Part of making sure that your kitchen appliances last starts with making sure that you are using these tools in an effective manner. Here are a few tricks to use to make sure that you use your dishwasher in the most effective manner possible.
Skip the Pre-Rinse
You really don't need to pre-rinse your dishes with a modern dishwasher. With a modern dishwasher, you can just put your dishes into the dishwasher and the dishwasher is powerful enough to remove food crumbs from your dishes. Pre-washing your dishes results in the waste of thousands of gallons of water over the life of your dishwasher. Just scrape as much food debris as you can off of the plates using a dry brush or sponge, and then put the dishes in the dishwasher.
Allow Dishes to Air Dry
After you run your dishwasher, instead of using the drying features in the dryer, allow the dishes to air dry. Air drying your dryer is good for your dryer and for your dishes. Allowing the dishes to air dry will allow you to cut down on the amount of energy that you use to wash and dry your dishes. Allowing your dishes to air dry can also protect your dishes from damage due to extreme heat. Make sure that you turn off the heat-dry setting on your washing machine. Once your wash cycle is done, prop open the door to the dishwasher, turn off the dishwasher, and allow the dishes to air dry. This may take a little longer than using the drying mechanism inside of the dishwasher, but it will save you energy and wear by allowing the dishes to air dry.
Set Your Dishwasher Temperature to the Lower Range
Next, make sure that you have the water set to the right temperature for your dishwasher. Your dishwasher manufacture guide should tell you what the temperature range is for your dishwasher. Set the water temperature to right in the middle of the lowest and highest temperature range. For example, if the recommended temperature range is between 120- 140, set the temperature to 130. You generally do not need to set the temperature to the highest setting. Your dishes will still get clean, and you will use less energy as you wash your dishes.
Wash Full Loads
Finally, wait to run your dishwasher until you have a full load to run. If you have a hard time filling up your dishwasher, you may want to switch to a lower capacity dishwasher or a table-top dishwasher model that have a lower capacity.
Running your dishwasher when it is full will save you the most energy. Running your dishwasher when it is full will also help reduce the wear and tear on your dishwasher over the long term. Using your dishwasher in a more effective manner will help ensure that your dishwasher lasts as long as it should do without getting worn down or damaged.
Even the most diligent homeowner can be faced with problems with their appliances, so contact an appliance professional if you need microwave repair or another type of service.