The experts we spoke to all agreed that pods are the most effective cleaners, because they combine elements of powder and liquid detergents, and they typically also contain rinse aid. They can present an issue, though.
βThe outer shell of pod detergents may not dissolve fully if the water temperature is inadequate, which can result in filter clogs over time,β Howard says.
If you find your filter is getting clogged frequently, consider switching to a powder or liquid detergent.
β¦ and use the dispenser correctly
Dishes arenβt the only thing that needs to be loaded into a dishwasher the right way to ensure the items come out clean.
βNo matter the type of detergent used, it should always be placed in the dispenser,β Victor Jacobia, a senior product manager at LG Electronics says.
Detergent compartments are designed to release the cleaner at the right time in the cycle. βBefore the dishes are washed with detergent, they are normally sprayed with water and/or steamed to soften up the soiling,β Jacobia adds.
βIf you put it on the tub floor you are not getting the benefits of the detergent during the main wash portion of the cycle.β
Rinse aid is the secret sauce
Rinse aid is a booster β a stand-alone product used to boost detergentβs efficacy β formulated to improve the dishwasherβs drying function. It leaves dishes dryer and helps prevent water spots. βRinse aid is essential for effective dishwasher operation,β Howard says. Essential!
While most dishwasher detergent pods have a small chamber filled with rinse aid, you should still be using liquid rinse aid, especially if you notice that items are coming out wet or with water spots. Dishwashers have a compartment for rinse aid; fill it regularly and monitor its levels and refill as needed (many dishwashers have an indicator that alerts you when itβs time to refill).
Use the right cycle
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If you notice items arenβt coming out of the dishwasher clean, Jacobia suggests switching to a different cycle. While settings vary from brand to brand, most dishwashers offer these cycles:
Normal wash: The standard washer setting meant for daily/regular use on dishes with an average amount of food residue. This cycle is typically about two hours long.
Quick wash: A one-hour cycle that uses extra water and heat to clean dishes faster.
Heavy or heavy-duty wash: A longer cycle designed for heavily soiled items. It uses extra water and higher temperatures.
Sanitise: A high-heat cycle designed for baby bottles and items that have had contact with raw meat. This cycle is longer than normal.
In addition to washing cycles, many dishwashers allow users to control the drying setting, and changing that can also help improve performance, Jacobia says.
Yes, you need to clean your dishwasher
Itβs easy to forget to clean the things we use to clean other things, but routine maintenance will greatly improve a dishwasherβs performance. Start by cleaning the filter at least once a month (or more frequently if your machine is prone to clogging or has a foul odour), to improve the machineβs efficiency, Howard says. The filter is typically in the bottom of the dishwasher, near the spray arm. Remove it and rinse it under running water.
In addition to keeping the filter clean and free of debris, experts recommend running a monthly cleaning cycle using citric acid, vinegar or a dishwasher cleaner to remove build-up in the detergent dispensers, dislodge clogs in the sprayer arms and eliminate odour-causing bacteria and debris. βThis simple maintenance will prolong your dishwasherβs lifespan,β Howard says.
The Washington Post
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