Top ten dishwasher tips

Did you know that a dishwasher can save an average family up to three weeks at the kitchen sink every year? 

It makes sense to look after your machine so that you can ensure cleaner and more hygienic dishes.

Follow our top tips for a tip-top dishwasher:

1. After every cycle, take the time to clean out the filters and any debris in the cutlery basket. Remove and rinse through. If they are blocked it will impair the machine's performance.



2. Check the water spray arm nozzles are free from blockages. If necessary remove the arms, using manufacturer's instructions, and rinse under running water.



3. Use a special dishwasher cleaner once a month to remove any grease and lime-scale deposits which can build up inside and reduce efficiency, especially if you have hard water.



4. To remove any black marks and mildew on the door seal, clean with a little bleach solution and a cloth.



5. Leave the machine door slightly ajar when not in use to allow the door seal to dry out and hinder the growth of bacteria.



6. Load plates and glasses so they aren't touching and put cutlery in the special basket, handles facing downwards. Make sure heavily soiled items are facing the source of the water spray.



7. Arrange sharp items so they are not likely to damage the door seal. Load sharp knives with the handles up.



8. You can buy dishwasher products separately or combined. The five, four and three in one tablets combine detergents, salts and rinse aid but the efficiency of these may vary in hard water areas. If your machine isn't performing as well as it should, dosing detergent, salt and rinse aid separately may be the answer. Check with the machine's manufacturers or ask an approved service engineer.



9. Don't always use the same high temperature programme. Get familiar with the delicates cycle, 50ºC - 55ºC or economy cycle programs instead. (But if you are using 3-in-1 tablets, check whether the eco-cycle is compatible with this).



10. If you are on Economy 7 electricity, you can set the machine to come on in the middle of the night when electricity is cheaper. If your dishwasher doesn't have an integral timer setting, buy a timer plug.