Any tips on using dishwasher, so that dishes come out perfectly clean?

1. 67

   MargaritaEdenposted 11 years ago

   Any tips on using dishwasher, so that dishes come out perfectly clean?
   
   Or just tips for better results when using a dishwasher? Any special tricks that you use when loading the dishes, detergent that works the best?

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2. 88

   innerspinposted 11 years ago

   It seems slightly ironic that rinsing plates before putting them in the dishwasher helps. If you throw in things with bits of food still on, like mashed potato or bolognese sauce, the remains can spread to other items and ruin the wash. If this happens, cut your losses and soak any dirty items in the sink. Putting them through the dishwasher again doesn't always work.

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   1. 67

      MargaritaEdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree, it almost defeats the purpose of using the dishwasher in the first place, all that time we spend rinsing the dishes...

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3. 61

   duffsmomposted 11 years ago

   I use Cascade packets with Dawn then got a free sample of Finish Booster Agent. Oh my gosh - it made such a difference, it even cleaned the bottom of my pans that are copper...shine them right up. I couldn't believe the difference.
   
   What I don't understand is why they don't make detergent that good in the first place so you don't have to add the booster.

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   1. 67

      MargaritaEdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      exactly, why don't they, I will try that Finish Booster, thanks for the tip

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4. 69

   Handicapped Chefposted 11 years ago

   1. Check the sprayer arm. When I opened the dishwasher door during a wash cycle, I learned that some of my utensils are too tall, and they blocked the sprayer arm from rotating. Problem solved! Also look at the holes on the sprayer arm to make sure they are not clogged. Use a toothpick if you need to dislodge anything.
   
   2. Check the drain. Look inside the bottom of the dishwasher and remove any food or objects from the filter. Run the garbage disposal to clear it out before turning on the dishwasher since they share the same drain.
   
   3. Don’t overuse detergent. It’s a mistake to assume you should always fill up the detergent cup. Check the manual and your detergent. On mine, filling it to the first line (about a third) is enough. Too much detergent can leave residue and etch your glasses.
   
   4. Check your water temperature. If it takes a long time for the hot water to reach your kitchen sink, that means the dishwasher isn’t getting enough hot water at the beginning either, and that makes it harder to wash away the food particles and grease. If you need to, turn on the dishwasher after you’ve used hot water at the kitchen sink.
   
   5. Clean the inside of your dishwasher. Grease, detergent residue, and calcium deposits build up inside your dishwasher. You can use vinegar to wash them away. On a regular basis (every few months or so), run a wash cycle while your dishwasher is empty. Don’t use detergent, but turn on the dishwasher and let it run for a few minutes until water starts to fill up the bottom. Then add one or two cups of white vinegar to the water and let it finish the cycle.
   
   Sometimes using a dishwasher is an experiment in finding the right combination for hard or soft water, the detergent, and a rinse aid.

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   1. 67

      MargaritaEdenposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Wow thank you, these are great tips! When dishwasher is being filled with water and I open the door to add the vinegar, water is not going to flow out? (I have  one of those front loading older models )

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   2. 69

      Handicapped Chefposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I glad it helped out it was smething that was passed on to me so I'm glad to share it with you.

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