Step 1: Ensure that your dishwasher has salt and rinse aid
If you’re using your dishwasher for the first time (or it has run out of salt), you will need to add dishwasher salt.
The purpose of dishwasher salt is to soften the water, since hard water with high lime content makes it harder for the detergent to dissolve when the machine is running. That means the salt makes your cleaning more efficient.
The salt is added at the bottom of the dishwasher. Remove the bottom rack and open the screw cap that covers the salt compartment. If you’re unsure of where to add salt in your dishwasher, check your user manual. Add salt until the compartment is completely full, then replace the screw cap and the bottom rack.
Rinse aid helps avoid unsightly water stains or other residue on your dishes. It is usually added next to the detergent compartment. Open the rinse aid compartment’s lid and add rinse aid up to the fill line. Then close the lid.
Rinse aid has to be refilled much more often than salt, so make sure to keep an eye on your dishwasher’s rinse aid indicator. It will let you know when it needs a refill.
Step 2: How to load the dishwasher correctly
How to load pots, pans, plates, and large bowls
The bottom rack of your dishwasher is usually the place where the strongest cleaning happens. The water jets here are designed to tackle heavily soiled pots and pans as well as plates, so make sure not to place lightly soiled plastic cups or Tupperware bowls here. They may deform.
Instead, this large compartment to place your pots and pans, your plates and large bowls. Remember to place dishes in the dishwasher with the soiled surfaces facing down to ensure perfect cleaning.
As for plates, place them vertically in the rack. You don’t need to leave more free room between them than the rack allows, by the way. Don’t waste space by only putting plates in every other rack opening.
How to load cutlery
If your dishwasher has a basket for cutlery in the bottom rack, place your cutlery in it, with the handles facing down. However, you may want to place sharp knives in the basket with the blades facing down to avoid injury.
Alternatively, place knives and other long utensils between your cups and bowls in the top rack, with the blades facing down. If your dishwasher has an extra cutlery rack at the top of the appliance, place cutlery in it with any sharp blades facing down.
How to load glasses, cups, and small bowls
In the top rack, place glasses and cups with their bottoms up to allow the water jets to spray the inside of glasses without water getting collected in them. There is also usually room in the center to place small bowls or saucers that are too small for the bottom rack.
A question that often comes up in this context is: can you put ceramic mugs in the dishwasher? The answer is yes. Because they’re glazed, they’re usually dishwasher-safe. However, be cautious with mugs that are hand-painted. The dishwasher may wash off the paint, so it may be a better idea to clean hand-painted mugs by hand.
Before you close your dishwasher after loading it, make sure that the water sprayer arms aren’t obstructed by any dishes.
Step 3: Add dishwasher detergent
Using the correct amount is generally easier with tablets and packs. You just use one of them. With other detergents, follow the instructions on the package as well as in your dishwasher’s manual. Using powder dishwasher detergent, liquid or gel dishwasher detergent, you usually fill up the detergent compartment to the fill line.
If your dishwasher has a pre-wash compartment, you may use it for particularly heavily soiled loads. Add detergent to the pre-wash compartment to make your dishwasher’s pre-wash cycle gives a stronger start to your cleaning.
Step 4: How to choose the correct dishwasher program
A big part of using your dishwasher correctly is choosing the best program for your dishes. Depending on the manufacturer, dishwashers may offer different programs, but almost all share three basic cycles:
- Quick cycle: uses higher temperatures and more water to clean lightly soiled dishes more quickly.
- Intensive cycle: is best used for heavily soiled pots and pans.
- Normal cycle: can be used for your everyday cleaning. Unless you need your dishes cleaned extra quickly or they’re extra dirty, we recommend that you opt for the Normal cycle to save water and electricity.
Electrolux dishwashers also offer an Eco program that helps you save more water and energy with extra-efficient cleaning. Some Electrolux dishwashers also have an Extra Hygiene function that kills off 99.99% of bacteria and viruses.
Read more: Find the support you need for your Electrolux dishwashers
Hacks to maximize your dishwasher efficiency
These hacks will help you use your dishwasher effectively and save a lot of time as well as effort:
- Always run full loads
- Skip pre-washing before putting your wares to the dishwasher
- Use the right amount of dishwashing liquid
- Place plates facing inwards
- Put small plastic items in a laundry bag
To know more, please spend a few minutes reading this best tips and trick to use a dishwasher effectively.
Having a dishwasher will make your life so much easier, you won’t believe you ever did without it. And if you follow our tips on how to use your dishwasher efficiently, you’ll be saving water and money as well as time.
With our Electrolux dishwashers, you can even set your washing cycle after your own schedule, making sure that you always come home to perfectly cleaned dishes, so be sure to check them out today.
In addition to the above tips, you need find effective and economical dishwasher, so don’t forget to read this guide to choosing the best dishwasher here.
Learn more about our range of dishwashers today!
