As with all household appliances (freezer, washing machine, dryer, refrigerator, stove, etc.), there are right and wrong ways to use your dishwasher. In fact, this household appliance saves a lot of time by cleaning and drying plates and kitchen utensils. It also saves water. However, improper use or insufficient maintenance can lead to some failures. We then notice dirty dishes after washing or the appliance may be damaged and last less. Here are 7 common mistakes to avoid when properly maintaining and using your dishwasher.
Mistake 1: Prewashing your dishes
Some bad habits die hard… Pre-washing your dishes is not only not very ecologicalbut also counterproductive. Indeed, the appliance needs dirty dishes to optimize its operation and there is little point in launching a complete cycle if the dishes are almost clean. The detergent used actually contains enzymes that cling to dirt and food particles on the plate. Tablets or rinse aid therefore work less well on a smooth, rinsed surface. This will only lead to higher energy consumption and water consumption for nothing. Do the test without prerinsing and you will see at the end of the cycle that it is of absolutely no use other than wasting water!
If the washing is not optimal, this rinsing before washing is not the solution. The problem surely comes from the maintenance of the device or the way in which you fill it. And fixing the problem will make the wash spotless.
Mistake 2: Doing the opposite extreme of the previous one
Of course, you should not rinse the plates. However, this does not mean that you should leave bits of bones, fish bones, rice or even peelings on the plates. Large debris and food scraps should be thrown in the trash. Otherwise, there is a risk of clogging the filterthe washing motor, the drain pump or the water circuit. The performance of your dishwasher will suffer. In addition, there is a risk of bad smells in your device. Cigarette ash (which scratches glasses) and candle wax are residues that must absolutely be removed before washing!
Mistake 3: Putting the cutlery in the wrong direction
This is one of the most common mistakes with the dishwasher, because we don’t always know the right way! Already, it is worth better not to arrange cutlery by type (spoons with spoons, forks with forks, etc.). Indeed, when washing, cutlery of the same shape will stick together with the pressure of the water. Washing will therefore be less good and the water will circulate less well. As for the meaning, we put the heads of forks and spoons upbut the blade of the knives down. This will prevent you from cutting yourself when you empty the device.
Mistake 4: Put large dishes in the center and fragile dishes at the bottom
These are two very common mistakes among dishwasher users! When certain dishes or pans are very large, you should avoid putting them in the middle, unless you wash them alone. In fact, they will capture all the water and detergents. In doing so, they will prevent the rest of the dishes from being cleaned. Put them as much as possible on the side, in the lower compartment of your dishwasher. As for fragile dishes (glass, etc.), they have no place at the bottom of the machine where the heat and pressure are maximum. Put anything fragile on the top rack where it will be well stabilized. And if you don’t have enough space, prefer to wash glasses by hand rather than putting them down. This will avoid white marks on the glasses!
Mistake 5: Making dishes dirtier with incorrect filling
One of the biggest mistakes is overloading the dishwasher. Indeed, the device needs small spaces to allow the water and the product to clean well. Also, it is better to do several washes rather than one big wash which is not very effective. Also, take into account how dirty the dishes are. Indeed, dirt is contagious in this device. So, be methodical! Arrange dishes from most dirty to least dirty or vice versa to optimize cleaning efficiency.
Mistake 6: Neglecting to clean the filters
Once a month, it is recommended to do a major cleaning with white vinegar and baking soda. We detail the steps to properly clean the dishwasher here. However, this does not apply to the filter which must be emptied and cleaned after each use. This simple gesture will save you from many breakdowns and disappointing washes!
Mistake 7: Empty the machine immediately as soon as the wash finishes
This is the best way to see traces occurring. So, don’t be in too much of a hurry and give the dishes a few minutes to cool and dry!