Most dishwashers don’t clean well due to the human factor, meaning that we often do something wrong. While mechanical issues can sometimes occur, in most cases, humans are to blame.
The most common problems are improper rinsing and incorrect loading. Below are some of the mistakes we make that hinder the dishwasher’s performance.
- You need to clean the dishwasher.
Many people assume that dishwashers clean themselves, but that’s not the case. Most dishwashers operate better when they are clean. If you have a newer dishwasher, start by checking the condition of the filter, as that’s where all the food residues end up during the wash cycle.
“It’s very easy to clean it; just remove it and rinse it under water. If that was the issue, you’ll notice a significant difference in the cleanliness of your dishes during the next wash,” said Kate Jennings, the Customer Support Manager at Seventh Generation.
You might also need to use a dishwasher cleaning solution to remove accumulated limescale or residue.
- You rinse the dishes too much.
“Dishwashers work better if your plates are slightly dirty. You don’t want to put a plate with pasta sauce still stuck on it, but if there’s a little sauce residue, it actually helps the dishwasher,” Jennings explains.
She elaborates that this is because the enzymes and surfactants in dishwasher detergents work best when they come into contact with food particles since they have something to latch onto and clean more effectively.
- You’re using the wrong dishwasher detergent.
If a particular detergent works perfectly for your friend, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the same for your dishwasher. It all depends on the water hardness in your area.
“Try several different dishwasher detergents until you find the one that works best for you,” advises Jennings.
- You’re loading the dishwasher incorrectly.
“Unlike laundry that you can just toss into the washing machine, how you load the dishes in the dishwasher is important. Read the instructions that came with your dishwasher to see their recommendations for loading dishes. Again, this can vary from one dishwasher to another, so don’t rely on what you’ve seen at your neighbor’s or friend’s house,” says Jennings. Following these instructions often allows you to fit more dishes in the dishwasher.
- You need to use a rinse aid.
Many dishwasher manufacturers recommend using a rinse aid, but only a few people actually do.
“A rinse aid is great because you just fill a small container, and then you don’t have to think about it anymore, and your dishes will still be cleaner,” concludes Jennings.
By avoiding these common mistakes and taking the recommended steps, you can ensure that your dishwasher performs optimally, delivering cleaner dishes and a more efficient cleaning process.
