Did you know the dishwasher has a very long history, beginning in the U.S. in the year 1850? It was made of wood and was cranked by hand while water sprayed onto the dishes. This model was slow and unreliable and just envision how long it took to wash dishes using that method.
Fast-forward a few years—21st century models continue to amaze us with their smart features and technology. Manufacturers have listened to today’s consumers and are making state-of-the-art machines to make home life easier and more energy-efficient.
The numbers don’t lie, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, about 80 million homes in the U.S. have dishwashers.
Why do we still do this?
Long gone are the dishwashers our grandparents used with standard features —wash and dry! But for many of us, we are still stuck in time when it comes to using our dishwashers the right way. We keep doing the same ole things including:
- Rinsing and scraping every particle before loading the machine.
- Use the same old “go to,” cycle when there are amazing cycle features available.
- Run the dishwasher when it’s only partially full.
- Forget to use smart-home technology features to make dishwashing more convenient for our family.
You get the picture! It’s time to up-our-game to ensure that our dishwashers run at maximum performance with the cycles designed to help keep things sparkling clean.
What cycle should you use?
Today’s cycles offer a variety of options from the brands you trust including: KitchenAid, Bosch, Amana, Frigidaire, GE, Whirlpool, and Maytag.
- Normal Wash. For: Everyday dishes...
- Light Wash. For: Lightly soiled, pre-rinsed dishes...
- Auto Wash. For: Any type of load...
- China Cycle. For: China, as well as crystal and delicate items...
- Delay Wash...
- Quick or Express Wash...
- Rinse Cycle...
- SaniWash or Anti-Bacterial Wash.
What’s the right way to load the dishwasher?
For most of us, we throw everything in except for the kitchen sink and hope for the best. But did you know there is a proper way to load your dishwasher? According to Consumer Reports, there is a right way to load the dishwasher to ensure cleanliness.
Place items with baked-on food face down and toward the lower spray arm. Aluminum and stainless steel can usually go in the dishwasher, but brass, bronze, wood, and china with gold leaf should all be hand-washed to avoid discoloration or damage. Forks and spoons should be placed in the basket with handles facing down.
Your dishwasher use and care manual also offers the best way to load your dishwasher, so take some tips from the pros for a great clean.
What’s the clean truth?
- You don’t need to rinse your dishes first. True!
- According to the thekitchen.com website, you shouldn’t. The detergent needs something to grab onto during the cycle, so if you’re rinsing the dishes first, the soap will be less effective. Just use a fork or dish brush to scrape off bits of food — then you’re ready to load.
- You don’t need to clean your dishwasher. False!
- You do need to clean your dishwasher to get rid of any accumulated food around the trap, but it’s a good idea to give it a deep clean a few times a year.
At Garner Appliance and Mattress, we know the importance of having products you can rely on year after year and that’s why you can trust us as your hometown store. If your dishwasher is creating more dirt than clean, come see the pros who are here to help!