Essential dishwasher advice for best results
Life in Ottawa is as busy as it gets and we need all the help we can get when it comes to household chores. This is why so many Ottawa residents invest in dishwashers. Not only do they take care of all those dirty dishes, but the high water temperature ensures that your dishes are also perfectly disinfected. Of course, when your dishwasher does not perform as it should, and your dishes are less than spotless, it's easy to fear the worst. Just like any appliance in your home, the performance of your dishwasher can be optimized by following these handy tips.
Scrape your plates
Even if you finish all of your food, you are bound to notice that little bits remain. As soon as you are done enjoying your meal, you should scrape any excess off immediately. If you don't clear your plate immediately, the food will get hard and stuck on the plate. This will make it really difficult for your dishwasher to do its job. Not to mention all the food particles that will build up in the machine!
Should you pre-rinse?
This topic has been debated for the longest time. While some believe it to be a waste of time, others insist on rinsing every dish before arranging it in the dishwasher. Both options are correct depending on the type of water you have and the detergent you use. Some dishwasher detergent works better on very dirty dishes whereas others are more suited for pre-rinsed dishes. Dishes that are particularly oily can usually benefit from a hot water rinse before they are placed in the dishwasher. This is simply because oil is so tricky to clean. In addition, if you use your dishwasher every day, then you might not need to pre-rinse. On the other hand, if you only use it every other day, then you don't want the dishes to become smelly. Pre-rinse dishes to prevent bad smells from filling your kitchen.
Proper loading
If you don't load your dishwasher properly, it won't be able to do its job. For example, if bowls, glasses, and similar dishes are not placed upside down, they will not be cleaned, and they will also come out full of water. Similarly, you should avoid overloading your dishwasher since this can make it impossible for water and soap to get in everywhere.
Detergent advice
You may have noticed that there are a number of dishwasher detergents on the market and each one claims to be the best. The fact of the matter is that it comes down to several factors including the type of dishwasher you own, the type of water you have (hard or soft), and personal preferences. The trick is to look out for sales on detergents and use this opportunity to try new detergents until you find the one that suits your needs and budget.
Rinse aid
Rinse aid is supposed to eliminate or at least reduce water spots on your dishes. It's also great for clearing away soapy residue. If you have hard water, rinse aid is a must! Of course, many people actually use vinegar instead of a rinse aid as a cheaper alternative. This option is worth trying at least once if you're trying to save a few bucks.
The right cycle
Choose the correct wash cycle and the right amount of detergent. If you don't add enough detergent, your dishes will not come out clean. On the other hand, if you use too much, it can leave a soapy residue on your dishes.
Hand wash certain dishes
As much as we'd love to load everything in the dishwasher, there are some items that should always be washed by hand. These include anything that is not dishwasher safe as well as any high-end cutlery or crocker. Crystal, disposable containers, wood utensils and any dishes with decorative elements of silver and gold should also be kept out of the dishwasher.
If, despite your best efforts, your dishwasher gives you any trouble or you notice any problems at all, be sure to contact Capital Appliance Repair at (613) 454-1577. Our local team of Ottawa appliance repair specialists is available 7 days a week for all your dishwasher repair needs.
