While dishwashers are not as mainstream as washing machines, for instance, they are becoming increasingly popular. While expensive as a first investment, research shows they yield excellent rates of return, especially if you use them to their utmost potential. They are also a sustainable and budget-friendly way to go about the dishes in a large family. However, you just have to use them right. Let’s see how!
1. Choose an Energy-Efficient Dishwasher
It is not “mission impossible” if you follow a handful of criteria and rules. Experts recommend you first look at dishwashers that are a part of the Energy Star governmental program. The yellow Energy Guide sticker is your best friend in this case. Whatever new house appliance you are looking to buy or replace, make sure it is energy efficient, so you use up to 25% less water, energy, and other resources when you use it.
2. Look for Specific Dishwasher Tech Specs and Features
New dishwashers are more than capable of cleaning the dirtiest of dishes, plates, and pots without using a pre-rinsing cycle. When it comes to improving the efficiency of a dishwasher, this is the first step to take: ditch pre-rinsing altogether. However, when it comes to large families and days’ worth of dishes, you might wonder how to pick the best dishwasher able to clean loads of heavily soiled dishes.
The secret here – according to the American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy experts – is to look for a new dishwasher featuring a soil sensor.
You will find such AutoSensor technology that can adjust the water usage, power, temperature, and other features to how dirty your dishes are in most Miele dishwashers and other similar appliances coming from reputable manufacturers. The soil sensors in modern, hi-tech dishwashers replace the need to clean the plates by hand before you put them in the machine or using all sorts of improvised solutions to wash the dishes before your dishwasher cleans them itself.
Pre-rinse only if you left the dishes inside the machine for a few days, and you don’t want them to stink up the device or grow legs.
We also recommend you look for AirClean technology in modern dishwashers – or something similar. The drying of the dishes is necessary for their disinfection and sanitation, especially if you care for a large family, and you want to protect the little ones from contamination, food poisoning, or the cross-contamination of items through food.
3. Always Use Full Loads
In a country increasingly preoccupied with environmental problems, sustainability, and the preservation of water and other resources, it is only reasonable to wait before you turn your dishwasher on, no matter how tempting it is to run a cycle for only a few coffee cups. Just as you work with your washing machine and wait to get a full load, so should you do with the dishwasher, no matter how energy efficient it is. In this way, you will save thousands of gallons of water a year.
Also, speaking of water, keep in mind the dishwasher heats the water coming from your water heater. Make sure you don’t overdo with water heating in your home, as you will spend unnecessary amounts of money, water, and electricity while using your appliances.
4. Use Dishwasher-Friendly Detergents
There must be a million different dishwasher salt pellets, detergents, powders, and washing liquids. Nevertheless, do not go for the cheap variety, but the efficient one. Most modern dishwashers work well with a wide range of detergents. Make sure you buy those recommended by the manufacturer or produced by the same brand making the appliance.
You may think it is some sort of upselling stunt, but using the proper dishwasher detergent keeps your dishes sanitized and your appliance’s life longer.
Remember to buy in bulk to lower the risk of running out of detergent and use all sorts of replacements. You will also find environmentally friendly detergents working great with your dishwasher. Just make sure you read the manual and follow the instructions.
5. Don’t Ignore Your Dishwasher when it Acts Up
There is no denying that a dishwasher makes your life easier, more comfortable, more sustainable, and less expensive. However, to enjoy the maximum potential of your appliance, you should always keep an eye on it.
A modern energy-efficient dishwasher featuring hi-tech specs should last a good decade before it needs replacement. However, you can see it acting up for various reasons. Do not ignore them, as the smallest of technical or water issues can lead to its poor functioning, breaking, or inefficient cleaning.
Use the manufacturer’s warranty to fix it up or call a specialist for quick intervention. It is the most sensible way to deal with potential malfunctions before they get worse.
Bottom Line
Dishwashers are here to make our lives better overall and protect the environment at the same time. Do your homework before you buy one and make sure you read the manual a few times to learn how to use your appliance to the best of its abilities.