5 Tips for Increasing Your Dishwasher Efficiency

Having a dishwasher in the home can be a great time saver, but it’s important to ensure you use it properly. Overloading the machine or ignoring the signs of damage can lead to pricey repairs. In the worst-case scenario, you may need to replace the appliance altogether. Prevent the headache of that with these tips for increasing your dishwasher efficiency.

Run the Right Cycle

It’s important to note that not all cycles are created equal, and some may use more water and energy than others. However, by understanding your dishwasher’s cycle options and selecting the appropriate one for your load, you can save energy, water, and money in the long run. Plus, you’ll keep your appliance working efficiently for years.

Running your dishwasher on the appropriate cycle can impact the efficiency and longevity of your appliance. However, using a light cycle on a heavy load could cause problems with the appliance because it increases the risk of clogs.

Main Dishwasher Cycles

Below, we’ve touched on the three most commonly used cycles so you know which to use and when.

Heavy-Duty Cycle

This cycle can handle heavily soiled dishes with food baked on them. Typically, the heavy-duty cycle uses the most water and the longest wash time of all cycles, but it ensures all dishes come out sparkling clean.

Normal Cycle

The “normal cycle” is for lightly soiled dishes. It uses just enough water and a moderate amount of time to clean dishes thoroughly without damaging them or wasting energy.

Light Cycle

This cycle is best for very lightly soiled dishes. The express cycle uses the least amount of water and energy and typically takes about 20 minutes.

Learn the Signs of Damage

As with any appliance, you should learn to recognize the signs that your dishwasher needs repair. By being able to identify and address issues early on, you can prevent more significant and costly repairs from being necessary.

Some of the most common signs of damage in dishwashers include the following:

• Water leakage
• Unusual noises
• Strange smells from the interior
• The door won’t latch
• Dishes don’t get clean

By addressing these signs of damage head-on, you’ll ensure your dishwasher runs more efficiently for longer periods without breaking down. Additionally, a well-maintained dishwasher can conserve valuable water and energy resources. It can also help prolong your dishwasher’s life span, reducing your carbon footprint and saving you lots of money in the process.

Contact Advanced Appliance

If you notice your dishwasher won’t work properly, contact our team for a repair. We offer Miele appliance service in Monmouth and Middlesex Counties, NJ, plus work on other appliance brands.

Wash Full Loads Only

Washing full loads in your dishwasher saves you time on cleaning and maintains the machine’s effectiveness. Dishwashers use approximately the same amount of energy and water whether you run a small or full load, so maximizing your appliance’s capacity makes sense.

Additionally, dishwashers work best when they have enough dishes to circulate water and cleaning detergents effectively. Running mini loads means placing fewer dishes inside, creating sluggish water flow and affecting the sprayer arm’s rotation. This often results in a poor wash, causing you to run the dishwasher several times.

Moreover, many dishwashers have sensors that detect the machine’s load size and adjust water and detergent usage accordingly. Unfortunately, these sensors wear out over time, and your dishwasher may use more energy and water than necessary, causing utility bills to rise. When this occurs, it’s best to contact a repair technician to prevent further damage to the machine.

Don’t Overfill It

Avoid packing dishes too tightly, as this will impede the effectiveness of the dishwasher’s cleaning action. When purchasing the appliance, review the manual to see the manufacturer’s recommendations on how much you should load into the machine. Overloading your dishwasher may block the spray arm, leading to some of your dishes coming out dirty.

Dishwasher Safe Only

The dishwasher makes cleaning the kitchen quick and easy; however, that doesn’t mean everything can go into it. Most manufacturers stamp or print on the base of a dish whether it’s dishwasher safe. If it doesn’t state this, never put the dish into the appliance, as it could cause serious damage.

Use the Right Detergent

Another way to increase your dishwasher efficiency is by always purchasing the appropriate detergent for your machine. Using anything other than a detergent specifically designed for dishwashers can lead to poor cleaning results, residue buildup, or even damage to your appliance. The right detergent has a specific formula that removes tough stains and grease from your dishes without leaving behind any harmful chemicals or residue.

Use the Right Amount

In addition to buying the appropriate detergent, you need to use the right amount. This is more specific to liquid detergents, as pods go into a single slot in the appliance. Not using enough detergent can also lead to poor cleaning, resulting in dirty dishes and even the growth of harmful bacteria.

On the other hand, using too much detergent can result in suds overflowing out of the dishwasher. This can damage your machine and necessitate costly repairs. Regularly checking your machine’s detergent levels and using a high-quality detergent will help your dishwasher work efficiently and provide clean, sparkling dishes every time you run it.

Clean and Maintain the Dishwasher

As with any appliance, regular maintenance will prolong the life span of your dishwasher and prevent costly repairs. However, when you neglect cleaning the filters and running a cleaning cycle, food particles and residue can accumulate over time and clog the dishwasher’s spray arm, drain, and pump. This leads to poor cleaning performance and even a foul smell.

The buildup of grime and grease can clog the small holes in the spray arm, which affects water flow and prevents dishes from getting thoroughly cleaned.

Check Filters Regularly

Keeping the dishwasher filters clean helps ensure dishes always come out clean and prevents clogs in the drainage system. Once a month, you should inspect the filter and wash it to keep your dishwasher running smoothly for years.

Run a Cleaning Cycle

Running a cleaning cycle once a week keeps your machine working efficiently and smelling fresh. However, over time, food debris, grease, and minerals can build up inside the dishwasher, leading to clogs, bad odors, and even damage to the machine.

In addition to using baking soda or a dishwasher cleaner on the inside, it’s also a good idea to clean the filters, spray arms, and seals of the dishwasher. By running a cleaning cycle regularly, you can prevent these issues from occurring and ensure your dishwasher runs smoothly and effectively for years to come.

Contact Us

Make an appointment with Advanced Appliance if your dishwasher doesn’t work as it should. We serve Monmouth and Middlesex Counties in NJ. Our knowledgeable technicians will get your dishwasher working again.