Dishwashers have become a kitchen staple appliance with several surprising offerings and conveniences.
Even though you may be familiar with the right way to load the dishwasher or know the right way to clean it, there are still various unconventional facts to lesser-known features, you can use your dishwasher in a whole new light for better outcomes.
From water consumption to hygiene benefits to knowing various programs and settings specifically tailored for different types of dishes, understanding the dishwasher's role in our daily lives is crucial.
In this article, you'll discover seven astonishing facts about dishwashers that are sure to change your perspective on this everyday essential.
7 Surprising facts about the dishwasher
1. Uses less water than hand-washing
The extent to which water is saved depends on individual washing habits and the efficiency of the dishwasher. On average, hand washing consumes approximately 20 gallons of water per session. Dishwashers only consume 10 gallons, which is 50% water-saving efficiency.
2. Consumes less energy than hand-washing
For most people's recommendation, using a dishwasher can be more energy efficient than hand washing because it uses less hot water. By using a dishwasher, you can be more efficient and save more water and electricity – than standing at the sink laboring over your dishes.
This revelation changed the impact of dishwashing methods and encouraged more people to use dishwashers instead of hand-washing for potential energy savings and water consumption.
3. Dishwasher lacks a garbage disposal
The primary function of dishwashers is to clean dishes by spraying them with hot water and dishwasher detergent, not to grind up food waste, which is one reason for not having garbage disposals.
Having a garbage disposal in a dishwasher requires proper maintenance and other complexities, and there is a higher risk of clogs and malfunctioning. Instead, the dishwasher filter removes food particles from the wash water in every cycle.
Therefore, it is important to ensure dishes don’t have any large food particles before loading them to prevent clogging and ensure optimal cleaning.
4. Dont pre-rinse the dishes
It might sound like a problem, but it's not! Modern dishwashers are designed to handle food residues independently.
Pre-rinsing the dishes wastes time and compromises the dishwasher's overall cleaning efficiency by making the dishwasher and detergent not utilize their full potential to clean them, resulting in less effective cleaning results.
5. Open the dishwasher door after every wash
Opening the dishwasher door can prevent moisture buildup and allow the steam to escape, helping to eliminate the growth of mold and mildew inside the appliance.
Additionally, it works best for fast air drying the dishes and reducing the water spots by ensuring they come out sparkling clean.
6. Hard water can impact dishwasher performance
Hard water is high in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can alter the overall food texture and taste. It will also leave film and food residue on your dishes, which can further result in a stale or metallic taste.
This problem can be sorted by using Finish Rinse Aid, providing a protective barrier between the food and your dishes and helps you achieve gleaming and streak-free by preventing water spots and ensuring complete drying during the dishwashing cycle
7. Dishwasher needs space
Dishwashers need significant space to function efficiently, allowing for proper water circulation and access to dishes. To avoid cleaning performance, keep at least 27 inches of open space in front of the dishwasher.
If you plan to install your dishwasher in a corner, leave at least 2 inches of open space between each side of the open door and the wall or cabinet.