Modern appliances are part of the many great amenities you’ll find at 20th Place Apartments in Joplin and 17th Place in Webb City. As such, we want you to have the best experience with your kitchen when living at our apartments.
Getting the most out of your apartment’s dishwasher can be a huge time-saver when it comes to your busy and active lifestyle. We’ve got a guide that demonstrates how to make the best use of your dishwasher for the best results. We’re happy to help in any way we can.
Wash Settings and Cycles
Modern dishwashers offer various wash settings designed to handle different types of cleaning needs. Choosing the right setting can help you save on water usage and electricity bills.
Normal Cycle
The normal cycle is the default setting for everyday dishwashing. It efficiently cleans moderately soiled dishes with an average wash time of 1-2 hours. This setting uses a balance of water temperature, detergent, and washing duration to clean a typical load of dishes like plates, glasses, and utensils.
Heavy-Duty or Pots & Pans Cycle
For tougher cleaning, the heavy-duty or pots and pans cycle offers a more intense wash. This cycle uses higher water temperatures, more water pressure, and a longer washing time. It’s ideal for cleaning baked-on food or greasy pots, pans, and casserole dishes that require extra attention. Select this cycle when handling especially dirty or stubborn cookware.
Quick Wash Cycle
The quick wash cycle is designed for lightly soiled dishes. It speeds up the process by using less water and a shorter wash time, typically 30 to 60 minutes. Though it may not deliver the same level of cleaning as the normal cycle, it’s perfect for refreshing dishes or when there’s only a small load to clean. Consider using the quick cycle if you’ve already pre-washed the dishes in the sink to get the caked-on or dried-on food off.
Eco Cycle
The eco cycle minimizes water and energy use, making it a more environmentally friendly option for regular loads. Again, this is a great cycle to use if you just need to wash the items after they are pre-washed in the sink.
Other Popular Dishwasher Wash Settings
- Delicate cycle: The delicate cycle is for glassware and fine china. It uses lighter amounts of water and lower temperatures.
- Sanitize cycle: Sanitizing is a high-temperature wash that kills bacteria and viruses. It’s great for baby bottles and cutting boards.
- Pre-wash cycle: Pre-washing is just like you pre-wash in the sink. It’s designed to remove large food particles before the main wash, making dishes cleaner when there are dried-on and caked-on food bits.
- Steam cycle: The steam cycle loosens stuck-on foods.
To Pre-Wash or Not to Pre-Wash
Pre-washing dishes can make a huge difference in the performance of your dishwasher. Whether you choose to pre-wash in the sink or use the dishwasher’s pre-wash cycle is up to you. Consider testing both methods to see which one produces better results.
The goal of pre-washing dishes is to make sure your dishwasher is able to thoroughly clean and sanitize the dishes. Food particles left on dishes can harden during the wash, causing stains, poor cleaning results, or even blockages in the machine.
Scrub or rinse plates, utensils, and cookware under running water to remove visible food debris in the sink. Pre-washing by hand lets you make sure nothing is stuck on them before the dishes go in the washer. Pre-washing can help keep large bits of food out of the wash while avoiding clogs in the dishwasher filter. There are two downsides to pre-washing by hand. First, it often uses more water, especially if the faucet runs continuously, which can make your utility bills rise a bit. Second, it may take more time and effort to pre-wash dishes compared to the dishwasher’s pre-wash cycle.
The dishwasher’s pre-wash cycle rinses dishes quickly with a small amount of water to remove loose food particles before the main wash. It prevents odor buildup and helps the detergent work more efficiently during the primary cleaning cycle. Many modern dishwashers include advanced filters or grinders, so pre-wash cycles may suffice without the need for manual scrubbing.
Detergent Options for the Dishwasher
Dishwasher detergents come in several forms, including powders, gels, and pods, each offering unique benefits, depending on which one you favor. The right dishwasher detergent can make a huge difference when it comes to your machine’s efficiency.
Powder
Powder detergents work well for heavy-duty cleaning tasks, especially when removing stubborn stains or baked-on food. That’s because dishwashing powder contains gritty particles that act like sandpaper against the dishes to clear out stuck-on particles. Dishes typically shine brightly with powders.
Gel
Gel detergents dissolve quickly and work best for lighter loads or delicate items, offering a gentle yet thorough cleaning cycle. There might be some grit in the gel, but it doesn’t work as strongly as a powder.
Pods or Tablets
Pods or tablets simplify the cleaning process by combining detergent, rinse aid, and sometimes a water softener into a pre-measured package. These options eliminate guesswork and deliver consistent results for most dishwashing needs. Pods offer convenience and ease of use, making them a popular choice for busy households, although they can cost more than powders or gels. Some pods also include advanced formulations for tackling tough grease or sanitizing dishes.
Rinsing Agents
Rinsing agents, often used alongside detergents, enhance cleaning performance by preventing water spots and streaks. Rinsing agents are often used alongside pods because the plastic skin on the pods, though dissolvable, can sometimes leave a filmy residue on dishes if it doesn’t melt all the way.
Rinsing agents reduce the surface tension of water, allowing water to run off dishes more readily. Adding a rinse aid ensures sparkling, spot-free results and helps dry dishes faster.
Additives to Let Dishes Shine
Rinsing agents are the most popular dishwasher additives that help create glimmering, shining dishes. However, there are others you could use, depending on what you prefer.
Dishwasher salts are designed to soften hard water, preventing limescale buildup that can dull dishes and glassware over time. These salts maintain optimal performance for dishwashers with built-in water-softening systems so that detergents work efficiently and produce a gleaming finish. Dishwasher salts improve the performance of the dishwasher by preventing limescale buildup on the appliance.
Products containing enzymes or citric acid remove mineral deposits and restore clarity to glassware and dishes. Enzymes can power away tough, stuck-on food while helping to dissolve minerals in the water.
Load Size
The size of the load in a dishwasher directly affects how clean the dishes get and how much water your appliance uses. Overloading the machine crams dishes too close together, preventing water and detergent from reaching all surfaces.
This often leaves food residue behind and forces you to rewash items, wasting the time you would have saved by loading the dishwasher properly. Carefully spacing dishes allows water and detergent to circulate freely so that everything comes out as clean as possible.
Underloading a dishwasher can also reduce efficiency. When fewer items occupy the space, the machine still uses the same amount of water and energy as a full load. Strategically filling the dishwasher optimizes its performance, ensuring each cycle cleans as many dishes as possible without compromising results. Balancing the load saves water, electricity, and detergent.
Look for adjustable racks and foldable tines that can accommodate differently sized dishes or cookware. Another thing to do is remove the silverware rack if you want to add more space when you’re washing pots and pans. Read the owner’s manual, too. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines on maximum and minimum loads ensures consistent performance and prevents unnecessary strain on the appliance.
Drying Cycles
Drying cycles, like wash cycles, have different options to suit different needs. Heated drying cycles use a heating element to evaporate water quickly, providing fast drying that can also sanitize dishes. This option works best for those seeking convenience and speed, especially when cleaning glassware and plastics prone to spotting. However, heated drying often consumes more energy than other methods. Heated drying can also sanitize dishes with the steam it creates.
Air-dry cycles, a more energy-efficient alternative, rely on room-temperature air and ventilation to remove moisture from dishes after the wash cycle ends. This method avoids using a heating element, reducing electricity consumption and preventing potential damage to delicate items. While air drying takes longer and may leave occasional spots, it serves as an eco-friendly option if you’re trying to conserve power.
Many modern dishwashers include auto-dry or fan-assisted cycles, balancing energy efficiency with improved drying performance. These cycles circulate warm air evenly throughout the dishwasher, reducing drying time while using less energy than the fully heated drying cycle.
Timing
Dishwasher cycles vary in duration, ranging from quick washes to extended cleaning cycles, each serving different needs. Quick wash cycles typically last 30 to 60 minutes, which works great for lightly soiled dishes. These cycles save time but may not remove heavy grease or baked-on food. For thorough cleaning, normal or heavy-duty cycles take longer, often 2 to 3 hours, as they focus on removing stubborn stains while sanitizing dishes. Some dishwashers have specific times associated with various cycles, such as a one-hour clean followed by a 30-minute drying cycle. That way, you can start the dishwasher when it’s convenient for you.
Many dishwashers include a delay-start feature, allowing you to schedule the wash for a convenient time or during off-peak hours for electricity usage. Running the dishwasher at night or when household electricity demand is lower can reduce energy costs, especially in areas with variable pricing. Delayed cycles also free up water pressure for other household activities, such as showers or laundry, during peak times. Delaying the dishwasher also ensures everyone has enough hot water for bathing. Another advantage of delaying a cycle is that it allows users to load additional items after a meal, optimizing the load size and minimizing water waste.
Regular Cleanings
We recommend cleaning a dishwasher once every one to three months, depending on the cycles you run. If you run light-duty cycles, aim for three months. If you run heavy-duty cycles, consider a thorough cleaning every month
Follow these steps to keep your dishwasher in top condition:
1. Clean the filter regularly
Remove and rinse the dishwasher filter under warm water to eliminate trapped food particles and debris. Use a soft brush to scrub away grease or residue, ensuring unobstructed water circulation during cycles. Cleaning the filter monthly helps prevent clogs and odors.
2. Wipe down interior surfaces
Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the walls, door, and rubber seals. Pay attention to crevices where grime and mold can accumulate. A gentle cleaning solution of vinegar and water works well for removing stains or sticky residue.
3. Run a cleaning cycle
Once a month, run an empty dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack. This natural cleaner breaks down grease, removes mineral deposits, and deodorizes the appliance. Alternatively, dishwasher cleaning tablets provide a convenient option for deeper cleaning. There are also powders that have grit in them that can easily remove hard water stains and any buildup on spray arms.
4. Check spray arms and drain
Inspect spray arms for clogs and clean them with a toothpick or thin wire if necessary. Ensure the drain area remains clear to prevent water pooling and unpleasant odors. You might see a problem with a spray arm or drain if you notice the dishwasher suddenly not working as it should be.
Look for Modern Appliances at Our Joplin Apartments
Our Joplin apartments support your busy and active lifestyle with modern appliances in the kitchen, including high-tech dishwashers. We invite you to check out 20th Place Apartments in the heart of our metropolitan city.
Contact us or call (417) 622-0391 to schedule a tour of our apartments. We look forward to meeting you!
