If there is a dishwasher in the house, disputes about who washes the dishes should be over. But with a new assistant comes new responsibilities. Its owners will not only have to take care of its cleanliness and serviceability, but also correctly arrange plates, cups and cutlery in it. Let's figure out how to load dishes into a dishwasher (DMM).
Preparing for washing
The first load takes 20 minutes for users who have no experience with a dishwasher. Having acquired the dexterity, dishwasher owners cope with the task of loading a standard batch in half the time; it takes 10 minutes.
Before placing plates in baskets, they are cleaned of food residues, otherwise they will then have to be removed from filters, hoses and pipes. It is better to remove food in advance rather than disassemble and clean problematic units. This can be done conveniently with napkins, sponges, or a rubber spatula. No solid food should be allowed into the hopper.
Pre-rinse
Do I need to rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher? Thanks to rinsing, any utensils are washed better. But then the question arises: why spend money on PMM if you have to remove half-eaten food, lay out the plates correctly, and even pre-rinse it? If you load the plates immediately after eating, you won’t have to do anything; they will wash perfectly. But if the food is dry, then the plates and bowls should be rinsed before loading into the hopper.
How to place mugs and glasses?
Let's start with the arrangement of cups, mugs and glasses. They are placed in the top container, upside down, the water will wash them from the inside. If you place them on their side, horizontally, they will not wash off and water from the spray nozzles will not get inside them.
There are special holders for glasses. Wine glasses are placed with the stem up. It’s a bit cramped in the bunker, and users are wondering if it’s possible for the glasses to touch? It is forbidden. When washing, glass can break due to micro-collisions of neighboring wine glasses. In addition to glasses, the plastic holder will comfortably accommodate coffee cups.
The “seat” for plates is determined according to size and shape. It is better to put small items in the upper basket; it is suitable for bowls, gravy boats, salt shakers, bowls, dessert plates, bowls and saucers.
If the washing is carried out with a slight heating of the water, it is allowed to place plastic products at the top; they are placed at a distance from the heater to avoid deformation of the material.
The lower basket is filled with soup bowls. Large ones are placed around the edges. The smaller ones are in the center. This is done to ensure water access to the top tray. The plates are placed with their front sides facing the center point of the chamber, so that adjacent bowls do not touch. A large gap between the “neighbors” ensures high-quality washing; this is the main principle of correct loading.
Arrangement of cutlery
Knives, forks and spoons of all types and sizes, collectively referred to as cutlery, are placed in a separate basket. Arrange them freely, trying not to place identical devices next to each other. If packed tightly, spoons and forks will not be washed. The position of the knives is strictly with the blade down.
New PMM models from the Bosch and Siemens brands are equipped with a special tray for spoons and forks. It is located upstairs. The devices are placed in a horizontal position; this is economical, safe and ensures high-quality washing.
How to place large dishes?
Baking trays, frying pans, saucepans, etc. placed in the lower container. It is recommended to arrange a separate wash for it without glass, porcelain and crystal items. It is better to wash them intensively, in hot water. Pans and baking sheets are placed on their sides, pots are turned upside down, or placed diagonally. Thanks to a reasonable arrangement, water jets will reach each product, and there will be no obstacles to access to the top.
The removable handles of the pans are removed. They must not touch the walls of the chamber. When placing large dishes in the lower tray, the main thing is not to turn them upside down, otherwise water will not get to the top. If you do decide to place the pots this way, then do not place anything on top and use the “half load” mode. This way you will reduce your water and electricity consumption. Place baking sheets on the sides of the lower basket.
What about kitchen utensils?
What about ladles, skimmers, cutting boards? They can be washed in a machine if they are not made of wood or plastic. Plastic items can be placed on top, boards on the sides of one of the trays. It is better to wash cutting boards by hand. Ladles and skimmers are placed horizontally.
How much does it fit?
How many pots, plates and spoons can you wash at once? Read the instructions to see the capacity. Unit of measurement sets. In small-sized PMMs, 6 sets are washed per cycle, in narrow ones no more than 11, in full-size ones no more than 17.
A set is a set of dishes needed by one person. The manufacturer knows what is included in the kit. Approximate contents: a couple of plates, cutlery, a cup. In fact, the machine fits about 12-14 sets. If you need to wash an additional couple of pots and pans, then less.
- Do not cram a lot of dishes at once; leave space between adjacent items.
- Before loading the product into the chamber, look for signs on it that allow or prohibit washing in a dishwasher.
- Place large items, such as frying pans, away from fragile items.
- Do not load wood products.
- Immediately send dirty plates to the chamber, then the food on them will not dry out and they will be easy to wash.
Just as a car will not work without gasoline and oil, a dishwasher is practically useless without detergents, regeneration salt and rinse aid. To take really clean and shiny dishes out of the dishwasher, you need to use effective detergents, of which there are quite a few on the modern market. Let's try to figure out what you can use to wash dishes in the dishwasher today.
Do you want powder or tablets?
Remember, under no circumstances should you use regular soap and powder to wash dishes in the dishwasher.
There are two types of dishwasher detergents available: powdered and tablets. When choosing a dishwasher, you should definitely check with the sellers about what types of detergents can be loaded into the appliance you like.
Powder is the most popular and affordable detergent. On average, about 25-30 g of powder is consumed per washing cycle, so to purchase a kilogram of this detergent, which is enough for 35-40 cycles, you will need 180-450 rubles.
Thus, the cost of one washing cycle using powder is 4-8 rubles. As a rule, a measuring spoon is supplied with the packaging to correctly determine the required amount of powder, or the packaging indicates the volume of the container lid, which in this case can be used as a measuring container.
Tablets are slightly more convenient to use than powder because they do not accidentally spill during use. It should be borne in mind that, as a rule, detergent in tablets is slightly more expensive per wash cycle than detergent in powder. Tablets can be single-layer (standard detergent), multi-layer and multi-layer combined (such as “3 in 1”), with different rates of dissolution of the layers.
It must be taken into account that detergents in the form of tablets sometimes do not have time to dissolve during short programs. For this reason, dishwasher manufacturers recommend choosing normal duration programs when using detergent tablets. The dosage depends on the volume of the dishwasher and is usually indicated in technical specifications unit.
The usual consumption of detergent in tablets is one tablet per cycle; in the case of very hard water, the initial dosage should be increased by one tablet. On average, a package of 25 tablets costs about 180-250 rubles, and a package of 60 tablets costs over 400 rubles. Typically, 1 tablet is placed in a standard dishwasher for 12 place settings. Thus, the cost of one washing cycle using tablets is 6-8 rubles (in this case we are talking about standard detergents, and not “3 in 1” tablets).
There are also combined tablets
By using multi-layer combined detergents in the form of tablets, you simultaneously load the machine with detergent components, water softening components and replacing regenerating salt, and rinse aid. Dishwasher models that allow the use of combined products are now becoming more common. To be sure of this possibility, you need to check the instructions.
However, we must not forget that this remedy is not suitable for a short program for the same reason: it takes too long for the combined tablet to dissolve. It is also not recommended to use combined detergents in regions with very hard or, conversely, very soft water.
Nevertheless, dishwashers with a special program, maximally adapted for the use of combined tablet detergents, have begun to appear on the market of modern household appliances. Most manufacturers (for example, Miele, Electrolux, AEG, Bosch, Siemens, Gorenje, Asko) provide dishwashers a special three-in-one function that configures any available wash program to use combined detergents.
About alkalis and enzymes
Based on the degree of impact on dishes, detergents can be divided into two groups. The first will include highly alkaline detergents containing caustic alkaline components, such as sodium carbonates, silicates, phosphates, chemical bleaches based on oxygen or chlorine. The purpose of these components is saponification and destruction of fatty and protein contaminants.
Secondly, weakly alkaline detergents. Slightly alkaline products usually contain enzymes. An indication of the presence of enzymes in a detergent means that this detergent is optimally suited for washing dishes at a water temperature of about 45-50 degrees, because it is in this mode that ideal conditions are created for the manifestation of the properties of enzymes.
Enzymes are biological enzyme additives that break down proteins, fats and polysaccharides that make up contaminants. Detergents typically contain the following types of enzymes: proteases (alkaline), which help remove protein-based soils, and amylases, which are effective in removing starchy soils such as mashed potatoes, pasta, cereals, custards, sauces and chocolate. The use of amylases in combination with proteases mutually enhances the effect of both substances.
Lipases facilitate the removal of fat and oil-based stains left behind by fatty foods. But it is insoluble proteins, fats and oils that firmly “eat into” the dishes, especially if several hours have passed after using them. In this case, the use of detergents with enzymes significantly increases the efficiency of washing.
Any detergent, in addition to the components already mentioned, necessarily contains low-foaming surfactants.
More about the chemical composition
If you start to carefully study the packaging of detergent, you will notice that there are three types of detergents:
Detergents containing an oxidizing component based on chlorine are excellent at removing dirt of any type, but, being quite caustic, they are not recommended for washing fragile, thin and metal (aluminum, silver) dishes.
Detergents containing alkaline components and an oxygen-based oxidizing component have a milder bleaching effect, so they are suitable for most types of dishes, with the exception of those discussed later.
Detergents containing alkaline components and enzymes, without oxidizing components, have a good cleaning effect at low temperatures and are gentle on dishes.
Check it a hundred times, one mound
When choosing a detergent, do not forget to check what types of dishes it is suitable for washing. If there are no special marks, you should not risk washing fragile crystal and especially silver using this detergent. To machine wash silver items, you should look for a detergent whose packaging specifies this option.
In principle, some types of dishes can be washed in the dishwasher, but only in a gentle mode and with extreme caution. This means that you should select a delicate program with the lowest temperature and washing duration, and after the end of the cycle, remove the dishes from the machine as quickly as possible. In this case, it is recommended to reduce the dose of detergent used by approximately 1.5 times. Thus, for example, cups and plates with pictures and glazes should be washed separately, using a program for fragile dishes. Utensils that require extreme care also include:
. crockery;
. tableware with overglaze painting, (which, if it does not disappear, may lose color and turn pale);
. aluminum items(aluminum dissolves under the action of alkalis and oxidizing agents);
. glassware, on the packaging of which there is no symbol indicating that it can be washed in a dishwasher: at a temperature of 35-40 degrees, such glass will not crack, but it may become cloudy.
Just in case, we remind you that the following types of dishes are absolutely not intended for washing in the dishwasher, no matter what detergent is used:
. old dishes whose coating is not heat-resistant;
. glued dishes;
. cutlery with wooden, horn, porcelain or mother-of-pearl handles;
. objects made of ordinary (rusting) steel;
. non-heat-resistant plastic items;
. wood products (for example, cutting boards);
. tin or copper objects;
. products of decorative and applied art - for example, Gzhel and Khokhloma;
. very small objects that may fall out of the trays during washing and land on moving parts of the machine.
What to choose from
The range of dishwasher detergents in Russian stores, unlike detergents for hand washing, is not diverse enough. The brands on sale can be counted on one hand, and these are mainly European-made products: Calgonit, Kristall-fix, Somat, Frosch, Dalli, WКultra, Fairy.
Don't forget to rinse...
To completely remove detergent residue from dishes and make them shine, most manufacturers recommend adding a special liquid rinse aid to the machine. It typically contains non-ionic surfactants to ensure effective water wetting of the surface, resulting in faster water drainage, faster drying and the absence of drips and stains on the surface, and acids (for example, citric) to remove and neutralize the alkaline components of the detergent itself. .
The average price for a 500 ml bottle in Moscow household appliance stores is 80-120 rubles. The most popular brands of rinse aids are the same as those for powders: Calgonit, Kristall-fix, Klarspuller.
On average, a bottle of rinse aid with a volume of 0.5-0.7 liters is enough for 10-12 cycles of full washing of dishes in a dishwasher (consumption per cycle is 0.003-0.005 liters). Rinse aid promotes more efficient drying and clarity of glassware; Without rinse aid, dishes, especially glass ones, tend to become dull.
Rinse aids are not harmful to health and are completely washed away during the rinse cycle. However, if there are severe allergies in the family, it is recommended to run the dishwasher again after finishing washing, just in case, by selecting the rinse cycle (this program is usually provided in models of the middle and higher price categories).
And add salt...
To obtain good results when washing dishes, you must use soft water, i.e., containing a small amount of lime. Otherwise, a white lime deposit will appear on the dishes and the inner surface of the dishwasher itself. For information on water hardness levels in your area, visit waterworks. Some dishwasher manufacturers (for example, Brandt) include a tester for determining the level of water hardness complete with the device.
There are 5 levels of water hardness (0-6 dH, 7-11 dH, 12-16 dH, 17-21 dH, 22-35 dH, respectively), and at four of them (from 2 to 5) water requires softening to ensure normal operation of the dishwasher.
In Moscow, tap water has quite high level hardness, so be sure to load regenerating salt into the machine before the wash cycle. In most dishwashers, the container for regenerating salt is large enough, and you can immediately load up to 1-2 kilograms of product into it, and when it comes to the end, the “add salt” indicator on the control panel will light up. The average cost of a standard package of regenerating salt (2 kg) is 130-200 rubles. Regenerating salt is not harmful to health.
To ensure that the quality of washing does not cause the slightest disappointment, it is recommended that before putting the dishes in the machine, wash off any remaining stuck food from them with a strong stream of water. Chances are, even if you don't do this, the dishes will still be sparkling clean at the end of the wash cycle, no matter what, but if the dishes are heavily soiled (this mainly applies to pots and pans), some marks may still remain.
Of course, the frying pan can be put in the machine for one more cycle, and then another (experts believe that in three cycles of operation a dishwasher can steam off any stain, except perhaps lipstick marks), but why waste electricity if you can get by with little - simply place the dirty dishes under running water or soak them in the sink for a while.
When choosing which detergents to use - standard or combined, keep in mind that in the first case you can adjust the consumption of detergents depending on the specific washing conditions, but in the second you constantly spend a certain “average” dose of detergent and cannot save money.
And that's not all!
There are also some accessories available for sale that are designed for dishwashers. These include, firstly, a degreaser - a product for removing grease from the internal parts of the dishwasher (sold in the form of a gel or granular powder); secondly, a deodorant that eliminates unwanted odors in the dishwasher, giving freshly washed dishes a light floral or citrus scent; and thirdly, ensuring that your dishwasher operates optimally and reduces energy consumption.
The degreaser is usually poured (powder) or poured (gel) into the same compartment where detergent powder is usually placed. It is recommended to use a degreaser every 15-20 dishwasher cycles. Detailed instructions instructions for using degreaser and deodorant are always included on the packaging.
There is no need to prove the advantages of having a dishwasher in the kitchen - they are obvious. Those who have already acquired this unit or are seriously thinking about purchasing it should remember that a dishwasher is not a magician. And he can’t do miracles. This article will discuss what and how to wash in the dishwasher.
Dishwashers: washing according to the rules
First, it is necessary to emphasize that each dishwasher model has its own characteristics, which you can (and should!) understand by carefully studying the instructions. However, there is also general rules, as well as some tricks typical for the vast majority of such devices.
Before downloading
To ensure that the dishes are crystal clean after washing in the machine, and the dishwasher itself enjoys long, uninterrupted operation, it is worth performing several simple operations that precede the washing procedure in the machine. All food residues from the plates must be cleaned, otherwise these particles can clog the filters, which will reduce the efficiency of washing, and may subsequently lead to machine breakdown. For the same purpose, it is better to briefly soak pots and pans in water if there are dried or burnt food residues on them. Most dishwashers have a special pre-wash or soak program. It is designed specifically to combat such contaminants and is a short (10 x 15 minutes) washing cycle in cold, less often in hot water. Pre-washing of pans and pots is carried out before the final reloading of the machine with less dirty plates and cups and, in principle, is intended to replace manual soaking. However, if the dishes are very dirty, it is better to combine both, just in case. When the contamination is moderate, especially economical users can achieve some reduction in energy consumption by manually soaking the dishes. However, in this case there is another piece of advice: don’t buy a dishwasher at all, because then the savings will be 100%
Up and down
The dirtiest dishes are always placed in the lower basket: this is where the water jets have the greatest power. Pots, frying pans and their lids are usually placed in it, as well as bowls and components of various appliances that “inhabit” the kitchen (meat grinders, food processors or mixers). Flat trays and lids are best placed on the sides of the basket; Place bowls and pots in the center upside down and at an angle to ensure free circulation and drainage of water. It is better to place knives, forks, spoons, and cutting parts of food processors in a special container with the sharp parts down. It is important to ensure that the dishes do not interfere with the rotation of the water sprayers.
Cups, plates, and other small and fragile items are placed in the upper basket. Glasses and cups are often provided with special holders that ensure their stability during the washing process. Under no circumstances should deep containers be placed inside each other: the machine simply will not be able to rinse them. You should also ensure that lightweight cookware will not be moved or damaged by strong water jets.
Selecting a program
The height of the upper basket in modern dishwashers, as a rule, is adjustable, which allows you to wash dishes of different sizes in the same cycle. However, remember that when loading both small, relatively clean dishes and large, more heavily soiled items into the machine, you need to carefully select the washing temperature. For such a “combined” download, it is better to stick to a regular or economical program. The first, as a rule, is called “everyday wash” or “auto” and consists of a fairly long wash at a temperature of about 60°C, two rinses (in cold and hot water) and drying, if provided for in the model. The economical program includes one or two pre-washes in cold water, a long wash at 50°C, a very hot rinse and drying. For heavily soiled, large and fairly durable dishes, the “intensive” washing mode is suitable. It includes a pre-wash in warm water, then a main wash in very hot water, up to three rinses and drying. But for fragile objects: glasses, glasses, cups made of thin porcelain or glass, this mode is not suitable. For such dishes, many modern models have a special gentle washing program. In this case, washing is carried out at a temperature not exceeding 55 ° C, rinsing first in warm, then in hot water. The choice of washing program also depends on whether you use powdered detergents or a 3-in-1 tablet.
Many dishwashers have a half load function. When using it, only the upper basket is filled with dishes, and the machine uses less water, electricity, as well as detergent, salt and rinse aid. Some particularly “smart” units have an automatic load recognition system. In this case, you won’t have to rack your brains about choosing a more economical mode: the dishwasher itself will “weigh” everything and “save” in accordance with the amount of dishes loaded.
Not everything is suitable!
Unfortunately, not everything can be washed in the dishwasher. Thus, plastic utensils must be marked stating that they are intended for hot food products, otherwise the plastic may not withstand the temperature at which machine washing is carried out. Do not wash earthenware and porcelain dishes that have been glued in the dishwasher. It is also better not to wash painted earthenware or porcelain in the dishwasher: the design may fade.
Crystal and thin glass require especially careful handling. Many manufacturers do not recommend washing real crystal containing lead impurities in the dishwasher at all. Washing is allowed only in some units from individual manufacturers. The model should provide very gentle washing. For example, Miele dishwashers are famous for this. The fact is that crystal, which contains lead (now it is mainly products from the Czech Republic) is very fragile. It is also worth remembering that hot water causes crystal to darken and become cloudy. The same can be said about artistic glass products, which are distinguished by their particular subtlety and complexity of shapes. They can simply be damaged by sufficiently powerful jets of water passing through the sprayer.
In addition to the above-mentioned dishes, products made of rusting steel, cutlery with mother-of-pearl, horn and wooden inserts, and wooden cutting boards are also not subject to machine washing.
Separately, it is necessary to say about antique dishes and silverware. Old enamel and decorative finishing, as a rule, do not tolerate exposure to concentrated detergents used in dishwashers. In principle, you can wash silverware in the dishwasher, but only if you follow certain rules:
Upon completion of work
After the machine has finished working (this will be indicated by a sound signal, a “beam on the floor”, the number “0” or the word “end” on the display), do not rush to unload it immediately; let both the machine and the dishes cool down. Remember that by opening the dishwasher right away, you risk getting burned by hot steam, and hot dishes are more fragile. It is better to unload the lower basket first. This way, drops of water that could remain on items from the upper basket will not fall on the dishes in it.
If something is wrong: problems and solutions
One of the most common problems is dissatisfaction with the washing result. There may be several reasons: a lack of detergent in the machine dispenser, a discrepancy between the selected program and the type of dishes and degree of contamination, interference created by the water sprayers with incorrectly placed dishes, and finally, clogging of the machine filters with food residues.
Another common problem is the presence of whitish spots and smudges on the dishes after washing. This may mean that there is not enough rinse aid in the machine or the lid of the regenerating salt container is not tightly closed.
Finally little trick: the currently popular “3 in 1” dishwasher tablets (combining detergent, salt and rinse aid) often do not have time to dissolve during shortened washing cycles. Therefore, it is better to use them for regular long-term programs that include soaking and several rinses.
By carefully following the recommendations given in this article, as well as gaining the necessary experience in handling a dishwasher, you will learn how to deal with possible problems arising during its operation. IN as a last resort, unwashed dishes can be left in the machine for another cycle. In the end, while the unit is “correcting errors,” you can do something else: spend time with your loved ones or work. After all, with the frantic rhythm of today's life, there is a lack of time serious problem for many. It is the few additional free hours per week that appear when using a dishwasher that, in our opinion, is the main advantage of purchasing it. Naturally, in symbiosis with clean dishes. A dishwasher is not a luxury, but a means of saving your time, of course, if you use it correctly.
To use this assistant correctly, you first need to study the operating instructions, but do not forget about the washing features, which the manufacturer does not always talk about. After reading our tips, your dishes will be washed economically and efficiently.
Before you start giving advice, you need to know how a dishwasher works. The user presses one button, after which the mechanism starts. Water is supplied to the tank, where the heating element brings the water to the most suitable temperature (depending on the selected mode). After heating from the detergent reservoir, the contents enter the reservoir with already warm water, after which the pump comes into operation, which supplies water to the nozzles and sprays it onto the dishes. This is the first stage, which takes an average of 30 minutes and ends with draining the dirty water. After the tank is filled clean water for rinsing. The final stage is drying.
What can be washed in the dishwasher?
Not everything can go in the dishwasher. What can you wash without fear using this mechanism?
- almost any ceramic dishes;
- glass plates (the main thing is that they do not touch, otherwise they may break);
— stainless steel products;
- products made of cupronickel (in the absence of decorative elements);
— thermos (in the upper compartment);
— products with titanium coating (only if gentle products are used);
- porcelain and earthenware dishes (without drawings or gilding).
Some dishes are marked that they are dishwasher safe (this information is provided by manufacturers such as Calphalon, KitchenAid, Frybest, TVS, Alluflon).
Contraindications for washing in the dishwasher
Now let's talk about devices that are prohibited from washing in these household appliances. If you don’t want to be disappointed and throw your favorite dishes into the trash, check out the list below:
- products with Teflon coating (regular washing frying pans or pots with a non-stick coating in the dishwasher will cause the disappearance of this layer);
- enameled and cast iron cookware (the essence of cast iron cookware is hardening, and a dishwasher nullifies it);
- multicooker bowls;
- silver plate;
- crystal;
— cutlery and utensils with decorative elements;
- wooden dishes (swells quickly and forms cracks);
- a garlic press and grater (this is useless, not a single dishwasher will wash out food debris from small holes);
— containers with stickers (if the label comes off the body, nothing bad will happen to the dishes, but equipment may be damaged);
— aluminum dishes (paints the inner surface of the device);
- large kitchen knives (if there are no special racks for sharp objects, otherwise they can damage the rubber and plastic parts of household appliances);
— copper utensils (copper items are attractive with their characteristic color, but they quickly fade in the dishwasher);
— vacuum mugs and drinking bowls, water can easily get inside;
- items made of brass, they may lose their protective layer and become unusable.
What, besides dishes, can be washed in the dishwasher?
These household appliances help not only in the kitchen, but also around the house. In addition to dishes, she washes toys, brushes, sponges and much more:
— sponges for dishes (from time to time they require thorough washing);
— soap dishes, cups and containers for toothbrushes;
— cosmetic brushes (it is impossible to get rid of bacteria manually);
- hair brushes (pre-cleaned);
— vegetables: carrots, pumpkin, beets, potatoes (without using detergents!);
- lampshades;
— filters;
- plastic items;
— vacuum cleaner attachments;
— computer keyboard(placed on the top shelf with the keys facing down);
- caps (easily washed in the dishwasher and do not deform, unlikewashing machine );
— ventilation covers (it’s almost impossible to wash by hand);
— rubber shoes (after cleaning off dirt and removing the insoles);
- baking trays;
- flower pots.
How to arrange dishes inside the equipment?
Household appliances wash every device placed on its territory, but if they are positioned incorrectly, the quality of washing will deteriorate. How to place dishes inside the mechanism for a quality sink?
How to choose the right mode?
The quality of washing and resource consumption depend on the selected mode. The standard washing mode uses several stages: preliminary disposal of food residues, washing with hot water with the addition of detergents, rinsing and drying. In addition to the standard mode, there are several more options:
— intensive washing mode (used to wash particularly dirty dishes (long-term grease deposits, dried stains));
— delicate mode (for “vulnerable” dishes);
— economical mode (low temperature mode, saving resource consumption);
— express mode.
By choosing a mode to suit your specific requirements, you can save not only time, but also the cost of servicing household appliances.
How to choose suitable detergents?
Pay attention only to special products for kitchen aids, no standard dish balms or laundry detergents! Specialized products are divided into two types: powder and tablet.
Each of them has advantages: powder ones are economical (minimal consumption), tablet ones are convenient (they combine detergent, rinse aid and salt). The consumption is as follows: powder 30 grams, tablets - 1 tablet per cycle.
Products are divided into strongly alkaline (for standard washing) and weakly alkaline (for fragile utensils, contain enzymes). If the instructions for the detergent do not contain special operating conditions, it is better not to risk using it for washing silver and crystal.
It’s good if the detergent is made based on natural ingredients, without chlorine, phosphates and other harmful additives. The process occurs due to oxygen and active components. Among the popular “eco” manufacturers of dishwasher detergents are Proprete, Gruen-Green, De la Mark, Klar, as well as:
—Mrs. Meyer’s is a manufacturer that does not use phosphates and chlorine, instead using an oxygen formula;
— Finish Quantum - produces three-component substances: bleaching particles, rinse aid, beads to remove dirt;
— Cascade Complete is a manufacturer that produces a gel product that does its job perfectly.
Dishwasher salt is included in many tablets, but if you are using powder detergent, you will need to purchase additional salt. The amount of this substance depends on the degree of water hardness. Saving on salt will lead to the formation of scale and calcium deposits.
A rinse aid that prevents water stains from forming is used by many users. But it is better if it is part of detergents.
The product for washing household appliances also deserves attention. It is recommended to clean this household appliance once every 5-10 months, depending on the frequency of use. Unfortunately, despite many advantages, a kitchen unit can be a breeding ground for bacteria and microbes that require systematic destruction. Products containing enzymes and polycarboxylates are excellent for washing and disinfecting kitchen appliances.
This material will be useful not only to those who have already installed an automatic assistant at home, but also to those who are just planning to purchase a dishwasher. We've put together 5 top tips for using a home machine, and also given several reasons why you should buy a sink if you haven't already.
Place dishes carefully
Modern dishwashers have several baskets for loading dishes, which allow you to conveniently and neatly arrange items inside the machine. As a rule, the lower tier is used for plates, bowls and trays, where a special tray for cutlery can also be placed. Cups, pots and other large items can be conveniently placed at the top. To understand why exactly this or that compartment was created, carefully read the instructions - there is always an image with the correct way to load dishes.
Choose the right mode
Modern dishwashers offer the user to choose from several modes, a certain combination of washing time and temperature. This could be environmentally friendly, intensive washing or suitable for fragile dishes. Remember that the mode should always correspond to the type of dishes and the degree of soiling. This determines how good the end result will be.
Don't skimp on detergents
Properly selected and high-quality products are the key to not only cleanliness, but also the durability of your dishwasher. If your machine needs detergent, rinse aid and regenerating salt, then you will need to always have all three products with you, and if the machine is “tailored” to universal tablets that combine all three at once, then you should not try to feed it with powders.
Don't forget about water quality
Water hardness is an important factor in the correct operation of the dishwasher. Most often it will need to be softened with special salts. You will not need to top them up as often, but it will be important to do this at the first request of the machine.
Pros of a dishwasher
- Saving money. It is a well-known fact that when washing dishes by hand, many times more water is wasted than when using a machine, which means that utility bills at the end of the month will again not please you. In the first case, the consumption is about 30 to 60 liters of water per half hour, in the second - no more than 15 liters. Budget savings are obvious.
- Save time. What's the best way to spend 30 minutes: washing cups, plates and forks or watching a new episode of your favorite TV series? It seems the answer is obvious. In half an hour, the dishwasher will have time to wash every appliance in your home and save you from the feeling of wasted time.
- Additional work surface. Owners of small kitchens will confirm that a functional work surface is always a big plus. In addition to its main advantages, a dishwasher can be proud of the fact that it can quite comfortably accommodate a rack for storing dishes, a small microwave oven, a bread bin, a bowl of fruit - or anything. In addition, this technological achievement can be built into your kitchen ensemble.
- Absolute purity. No matter what detergents you use and no matter how well you get rid of congealed grease from pans, you are unlikely to be able to and will disinfect every washed spoon. At the same time, the dishwasher does this. And he does it every time, ridding the dishes of pathogenic microbes. This is especially important for families with children to know.