Imagine not having a dishwasher. It’s just too awful to contemplate. And yet, like the other appliances in our households, we just flick the on switch without considering how to get optimum performance. But with a little thought, follow these steps and your dishwasher can be cheaper to run, and more energy efficient.

Make sure that the filters are clean

If you scrape off any excess food from plates and bowls before you put them in the dishwasher, then the filters will always be clean. However, in our busy lives we often forget these details, which leads to a build up of food in the filters. It is important to clean dishwasher filters regularly because a dirty filter means that your dishwasher will develop an unpleasant odour, and will not perform as well.

Check the temperature

It’s tempting to think that the hotter you wash things, the cleaner they must be. However, although dishwasher manufacturers recommend that you run the highest wash from time to time to flush the system through, there is no need to boil wash everything.

For most loads, 50 to 55˚C is perfectly adequate, and saves water and electricity. In fact, according to research carried out by appliance manufacturer Hotpoint, switching to this low temperature can save up to 84kWh per year and 19 bath loads of water per year. In more measurable terms, that is equivalent to another 3 months worth of dishwashing.

Load the machine properly

Loading the machine properly is essential to make sure that the jets of water reach the places that they need to in order to rinse every item, and that the detergent is spread around to clean every piece of crockery, cutlery or glassware.

Stack your dishwasher in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure that the more heavily soiled items are on the lower shelf, and check that plates do not touch each other. If they do, then the dishwasher’s cleaning action will not reach every part of the plate.

If you point all of the handles of mugs and cups in the same direction, you will be able to fit more into the dishwasher. Finally, make sure that there is nothing in the path of the spray arm, as if anything is stopping it from rotating freely then nothing inside will get a proper wash.

Check that everything is dishwashable

It’s tempting to try things that you know are not suitable in the dishwasher, because it seems like less hassle than washing them up. However, neither lead crystal nor antique china should ever be found in your dishwasher machine – the risk is too great that they might get broken or damaged. Silver is also best left to be washed up by hand, as it will tarnish if it comes into contact with certain detergents.

If you are looking to buy a dishwasher, some of the best dishwasher models that are popular include:

1. Indesit IDF125
2. Hotpoint Aquarius FDL570G
3. Bosch Classixx SGS45C02GB
4. Zanussi ZDF3020
5. Hoover Nextra HED6612

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Tags: Dishwashers, Home Appliances, How To, Make Use Of, Tips