Simple tricks for spotless dishes and a well-maintained dishwasher

A dishwasher can make kitchen cleanup a breeze, but there are a few tricks to ensure it works at its best. With some simple preparation and regular maintenance, you can keep your dishes spotless and your machine running smoothly.

Preparing dishes for the perfect clean

Getting your dishes sparkling clean starts long before the dishwasher kicks into action. While modern dishwashers are powerful, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring every load comes out spotless.

Smart sorting for better results: To ensure your dishwasher performs at its best, organize dishes by material and size, placing heavier items like pots and pans at the back, while delicate items such as glasses and smaller bowls should go on the top rack. This prevents large items from blocking the water jets and ensures all dishes receive equal attention during the wash cycle.

Utensil placement for a spotless finish: How you spread out utensils matters, so avoid nesting them together for spotless results. Place forks, knives, and spoons with their handles facing down, making sure they’re arranged for optimal water flow. If your dishwasher has a third rack for cutlery, use it to free up space and improve overall cleaning efficiency.

Getting the most out of your dishwasher

A properly used dishwasher can save you tons of time and effort, but it’s frustrating when dishes come out with stubborn spots. Luckily, getting better results is easy with a few small habit changes, so you can avoid those annoying moments of disappointment.

Choosing the right program for the job: It’s easy to hit the same program button out of habit, but not all dish loads are created equal. Your dishwasher likely has several different settings, each designed to handle specific needs. For instance, if you’ve had a dinner party and the dishes are covered in grease, the heavier wash cycle will be your best friend. On the other hand, if you’re just doing a quick load of lightly used glasses and plates, a shorter or eco-friendly cycle, such as the AutoProgram, will save water and energy without sacrificing cleanliness.

Don’t use too much detergent: Don’t use dishwasher pods on shorter programmes, as they might not dissolve fully, because they are designed for longer, more thorough washing cycles. In shorter cycles, there isn’t enough time for the pod’s detergent to completely break down and disperse, which can lead to residue being left on dishes or the pod not working effectively. For longer cycles, on the other hand, you can rely on the SmartDosing feature in your dishwasher—simply pour the detergent in a special container and your dishwasher will automatically release the right amount of detergent, depending on the programme you have selected.

Don’t forget the rinse aid: If your glassware comes out of the dishwasher with streaks or spots, the problem could be as simple as a lack of rinse aid. This small addition helps water slide off your dishes more easily, so they come out sparkling and streak-free. It’s an easy step to overlook, but it makes a noticeable difference, especially if you’re living in an area with hard water.

Temperature matters more than you think: Ever wonder why certain foods—like egg or oatmeal—are so hard to remove? The answer can be found in the temperature. Hot water works wonders on greasy or fatty stains, while cooler water is better for protein-based residues, which can actually stick more firmly when exposed to heat. By understanding these small nuances, you can customize each load to get better results without using excessive energy or harsh chemicals.

Maintaining your dishwasher for peak performance

We tend to forget that even the hardest-working appliances need a bit of care to keep them running smoothly, and your dishwasher is no exception. Regular maintenance not only keeps it performing at its best but also prevents small issues from turning into bigger, more expensive problems down the line.

Clean the filters regularly: The filter is your dishwasher’s first line of defence against food debris and grime. Over time, blockages can reduce your dishwasher’s efficiency, as sometimes, larger pieces of food get stuck in them, which is a great opportunity to try out the SelfCleaning programme in your dishwasher.

Give the spray arms some attention: Those powerful jets of water that clean your dishes come from the spray arms, which can get clogged with food particles over time. If your dishes aren’t getting as clean as they used to, it might be because the spray arms aren’t functioning at full capacity. Simply remove them, give them a good rinse, and use a toothpick or small brush to clear out any blocked holes.

Clean the seals: Dishwasher seals, especially around the door, can collect grease and food residue over time, which can lead to unpleasant smells. Wipe down the door seal regularly with a damp cloth and a mild detergent to keep it in good condition.

By following these practical tips, you can enjoy consistently clean dishes and keep your dishwasher in top shape. A little extra care goes a long way in preventing issues and ensuring your appliance performs efficiently for years to come. Take the time to apply these simple strategies, and you’ll find dishwashing to be a more reliable and hassle-free task.