How to Get the Most from Your Dishwasher

Do you ever wish you could tell your smart-speaker to do the dishes and, just like that, the job is completed? Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and partly because washing dishes is one of those never-ending chores that no one looks forward to. And let’s face it, using paper and plastic isn’t exactly the best solution for your wallet or the planet.

While we can’t do the dishes for you, we can share a few simple tips and tricks that will get the job done faster so you can get back to doing – well, anything but the dishes.

• Place small items like bottle tops, washable toys, and children’s utensils in a mesh laundry bag to keep them from getting tossed around in the dishwasher. Place the bag on the top rack and run a dish load as usual.
• Avoid getting cut when cleaning the blender by running a little soap and water on the pulse setting to dislodge food debris.
• Stack dirty dishes in a plastic bin instead of directly in the sink. This frees up sink space for other tasks until you’re ready to run the washer. Fill the bin with water and a squirt of dish soap for a presoak.
• Skip the rinse. Instead, scrape food scraps off plates and place directly in the dishwasher. This simple move saves water and time.
• Alternate the position of flatware in the utensil caddy to prevent items from nesting together and not getting cleaned properly.
• Hot water makes starch and dairy sticky and harder to wash away; use cold water instead.
• Don’t put off loading the washer. Whether it’s cleaning as you go, right after the table is cleared, or simply putting that one cereal bowl in the dishwasher versus the sink, deal with the dishes promptly. Doing so prevents food from drying out and sticking to dishes, cutlery, and so on.
• Did you know there’s a right order to washing dishes? Start with glassware so grease doesn’t transfer onto them, then wash plates and flatware, and finally pots and pans. This gives the dirtiest items a chance to soak a bit making them easier to clean.

There are occasions, however, when you’ll save water when washing dishes by hand (more on that in a future blog). But even then, you can’t do the job effectively without the right amount of hot water and water pressure. If either is lacking in your home, contact the plumbing professionals at Norhio Plumbing – your plumber for all reasons and all seasons.