If you’re one of those who dirty plates, glasses, pots, and any other kitchen utensil non-stop, at SOS Assistance, we are sure that your dishwasher is your best ally and friend. Now, you may have never asked yourself this, but are you using this kitchen ally correctly? Does your dishware and cutlery always come out perfectly clean? If not, there might be something you’re doing wrong. And yes, while using this appliance isn’t rocket science, there are several tricks we want to share with you today so you can make the most of it. Ready to discover these tips? Here we go:

| How to Load the Dishwasher Step by Step:

If your dishes aren’t coming out shiny and sparkling clean, it doesn’t mean you need to buy a new dishwasher. Several reasons could explain this situation: using the wrong detergent, poor maintenance, or improper placement of utensils. In any case, if you follow these steps, you’ll achieve greater efficiency, and we assure you that your plates and cutlery will come out looking like new!

1. Don’t rinse the plates. Simply remove food scraps with a utensil, spatula, or paper towel. If the plates are almost clean, the enzymes in the detergent will be less effective, not to mention that the prewash option will result in unnecessary water waste.

2. Place plates on the lower rack, facing inward. One of the most common mistakes is placing them facing the outside. The water spray should particularly target the area where the food was, so make sure the face of the plate is facing the center. Also, don’t place two plates in the same slot.

3. Plastic containers are best on the upper rack, as far away as possible from the heating element. Excessive heat could damage them. Lids should be placed vertically for proper washing, and containers upside down to ensure they don’t come out with water inside.

4. Large utensils, like pans and pots, should be placed at an angle so the water can drain off.

5. Regarding cutlery, the most important thing is to leave space between them. For this reason, place knives in the basket with the handle up, forks with the handle down, and spoons in both directions.

6. Long cooking utensils, like ladles, should go on the upper rack. If you place them in the basket, they might block the sprayer arm of the dishwasher.

7. Glasses, cups, and bowls should go on the upper rack, placed upside down so water can reach inside and clean them properly.

8. Check the levels of salt and rinse aid. Most dishwashers will alert you when one is low, and don’t skimp on their use. Salt combats water hardness and prevents both the dishware and the appliance’s internal components from getting damaged. As for the rinse aid, don’t substitute it with any other product, and don’t skip its use. This product not only leaves your dishware sparkling but also speeds up the drying process.

9. Always check that the dishwasher’s arms spin correctly without hitting any utensils.

10.Always place the detergent or washing tablet in the proper compartment.

| Other Things to Keep in Mind…

Besides following the step-by-step guide we’ve just shared, to ensure that your kitchen ally cleans all your dishware properly, you should also follow these tips:

  • Place the dirtiest dishware on the lower rack, as this is where the water spray will be most powerful.
  • Always use the dishwasher with a full load. This way, you’ll save water and energy.
  • Use the right amount of detergent. It’s ideal to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you use too little, the dirt won’t be fully removed; but if you use too much, soap residue might remain.
  • If your dishware comes out dirty, clean the filters and the detergent dispenser, as dirt buildup in these areas can lead to inefficient washing and excessive energy use.

Hand washing dishes and wasting water? … This tedious task is a thing of the past! If you don’t have one of these appliances at home yet, what are you waiting for to enjoy its benefits? Remember that at SOS Assistance, we offer a specialized dishwasher installation service that will simply make your life easier! What are you waiting for to contact us?