Basics

Dishwasher Care 101

Everything a new dishwasher owner needs to know. No jargon, no fluff.

How a dishwasher actually works

Your dishwasher sprays hot water mixed with detergent onto your dishes through rotating spray arms. The water is heated to 50–70°C depending on the cycle. After washing, it drains, then rinse aid is released during a final rinse to help water sheet off and dishes dry faster.

What you actually need

Detergent (tablets or powder)

The cleaning agent. Tablets are convenient; powder lets you adjust the dose.

Rinse aid

Prevents water spots and helps dishes dry. Not optional if you want dry, clear glasses.

Dishwasher salt

Only needed in hard water areas. Keeps your machine's water softener working.

Dishwasher cleaner

Run once a month in an empty machine. Removes grease, limescale, and odours.

How to load it properly

Scrape food off plates — don't rinse. Detergent enzymes need food residue to activate.
Face dirty surfaces toward the spray arms (generally inward and downward).
Cups, bowls, and glasses go on the top rack — angled so water drains off.
Plates, pots, and larger items go on the bottom rack.
Don't nest cutlery — mix spoons, forks, and knives so water reaches each piece.
Leave gaps. Water can't clean what it can't reach.

Which cycle to use

Auto / Normal — use this for everyday loads. Sensors adjust water and temperature automatically.
Eco — longer cycle, lower temperature, less energy. Good for lightly soiled loads.
Intensive / Heavy — for pots, pans, and baked-on food.
Quick wash — lightly soiled only. Skips proper drying. Don't rely on it daily.

Common beginner mistakes

Pre-rinsing everything

Modern detergents have enzymes that need food residue to activate. Scrape, don't rinse.

Overcrowding

Water can't clean what it can't reach. Leave gaps between dishes.

Wrong cycle

Quick wash is for lightly soiled loads only. Use Normal or Auto for everything else.

Skipping rinse aid

This single product makes the biggest visible difference to drying and spotting.

Never cleaning the filter

Clean it weekly. It takes 30 seconds and prevents most smell and cleaning issues.

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