps remove large food particles. Skipping this step might save a few minutes, but it can result in leftover food debris being spread across all your dishes.
5. Ignoring the Cleaning Filter
No one likes to do yuck job, I got you, but If you ignore to clean your dishwashers filter, food debris can build up, leading to poor efficiency and make nasty odors. Make it a habit to clean the filter every couple of weeks or once a month to keep cleaning performance in shape and
6. Not Choosing the Right Program
Dishwashers come with various settings for a reason. right? It is not a good idea too opt eco program for all types of dishes! it is a common dishwasher mistake, the low heat programs for all types of dishes not only does not clean your greasy dishes, but also causes greasy residue in the pipe and components of your dishwasher. You can choose gentle and low heat program for delicate glasses, while heavily soiled pots and greasy dishes require a more intense wash. Using the wrong program can result in poorly cleaned dishes or even damage to them.
7. Neglecting the Machine Care Program
Most modern dishwashers have machine-care program that designed to remove grease, limescale, and grime by heated water cycle. You should run self-cleaning program every few months (It depends on how often you use your machine tough!) It will help keep your dishwasher in top condition and more efficient.
8. Washing Sharp Knives
Dishwashers are not the place for your sharp kitchen knives. Although we see dishwasher safe sign in some of them but without a doubt the high-pressure water jets can dull the blades through out the time and make them less efficient. Also, the movement could cause stumble and cut other items. It is worth taking the time to wash your sharp knives by hand to keep them sharp and safe.
9. Placing Copper or Nonstick Cookware in the Dishwasher
Copper and nonstick cookware should always be hand-washed. The high heat and harsh detergents in a dishwasher can tarnish copper and shows chemical reaction. The detergent also remove wear away the nonstick coating and shortening the lifespan of your expensive pots and pans.
10. Using the Wrong Detergent
All detergents are not same! A low-quality or incorrect detergent can lead to serious problems. Most of the damages in the appliance it causes by using the wrong detergent /soup. We can say it is the most common mistake which can stop appliance from working. Always use a detergent specifically designed for dishwashers, explore between product to find that works best for your appliance and needs, New York times picked the best 3 detergent of 2024 after testing 24 different products, give it a try and see the result. Remember to avoid using too much in every cycle—more isn’t always better. Too much dishwasher create soap residue in dishes and machine’s parts.
11. Using Too Much Rinse Aid
Rinse aid is great for preventing water spots on your dishes, but too much of it can leave a film on your glassware and make your dishes look cloudy. On the other side not using raise aid at all is the most common dishwasher mistake to avoid. (thankfully, most detergent include rinse aid now days.) If your detergent does not contain rise aid, consider to add the correct amount as recommended by your dishwasher’s manufacturer. Some dishwashers have feature to use correct amount of rinse aid from the tank as much as needed, in this way, you fill the tank once and the machine will use the required amount based on the selected program.
12. Pre-Rinsing Your Dishes by Hand
Modern dishwashers and detergents are designed to handle heavily greasy dishes it means, you do not need to raise them before head by hand. Additionally, most dishwashers have their own pre-washed program. Pre-rinsing by hand can actually lead to over-cleaning or in some cases not cleaning. What does it mean? Most modern dishwashers have turbidity sensor than basically detect the amount of cloudiness. Based in the level of turbidity detected , dishwashers can adjust washing cycle , water amount and temperature and dirt of water inside the machine. By ore-raising your dished, you are telling to your dishwasher that the dishes are not dirty and it can go to energy saver mode, which your will be ended up with non clean dished.
All you need to do is; scrape off large food particles, but let your dishwasher do the heavy lifting.
13. Forgetting to Clean the Door Seals
Over time, the rubber seals around your dishwasher door can accumulate grime and food particles, leading to unpleasant odors and potentially even mold. Wipe down the seals with a damp cloth regularly to keep your dishwasher odor-free and clean.
14. Leaving the Dishwasher Closed After a Cycle
Dishwasher realizing heat during the final raise, the heat inside helps drying. But closed heated environment could reproduce moist. Keeping moist inside the appliance is one of the common dishwasher mistakes that people done, occasionally. It’s a good idea to open the dishwasher door to let the steam escape. This helps prevent condensation from settling on your dishes and keeps your machine dry and free from mold and mildew unless your washer have self drying feature. Advance dishwashers equipped with Zeolite stone to enhance drying performance by absorbing moisture and realizing heat. Zeolite stone regenerates itself after the dishwasher cycle completed and it recommended to keep it close for at least 45 minutes for energy efficiency and complete dryness.
A extra little care brings you sparkling clean dished every time and a long extending the life of your dishwasher. Leaving the dishes to your dishwasher, it will save you time , energy and money in long term.
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