Many people think using dishwashers is pretty simple. What else do you have to do apart from loading it up and hitting the start button? It’s not rocket science. But if you want to extend the lifespan of your dishwasher, you need to be aware of certain mistakes you might be making.
1. Pre-rinsing dirty dishes
You might think you’re doing your dishwasher a big favour by pre-rinsing your dishes after a meal. But you might be surprised that it is unnecessary and time-wasting to do so, and your dishes will likely come out dirtier than before! Plus, pre-rinsing only increases your water consumption, so it’s probably why you are spending more on your water bills.
2. You use liquid or powder detergent
Just because a product is a detergent doesn’t mean it has the same cleaning power as other products or has a multifunctional purpose. Some cleaning products are designed to handle specific household tasks. So, for dishwashing, it’s better to use tablets or pods instead of liquid or powder detergents.
3. Not cleaning the filters
It would be best if you cleaned your filters, no matter how disgusting it might be, getting rid of all that yucky stuff. Despite being gross, you must clean your filters at least once monthly, especially if you want to prevent your machine from getting clogged up. If this is too much of a chore, you should consider hiring professional help. A plumber can clean out a clogged dishwasher to prevent any damage.
4. You load some dishes on the top rack
Where you place your dishes in your dishwasher matters, your dishes should always go to the bottom rack, as it’s designed specifically for those, and the cleaning is much more thorough. You can place other items like glasses, bowls, and cups at the top. Plates, saucepans, and other cooking utensils belong at the bottom. Some kitchenware is susceptible to damage, especially when put in the wrong rack.
5. Overloading the unit
Sometimes it seems smarter to cram all your dirty dishes into the dishwasher. You’re getting a lot more done in record time. Who doesn’t like to take a quick shortcut? But, for your dishwasher’s sake, avoid over-stacking it, especially if you want clean dishes. Poorly arranged and stacked dishes can block your detergents and water jets from working, so you will still spend a lot of time cleaning dirty dishes after a wash.
6. Not using rinse aid
If you want cleaner dishes, you must use a rinse aid. If you don’t know what rinse aid is, it is a surfactant that helps dishes dry faster and prevents water droplets from remaining on your dishware. Luckily, several detergents on the market contain rise aid, so you can switch or top up your detergent if yours doesn’t.
Are you surprised to see the little mistakes you’ve been making? Your dishwasher is a lifesaver and needs to be treated as such. So, the next time you need to wash a load, remember these tips and use them correctly.
