A dishwasher is an absolute game-changer when it comes to making our daily household chores more efficient and time-saving. But unfortunately, many of us are guilty of some habitual dishwasher mistakes that we may not even be aware of. It’s easy to assume that the biggest blunders include getting stuck with the wrong model or failing to research where to buy appliances before committing. However, what truly causes damage can come after – wrongly loading your dishes in the machine or neglecting opened doors which encourages mold growth. Want to make sure your dishwasher is working at its best? Here are 11 common missteps experts say people tend to make and how you can fix them.

Holding onto your old dishwasher instead of upgrading to a new model

It may sound costly to buy a new appliance, but it’s well worth the investment. Especially with kitchen appliances, such as dishwashers, newer models are much more energy-efficient than their older counterparts. Any machine over 10 years old does not compare in terms of its efficiency level – you could be saving up to 15% on electricity and 20% on water usage by opting for something brand new! A wise decision now can save money down the line.

Operating your dishwasher with less than a full load 

Certainly, if you want to get the most value for your money, make sure that your dishwasher is filled up. Dishwashers are known to be more water efficient than manual washing dishes in a sink; however, only when it’s at full capacity will you experience its maximum efficiency. Don’t waste energy and water by running an incomplete machine – instead, fill it up! Plus, with a full load of dishes, the drying process will be even better since there’s a greater thermal mass inside.

Rinse your dish before placing it in the dishwasher

Have you ever been tempted to give your dishwasher an extra boost by pre-rinsing? We know it’s a tempting solution, but unfortunately, this can lead to dirtier dishes in the end. Not only does pre-rinsing waste water and drive up your consumption levels unnecessarily, but it also tricks the turbidity sensor into thinking that plates are cleaner than they actually are! It’s best just to scrape solids away and let your machine take care of business. Trust us: it knows what it’s doing – don’t worry about giving too much help.

keep the dishwasher door closed after a cycle

You may not have been aware, but it’s actually a good idea to leave your dishwasher door slightly open between wash cycles. According to experts, this helps the rubber door seals stay dry and avoid mold growth which could cause unpleasant odours. Also, if the door is closed too tightly over time, it can damage or crush the seals making them less effective at sealing shut. It’s best practice then to keep that dishwasher door open so you enjoy fresh smells and efficient cleaning performance.

 Placing fragile items on the lower rack

Take care of your fragile items and place them on the top rack of the dishwasher. The bottom is where you should place durable pieces that can withstand greater heat, as this is where the heating elements are located. Additionally, make sure to take advantage of features like stem holders that many top racks have—this way, your delicate objects will remain in perfect condition for as long as possible.

 Avoid cleaning the dishwasher filter

You may know that you need to do it, but who wants to deal with the slime and gunk when cleaning out the dishwasher filter? It’s an unpleasant task for sure, however, is necessary in order to keep your machine running efficiently. Not only will filtering regularly prevent food particles from being redistributed onto plates, but leaving a dirty filter untouched can result in costly blockages. Believe me – if you’ve experienced this before, then keeping up with regular cleaning becomes much easier.

Disregarding the eco mode option 

If your dishwasher has been with you for longer than a couple of years, it likely does not have an eco setting. While this is helpful both for the environment and your bank account, newer models contain this feature to help conserve energy – by drawing in cold water from the main supply line and slowly heating it up instead of utilizing warm water right away. Installing one equipped with such an efficient system could save you tremendous amounts on electricity costs over time.

Overdosing on detergent powder 

Contrary to what you might think, more dishwashing powder does not always result in a better clean. In fact, it can leave your dishes and kitchenware with excess residue or suds that could be difficult to get rid of. Therefore, it is best practice to follow the instructions on detergent packaging for optimal results – if you find yourself having used too much, however, run another cycle using white vinegar, as this will help clear out any remaining dirt or debris from the prior wash.

Limiting the dishwasher to kitchen items only

You may be surprised to learn how many things you can clean in the dishwasher aside from dishes and cookware. Legos, thongs, pet food bowls and vacuum attachments – even these items can come out sparkly with a trip through your trusty machine!

Placing the dishwasher tablet in the detergent dispenser 

When using most dishwasher detergent pods or blocks, it is essential to place them in the designated compartment of your appliance. Placing tablets at the base may result in their premature dissolution and therefore inadequate cleaning power for your dishes. You don’t want streaks on some dishes and suds on others! Before you begin, take a moment to review both your appliance manual as well as the instructions printed on the package of dishwashing tablets.

Skipping proper dishwasher maintenance 

To ensure your dishwasher runs efficiently, it is essential to learn how to clean it properly. Without regular maintenance, limescale buildup or a clogged filter will cause the appliance to work harder and use more energy than necessary. If you live in an area with hard water, don’t forget about using dishwasher salts – they make cleaning much easier for your machine.

Summary

Ultimately, making a few simple changes in how you use your dishwasher can greatly reduce energy costs. Remember to take advantage of eco settings, and don’t forget about regular maintenance tasks like cleaning the filter or using special salts if needed. With these simple tips, you can look forward to sparkling dishes and reduced energy costs! For more tips on how to save energy, check out our website. Happy washing!

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