‘Now and again, you should run your dishwasher on empty, using the hottest cycle possible.’
- Ashley Iredale, appliance expert
If you read no further than the quote, you are in for a pretty trouble-free relationship with your fabulous dishwashing machine. But, like all relationships, the more you put in, the more you get out of it.
We know you find it hard to tear yourself away from your beautiful new eco dishwasher at the best price and that you’ve given guests a tour of its spectacular capabilities. Now it’s time for the grown-up stuff. But, of course, we know you sensibly chose the one that’s just right for you, so don’t stop enjoying your new acquisition!
In the interest of after-purchase tips, we truly want you to keep enjoying your dishwashing machine for a long time. Your part is to learn enough about your smart appliance to lengthen its life span rather than shorten it with rookie mistakes.
How Long Should My Dish Washing Machine Last?
Most manufacturers expect a ten-year lifespan. That's the good news. According to Consumer Report, the bad news is that, like many marriages, 24.5 % broke down within the first five years!
It is common for machines to be discarded within seven years of purchase. Don’t let this happen to you. Fair’s fair, sometimes unavoidable problems occur to the best of us from the best of suppliers, but let it never be due to preventable mismanagement on your part.
Seriously Hot Tip: Run the hot water tap in your kitchen till it starts to heat up. Your dishwasher will have the capability to heat cold water to temperature, but that may take your entire cycle. (So that you don’t waste a drop of precious water, have a jug handy to conserve the water you run.)
Many smart dishwashers will wait until the correct water temperature before starting the cycle, but that also lengthens the duration of your wash - which is fine if time isn’t critical for you.
Here are our top five dos and don’ts, mythbusters, and tips to ensure you dwell intelligently with your dishwashing machine to the end of spending many happy years together.
1. Cleanliness Is Next To Happiness
It may seem a bit of an oxymoron to have to clean something that cleans, but of everything you do to support the health and wellbeing of your dishwashing machine, this is possibly the most crucial.
Here’s a little routine you can adopt to make sure you cover all your bases:
● Weekly - clean the filter and wipe the door seals
● Monthly - deep clean the interior and check the spray arms
That’s not hard, is it? To deep clean, apply the opening quote!
2. DON’T Pre-Rinse Dishes
You gotta love this one! To clarify, we’re not suggesting you fling plates, pots, and pans in with leftover food bits. In this case, knowledge is power, so we'll explain it carefully.
Most, if not all, dishwashing detergents, whether soaps or tablets, have a secret. They contain a brilliant little enzyme that reacts biologically and exclusively with food particles.
No food particles? No shine! When the detergent can't use its secret ingredient, it just leaves a chalky film on your dishes!
Yeah. We’ll give you a moment to read that again. Teach this to your family and fellow dishwasher owners or users. Write it on the notes for running your dishwasher in your vacation home or your Air BnB.
3. The Right Detergent Does the Right Job
So, no… don’t ever be tempted to cheat in your relationship by using hand dishwashing liquid for your sophisticated eco dishwasher, ok? Detergent manufacturers have done loads of research to verify the ingredients used for different wash applications.
Rule of Thumb: Hand washing detergents include ingredients that create a sudsy, bubbly wonderland because many believe that only soapy water can clean. Automatic washing detergents exclude anything of the sort because all it does in a machine is clog the pipes and cut the cleaning efficacy in half.
Pods/Tablets vs Powders and Gels
According to Consumer Reports, the best-performing pods and tablets clean better than the best gels and powders for two reasons:
- Pods and tablets have more target-specific power-cleaning ingredients, such as a pre-treat solution, degreaser, and rinse aid.
- Pods and tablets are much more concentrated.
4. Don’t Skip Rinse-Aid
Even if your chosen detergent includes rinse-aid properties, it’s still a good idea to add your own for a perfect finish. A rinse-aid liquid reacts with water, causing it to ‘sheet’ over the dishes rather than leaving beads of liquid which cause spotting.
If your machine has a rinse-aid reservoir, simply check that it's filled.
5. Wash Whenever You Want
Another awesome mythbuster is about to be revealed! Everyone says not to run the dishwasher till it’s fully loaded, right? Well, only if you’re using some old, eco-unfriendly version that still uses a whopping 50 gallons (150 litres) of water per load! Crazy right?
Welcome to the new talents of your eco-friendly kitchen maid. Dishwashers are more energy-efficient and water-efficient than handwashing dishes, even on half loads. Feel free to pay that beautiful attribute forward and share it.
Dish Washing FAQs
You might have some questions, and that’s ok. Here are some common dish washing FAQs and their answers to help work through all the available information out there.
Is it ok to mix different types of dishes in the dishwasher?
Yes, it is usually ok to mix different types of dishes in the dishwasher as long as large items don't block the spray arms. When packing a dishwasher, it is important to ensure that larger and heavier items are placed away from more delicate items.
This way, the heavier items will not be able to move around and come into contact with the delicate items, avoiding the risk of them breaking or chipping. First, arrange the larger and heavier items in the bottom of the dishwasher, ensuring they are not blocking the spray arms. Then, layer the lighter and more delicate items on the top shelf. Also, make sure to separate delicate items from each other, as they can clink and chip. Finally, spread out the items in the racks so that water can reach them all.
What are the benefits of using a dish washing machine?
Dish washing machines offer a range of benefits. For starters, they can save you lots of time and energy compared to hand-washing dishes by hand. They are also much more hygienic, as they use hot water and detergent to thoroughly clean the dishes.
In addition, they can often clean dishes more thoroughly than washing by hand, as their cleaning process is more effective at removing grease and stuck-on food particles. In addition, dish washing machines use significantly less water than hand-washing dishes, making them a great option for those looking to reduce their water consumption.
How often should the filter in a dish washing machine be cleaned?
The filter in your dish washing machine should be cleaned at least once every month. Overloading the dishwasher and using too much detergent can cause the filter to become clogged and reduce the machine's efficiency, so it's important to ensure it's kept clean.
To clean the filter, first, unscrew the filter and remove it from the dishwasher. Then, gently scrub the filter using a soft brush or damp cloth to remove any large particles. Finally, rinse the filter off with water and return it to the dishwasher.
Are dish washing machines energy efficient?
Dish washing machines are designed to save energy and water compared to hand dishwashing. These machines are popular for their energy efficiency, and many models offer additional energy-saving features. For example, some machines have sensors that detect the soil level of the dishwater and adjust the cycle time and temperature accordingly.
Some also offer a “half-load” setting for smaller loads, so you don't waste energy cleaning a full cycle of dishes. By using these settings, you can save energy while still achieving optimal cleaning performance.
A delay timer on a dishwasher can be a great help to busy families. It allows you to put your dishes in the machine and set it to start running at a time that is convenient for you. This means you can load your dishes before you leave for work and have them start washing when you come home. It also helps you to save energy by allowing you to wait for lower energy-rate periods and take advantage of them.
Technological Advances & Your Dishwashing Machine
Your dishwashing machine has another relationship you should know. Technology will always be its best friend, and that connection will benefit you immensely.
Yes, today’s machines are more sensitive than those of generations past. It knows when soft or hard water is present, it recognises the load size you've asked it to clean, and all it's asking of you is to trust that it can genuinely deliver clean, sterilised dishes, pots, and pans using very little water.
Hot Tip: Run your dishwashing machine at night! Yes, you read that right. First, your new eco dishwasher runs quietly enough to operate in the same room where your family is watching the telly. But, more to the point, most electricity suppliers (no names, no pack drill) bill higher rates in peak hours. Nuff said.
Ultimately, your magnificent dishwashing machine wants you to save energy, spend less time scrubbing dishes, and have more time with your family. That kind of selfless interest in a relationship is worth your every care in return.
Defy is one of the country’s leading manufacturers of sustainable domestic appliances, boasting significant advantages for South African consumers. Think about this every time you say goodnight and thank you to your well-chosen dishwashing machine. Hopefully, you will be together for many years to come.
