The Ultimate Guide to Using Your Automatic Dishwasher

Intro

The Dishwasher
The function of the dishwasher is to provide the mechanical action necessary to distribute and direct the detergent solution and rinse waters over, under and around the dishes to loosen and remove soil. The dishwasher must also remove soil-laden waters from the machine after each phase of the cycle and provide for the drying of dishes after the cleaning process has been completed.

Washing Systems
Automatic dishwashers vary in the design of their washing systems (or the means by which water is distributed). Some have a single water source, others may have several water sources. Water is distributed in dishwashers by spray arms or spray towers (or in the case of some older models by an impeller). The design of the spray arms or towers may differ in size, shape and placement in the dishwasher, or in the number, size and location of their water ports (holes through which water is forced). All of the washing systems do a good job, but those with fewer water sources require greater care in loading the dishes to prevent blocking the washing action to various parts of the machine, especially the corners.

The Water
The role of water is to dissolve and carry detergent, wet and loosen soil and effectively rinse the soil away. The velocity with which water is distributed in the dishwasher provides the scrubbing action to loosen and remove soil.

Amount
Cleaning in a dishwasher is accomplished with a relatively small volume of water. Contrary to what some people think, the dishwasher does not fill completely as does a clothes washer. The dishwasher, instead, employs several small fills during a cycle to accomplish the washing and rinsing operations. The total volume of water used in a complete cycle can vary from 6 – 10 gallons, depending on the number of washes and rinses included in that particular cycle.

Water pressure in a home may be noticeably reduced at some times because of numerous household water demands. As a result, insufficient water in the dishwasher could occur. This can be avoided by keeping bathing, laundering and other activities requiring quantities of water to a minimum while the machine is in use.

Temperature
The temperature of the water is an important factor in dissolving detergent, removing food soils and drying dishes properly. To do these things most effectively, the water temperature at the dishwasher should not be lower than 130 degrees F (54.4 degrees C). As temperature is reduced, the removal of greasy and oily soils becomes more difficult; spotting and filming on dishes may occur as well as improper drying.

Hardness
The amount of hardness minerals and other dissolved solids in water present obstacles to good automatic dishwashing results. Hardness minerals can cause spotting and filming on dishware. They must be effectively tied up or sequestered if the results are to be satisfactory. Hardness of water is determined by the amount of calcium and magnesium in the water. It varies from locality to locality and season to season. Water hardness is expressed in grains per gallon (gpg), parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per litre (mg/L)

The Detergent
Automatic dishwashers require detergents with very special characteristics because of the conditions under which the detergent must work. One of its essential characteristics is that it must produce little or no suds or foam because too much foam can inhibit the washing action. Other important functions that a dishwasher detergent should perform are the following:

• Make water wetter (reduce surface tension) to penetrate and loosen soil.
• Tie up water hardness minerals to permit the detergent to do its cleaning job.
• Emulsify greasy or oily soil.
• Suppress foam caused by protein soils such as egg and milk.
• Help water to sheet off surfaces of dishes, thus minimizing water spots.
• Protect china patterns and metals from the corrosive effects of heat and water alone.

Products

Detergents
Automatic dishwasher detergents provide the chemical energy to help remove food soil from all types of cooking and serving items. Unlike hand dishwashing products, these must be very low to non-sudsing. Suds cushion the mechanical cleaning action of the water and result in suds overflow from the machine. In addition, automatic dishwasher detergents should inhibit foam that certain protein-containing foods, such as egg and milk, create. They must also soften water to prevent insoluble deposits, loosen and hold soil in suspension, leave items clean and grease-free so they rinse and dry without spots, and be safe for a wide variety of dishes, glassware, utensils, etc.

Forms
Today’s automatic dishwater detergents are available in three forms: powders, gels, and tablets. All forms perform well, so the choice is usually made on personal preference.

Powders are free-flowing granules. Most people are familiar with powders as they are the traditional automatic dishwasher detergent form.

Gels are formulated to provide controlled dispensing. Because of their form, they are less likely to be spilled than powders. Gels dissolve quickly, allowing the detergent to begin working right away.

Tablets are formulated for effective cleaning as well as convenience. Since they are pre-measured, there is no measuring, waste, or mess. One tablet contains the exact dose for a full load. Each tablet may be individually wrapped to protect it from moisture, humidity and to extend its shelf life. Although tablets are formulated to work in all types of water, you may need to use an extra tablet in extremely hard water.

Depending on their formulation and product form, automatic dishwasher detergents may contain the following ingredients:

Ingredients

A Specially Formulated Product
There are no substitutes for an automatic dishwasher detergent. Only an automatic dishwasher detergent can be used in an automatic dishwasher. These products come in either powder or gel form. All other types of detergents or soaps produce too much suds and will smother the water action necessary for cleaning in the dishwasher. Furthermore, enough suds might be generated to cause a dishwasher to overflow. This could necessitate a service call and could be damaging to the dishwasher and the floor around it. No other type of cleaning product such as baking soda, borax, vinegar or hand dishwashing liquid can be substituted for an automatic dishwasher detergent. These other materials will not perform well and may be damaging to the items being washed or to the dishwasher itself.

Amount
Enough dishwasher detergent must be used to soften the water effectively, suppress foam from food soils, provide the necessary cleaning and suspension of soil and protect materials being washed. Under-use will result in poor cleaning, redeposition of soil, spotting, filming and possibly damage to some items being washed. Both the dishwasher instruction booklet and the detergent package provide guidelines for proper usage. A good general rule is to fill the detergent dispenser cup or cups to the level recommended by the dishwasher manufacturer.

It should be remembered that water hardness in any area may vary from season to season and that more detergent may be needed at some times than is needed at other times.

Packaging
Powder automatic dishwasher detergents readily take up and retain moisture and carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere. This can cause the product to become lumpy. As long as it properly dissolves it can be used, but may be somewhat less effective. To help prevent this condition, the carton is specially designed to include a moisture barrier. Consumers should open the package as directed, avoiding unnecessary tearing of the outer wrapping and closing the box after each use. Always select undamaged packages and purchase only one or two at a time to ensure maximum product effectiveness.

Storage
Store these products in a cool, dry place. Storage under the sink is not advisable because this area is generally too warm and moist to keep the product in optimum condition.

Specialty Products

Rinse Agents are formulated to lower the surface tension of the water, causing it to sheet off the dishes. A rinse agent helps a dishwasher rinse away residues that cause spots and film. Rinse agents are helpful for obtaining dry dishware when dishwasher energy savings switches are activated, or when dishes are left to air dry. Liquids are available for use in dishwashers with a built-in rinse reservoir and dispenser. Solid forms are made to attach to the upper dishwasher rack where they slowly dissolve and contribute to each water change in the cycle.

Film Removers are alkali powders that contain chlorine and complex phosphates. Theses can be used to remove films and mineral deposits created by hard water on dishes and the interior of the dishwasher. Film removers can be used on their own instead of a regular detergent, or along with a regular detergent in a wash cycle.

Lime and Rust Removers are available in liquid or powder form to remove lime and rust deposits from the interior of the dishwasher. The product, a combination of acids, is added at the beginning of the main wash cycle (no dishes or other products should be present) with the dishwasher completing the rest of the cycles automatically. The dishwasher should then be put through another complete cycle using a dishwasher detergent to clean the interior of any dissolved lime or rust residue.

Some dishwasher manuals may suggest the use of white vinegar or citric acid crystals to remove film and stains. When using any product not specifically made for dishwasher use, it is very important to follow the dishwasher manufacturer’s instructions precisely and not substitute or vary the procedures. Make certain the product is safe for the item being cleaned.

Procedures

An automatic dishwasher produces clean dishes, keeps the kitchen free of clutter before and after meals, generally uses less water than hand dishwashing, reduces breakage, helps control germs and frees time for other activities. Automatic dishwashers vary from brand to brand, model to model, but all clean by the action of hot detergent solution that is circulated by spray arms and towers. Water temperature, detergent concentration, and proper loading of the racks are all important for good results.

Water Temperature
For the best cleaning results, be sure water temperature in the dishwasher is hot. Most new dishwashers heat the water right in the tub to compensate for low temperature hot water supplies. If the dishwasher does not have a heat booster, run the hot water at the kitchen sink for a few minutes to clear the line of cool water before turning on the dishwasher.

Scraping And Prerinsing
Pre-rinsing dishes and glassware should not be necessary. An automatic dishwasher detergent and a properly installed and operating dishwasher of reasonably current vintage will do a thorough job with just a scraping off of large food particles. If dishes are loaded into the dishwasher and washed later, the “rinse-hold” cycle can be used; but experience may show that even this is not necessary. Extra heavily soiled cookware may need a rinse, soak or a pre-wash.

Loading The Dishwasher
Variations in dishwashers make it important to study directions and diagrams in the user’s manual. The most important factor is the positioning of the dishes and utensils in relation to the wash action.

• Be sure to place the heavily soiled side of each item facing the source of the water spray at the centre of the tub. Don’t let large items shield small ones. Place cups, bowls and glasses upside down. Flatware should be loaded according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Avoid crowding or nesting spoons together so water can reach the soiled areas.
• Place sharp items with points down for safety reasons.
• Be sure more delicate items are firmly supported by the rack so they won’t topple and possibly break or chip. Experience and results will show how closely together dishes can be placed and how fully the racks can be loaded for satisfactory results.
• Do not put stainless steel and silver flatware in the same silverware basket compartment. Direct contact between these metals can cause permanent damage to the silver. If possible, avoid placing the basket compartment directly in front of the detergent dispenser cups.

Adding Detergent
Use only a product made specifically for automatic dishwashers. Any other type will cause oversudsing and possible damage to the dishwasher. Use the amount recommended on the detergent container and in the user’s manual, adjusting it to the amount of soil, water hardness and load size. Some detergent dispensers have lines to indicate the amount of detergent to add. In hard water, it is particularly important to use detergent as recommended by the dishwasher manufacturer. In general, the harder the water, the more detergent is required. In soft water, less detergent can be used.

Add the detergent to the dispenser cup(s) after the dishwasher is loaded and is ready to be operated. Be sure the dispenser is dry and clean before adding detergent to maintain optimum performance. This also helps prevent powder detergents from becoming caked in the dispenser. Also, be sure to close the dispenser cup lid. Don’t sprinkle or pour detergent on flatware or other metals; spotting and pitting may occur.

Setting The Controls
Depending on the model, various cycles are available to the user. They may vary by the number of washes and rinses, type of load, degree of soil, and type of drying (air or heated). For most full loads, the regular or “normal” cycle will do the job well, but consider all the options and use any of the features the dishwasher offers. Special “energy-saving” cycles may be offered. Don’t shorten the normal wash time just to save energy; the washing action itself takes very little power. A too-short cycle may be a waste of hot water and detergent if results are poor.

Unloading Dishes
When dry and cool, a load of dishes can be left in the dishwasher until needed. Most users agree that unloading should be done before starting to prepare the next meal. To avoid the doubt about “clean or dirty,” leave the door latched until all clean dishes are put away. Some newer models have a signal device to indicate the dishwasher has been run.

Please see the question below ‘Which items should be washed by hand (and why)?

Common questions and their answers

Common dishwashing problems, causes, and solutions

Safety, energy, and disposal

Be Smart! Be Safe . . .
It’s a cinch to use your automatic dishwashing detergent safely! Here’s how:

• Like all household cleaning products, store automatic dishwashing detergent out of the reach of small children and pets.
• Don’t fill the dispenser cups until you’re ready to run the dishwasher. Otherwise, curious children or pets may get into them.
• Don’t mix dishwashing detergent with other cleaning products, as irritating fumes could result.
• Keep detergent in original container with the label intact, and never reuse the container.
• Avoid direct contact between gel detergent and skin or clothes.

Product and Package Disposal
You’ve done it all right, now be sure to properly dispose of any leftover product and the empty container. Here’s how:

1. Use the product up.

• If you can’t, give it to someone who can. Be sure the label is intact!

2. If you have to dispose of an unused product:

• Read and follow label directions for disposal.
• Pour powder, liquid and gel detergents, or rinse agents down the drain with plenty of running water.
• Put tablets and solid rinse agents in the trash.
• Do not mix products when disposing.
• Do not reuse containers for any other purpose.

3. Recycle empty containers in a covered recycling bin.

Energy Saving Tips
The number one energy tip is to do it right the first time to prevent re-washing! For energy efficiency, follow these simple guidelines:

• Run the dishwasher only when you have a full load. In between loads, use the “rinse-hold” cycle or hand rinse dirty dishes before loading them.
• Don’t overload the dishwasher.
• Dishes aren’t too dirty? Use a cycle requiring less water.
• Use the recommended amount of detergent.
• Skip the drying cycle whenever possible. It can save about 15% on your total operating cost. If your machine doesn’t have an “energy saving” or “air/no heat” cycle, move the dial to the “off” position after the final rinse. Use a rinse agent to help promote drying!
• Clean the filter regularly according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• If necessary, insulate water heater and delivery pipes to avoid heat loss between the hot water supply and the dishwasher.