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How Do I... Use My Dishwasher Properly?
Forget arguing over the right way to load the machine – here, an expert busts some of the most common dishwasher myths
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and design questions. Here, Michael Hanlon, LG’s national in-store manager for home appliances, provides some definitive dos and don’ts for using your dishwasher correctly.
Photo: LG
Is there a right way to load the machine?
Absolutely! The most important thing is to ensure there are adequate gaps between your dishes, which will allow water to get into the spaces. LG’s new QuadWash (pictured) dishwashers have four spray blades on the bottom rotating arm (rather than the normal two) to help get into those tight gaps.
Is there a right way to load the machine?
Absolutely! The most important thing is to ensure there are adequate gaps between your dishes, which will allow water to get into the spaces. LG’s new QuadWash (pictured) dishwashers have four spray blades on the bottom rotating arm (rather than the normal two) to help get into those tight gaps.
Do I have to fill the machine completely before using it?
No. If you regularly run small loads, look for a dishwasher with a half-load function, which allows you to choose between washing only the middle or lower rack.
No. If you regularly run small loads, look for a dishwasher with a half-load function, which allows you to choose between washing only the middle or lower rack.
Knives… up or down?
Many experts state that dishwashers blunt knives, but this really depends on a number of factors, such as what your knives are made from (stainless steel, ceramic, wooden handle), the detergent you’re using, the drying capabilities of your dishwasher, and even the hardness of water in your area. Some detergents are a little more corrosive on materials such as stainless steel than others, which could possibly affect things such as blade edges.
If you do choose to wash knives in the dishwasher, place them tip down (for safety) in the cutlery basket. Make sure they are not rubbing against other cutlery items. Use a non-abrasive detergent, and choose a dishwasher with an auto-opening door or take knives out of the machine and dry them as soon as the cycle is done.
Many experts state that dishwashers blunt knives, but this really depends on a number of factors, such as what your knives are made from (stainless steel, ceramic, wooden handle), the detergent you’re using, the drying capabilities of your dishwasher, and even the hardness of water in your area. Some detergents are a little more corrosive on materials such as stainless steel than others, which could possibly affect things such as blade edges.
If you do choose to wash knives in the dishwasher, place them tip down (for safety) in the cutlery basket. Make sure they are not rubbing against other cutlery items. Use a non-abrasive detergent, and choose a dishwasher with an auto-opening door or take knives out of the machine and dry them as soon as the cycle is done.
Is it true that my dishwasher is filled with bacteria?
It can be. But it’s still far more hygienic than washing dishes by hand. Water needs to reach 60°C to sanitise dishes, which is typically too hot for our hands to handle. If you’re concerned about bacteria, seek out a machine with an ‘extra-hot’ rinse cycle that rinses at 80°C (this is high enough to kill bacteria such as salmonella) and with stainless-steel tubs to minimise bacteria growth.
It can be. But it’s still far more hygienic than washing dishes by hand. Water needs to reach 60°C to sanitise dishes, which is typically too hot for our hands to handle. If you’re concerned about bacteria, seek out a machine with an ‘extra-hot’ rinse cycle that rinses at 80°C (this is high enough to kill bacteria such as salmonella) and with stainless-steel tubs to minimise bacteria growth.
Do I need to clean the machine?
Yes. You should wash it on empty around every 30 washes (or around once a month). You can purchase a specialist dishwasher cleaner from the supermarket, or make your own from household items.
Citric acid is a great cleaner. Place a small amount directly into the detergent compartment and turn the machine onto ‘auto wash’. White vinegar also does a good job. Place a shallow bowl in the bottom rack of your dishwasher with a small amount of white vinegar and run on ‘auto wash’.
Yes. You should wash it on empty around every 30 washes (or around once a month). You can purchase a specialist dishwasher cleaner from the supermarket, or make your own from household items.
Citric acid is a great cleaner. Place a small amount directly into the detergent compartment and turn the machine onto ‘auto wash’. White vinegar also does a good job. Place a shallow bowl in the bottom rack of your dishwasher with a small amount of white vinegar and run on ‘auto wash’.
Will running the dishwasher raise my electricity bill?
This really depends on how often you use it. The latest energy-efficient dishwashers are far more efficient than hand washing. In general, you’d normally have to fill the sink with water two to three times to wash the same amount of dishes you’d do in one run through the dishwasher.
This really depends on how often you use it. The latest energy-efficient dishwashers are far more efficient than hand washing. In general, you’d normally have to fill the sink with water two to three times to wash the same amount of dishes you’d do in one run through the dishwasher.
Do I need to dry plates and glasses before putting them away?
It’s not the end of the world if they are not completely dry, but it is best. Standing water encourages bacteria growth and the dripping water from kitchenware could also damage your cupboards over time.
It’s not the end of the world if they are not completely dry, but it is best. Standing water encourages bacteria growth and the dripping water from kitchenware could also damage your cupboards over time.
Help! My machine’s clogged – what do I do?
Just pull out the lower rack to access the inner filter. Twist and remove it. Run it under the tap and remove dirt and gunk with a dishwashing brush, then replace the clean filter in your machine.
Just pull out the lower rack to access the inner filter. Twist and remove it. Run it under the tap and remove dirt and gunk with a dishwashing brush, then replace the clean filter in your machine.
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Do I need to rinse dishes before I load them?
Rinsing your dishes can help you get better cleaning results from your dishwasher, but it’s not essential. Focus instead on removing large food scraps before you load dishes into the dishwasher.