Clean dishes start with the correct use of the dishwasher. For optimal results, it is important not only to use the right detergent but also to set the dishwasher correctly and to maintain it regularly. With the tips below you can fill your dishwasher as efficiently as possible and dirty dishes will be a thing of the past.
TIP 1: DO NOT PRE-RINSE
You should of course remove large food residues before you put the dishes in the machine. But pre-rinsing is not necessary, it is even not recommended to do this. If the dishes are too clean, the enzymes of the detergent can’t stick to anything. And by not rinsing, you also save water, and in this way, your dishwasher uses even less water than washing by hand.
TIP 2: LOAD THE DISHWASHER CORRECTLY
For clean dishes, it is important to load the dishwasher correctly. Always use the format below:
Large dishes (pans, dishes): place at the bottom with the concave side facing down
Plates: also place yourself at the bottom. Try alternating large and small plates for optimal water circulation
Small dishes (cups, glasses): you place these at the top, also with the concave side down
Plastic jars and lids: it gets less hot on the top rack, so it’s best to put it on top.
Wooden cutlery: can be damaged by the hot water and transfer to other dishes. So you better wash this by hand.
TIP 3: CHOOSE THE RIGHT WASHING PROGRAM
It is important to choose the right washing program for clean dishes. Otherwise, the washing result may be disappointing if an incorrect program is selected. In most cases, the eco-program of your dishwasher will suffice. This mode takes a little longer, but by washing at night (at night rate), this need not be a problem.
If you only want to rinse the dishes quickly, use the pre-wash setting. No dishwasher detergent should be used for this.
If a dishwasher tablet does not dissolve completely, this may mean that a program that is too short has been selected. Insufficient heat is released with short programs. Due to the low temperature, the block does not dissolve or partially dissolves and thus provides an insufficient drying result. Then choose to use washing powder instead of dishwasher tablets or opt for a longer washing program.
TIP 4: MAINTAIN THE DISHWASHER
In addition to settings and dishwashing products, it is very important to properly maintain your dishwasher so that clean dishes are guaranteed.
Check regularly that the strainer is tight and clean
Check that the center spray arm fits snugly on the rear
If there is a rubber seal, check it for contamination
Clean the spray arm regularly (for disassembly, see the instructions for use of your dishwasher)
TIP 5: DON’T START UNLOADING RIGHT AWAY
By correctly unloading your dishwasher, you ensure that you can also put the clean dishes in the cupboard clean and dry.
Do not open your dishwasher immediately, otherwise, the heat will dissipate and allow the dishes to dry even further. However, if you wait too long, the water vapor can condense back. The ideal is to wait 15 to 30 minutes.
Empty the bottom rack first so that water residues cannot fall onto the dry dishes.
TIP 6: CHECK THE DISHWASHER SETTINGS
Salt is used to descale or soften the water. To dose the amount of dishwasher salt during a wash, it is important to set the water hardness. For a correct setting, the water hardness of your municipality can be consulted via the website of the Watergroep. How the water hardness can be set is stated in the user manual of your dishwasher.
If the dishes do not dry properly or if stains remain on the dishes, it is important to increase the dosage of the rinse aid. If a sticky film remains on the dishes, reduce the dosage. How to set the dose of rinse aid to be used is stated in the instruction manual of your dishwasher.
TIP 7: PREVENT DULL GLASSES
Over time, glasses may become dull. To prevent dull glasses, it is advisable to observe the following tips: Only put glasses in the dishwasher that are suitable for this
Do not leave glasses too long at the end of the washing program
Avoid washing glasses at low temperatures with a detergent with a glass protection agent. A splash of vinegar also works!
TIP 8: AVOID DISCOLORATION ON STAINLESS STEEL
Discoloration on stainless steel crockery is caused by food residues such as starch, potatoes, cabbage, and pasta. To remove discoloration on stainless steel, the deposit can be removed by manually cleaning the crockery with a washing-up brush. You can also choose to remove the deposits in the tub of the dishwasher with a machine cleaner.