The modern world we live in allows us to make a number of household chores as easy as possible. Washing dishes is one of them. All you need to do is arrange the dirty dishes, insert the dishwasher tablet and simply the start button of your dishwashing machine. Simples!
Having said that, let’s not forget that this helpful appliance needs proper usage and regular maintenance too. In the following lines we are going to share some useful tips in that regard.
What dishes can be cleaned in the dishwashing machine?
Only load dishes suitable for washing in a dishwasher. Not all dishes are dishwasher safe, especially aluminium or plastic ones. Wooden, glass, painted ceramics should be hand washed. Knives too, so they don’t get dulled by the high temperature of the water. Do not wash porcelain products in the dishwashing machine either. Under the influence of hot water, porcelain can quickly become covered with a network of fine cracks.
Crystal items are best hand washed too as they are very fragile and may break while in the machine. Also, automatic washing is contraindicated for certain metal products, such as silverware. Do not put unglazed pottery and art in the dishwasher. Thermoses and thermo cups also have no place in it.
Correct usage of the dishwashing machine
Remove food residue from your dishes before loading. This will make it easier to clean the dishes and make your dishwasher less likely to clog. Fill your dishwashing machine optimally to avoid water loss, but don’t overload it. Place plates, bowls and large pans on the bottom, glasses on top and forks and spoons in the cutlery basket.
There should be gaps between dishes and utensils to wash them well. Pour detergent into the dispenser up to the fill line. Take a liquid dishwashing detergent or tablet and put in the soap dispenser.
Never use regular dish soap in the dishwasher as it may lather too much and overflow. If you notice stains on your dishes, you may have hard water or water with a lot of minerals in it. This can be avoided by adding special dishwasher salt to the appropriate compartment.
Use regenerating salt to soften the water
The salt is loaded before the start of the process in a special container located at the bottom of the chamber. The main thing that every user of specialised dishwashing equipment must definitely understand is that only special detergents are allowed in the appliance. No washing powder, soap or hand dishwashing liquid.
The most common forms of dishwashing detergent are powder and tablets. The latter are more convenient to use and dose. However, tablets also have their disadvantages. They are not recommended for use in short cycles, since the tablet does not have time to dissolve completely.
You can also use shine detergent which is a special liquid that is poured into the corresponding compartment on the inside of the machine door. After the wash cycle is finished, the machine door should be left open for a while to allow the residual moisture to evaporate from it.
Prevention and cleaning of the dishwashing machine
Your dishwasher should be cleaned regularly to avoid the build-up of food residue, grease and undissolved detergent. If it’s made of plastic, use soap and hot water to wipe the outside. If it is made of stainless steel, spray it with glass cleaner and wipe with a soft cloth. Clean the individual parts of the interior in the sink using warm soapy water.
The nozzles on the rotating blades that spray water into the dishwasher must be cleaned regularly. This can be done with a toothpick or wooden skewer. Then transfer them to your sink and rinse them with warm, soapy water. Clean the seal around the dishwasher door often enough. Run a clean cloth over the rubber seal around the dishwasher door. This will help the machine seal to avoid leaks in the future.
Basic cleaning of the dishwasher
If you use it every day, basic cleaning should be done once a month. If you run it less often – once every few months should be fine. Pour 150-200 mL of white vinegar into a bowl and place it in the centre of the lower rack. Without adding any detergent, run the dishwasher on the most intensive setting and let it finish the cycle. If your dishwasher isn’t draining properly and starts leaking, call a professional immediately.
Final notes
The dishwashing machine is an appliance that can help you wash your dishes to perfection, saving time and water. If you use it correctly, keep it clean and have it regularly serviced, it will produce excellent results for years to come.
And if you feel that home cleaning is not your cup of tea, you can always delegate that tedious task to a professional cleaning company. Feel free to contact us and request a home cleaning quote. You can find more info about our domestic cleaning services at Merci Cleaning London or on our official Facebook page.
You might also like: How to deep clean your fridge to a sparkle?
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