Doing the dishes is never fun especially when you are contending with the summer heat. Fortunately, using your dishwasher can make the process more bearable and efficient. Here are some tips for maximizing the efficiency of your dishwasher and saving energy this summer.
Pre-Rinse and Scrape
Pre-rinsing and scraping your dishes before loading them can help save time and energy. This will prevent food particles from clogging up the dishwasher, which will improve its efficiency and prevent the need for extra cycles.
To pre-rinse, rinse dishes with warm water and mild detergent. If there are any large food particles, use a plastic scraper to remove them. You can also use a cloth or sponge to remove grease or grime.
For heavily soiled dishes, you may want to consider pre-soaking them before loading them into the dishwasher. Soaking can help loosen up caked-on food particles, making cleaning more efficient.
Select the Right Cycle and Temperature
Most modern dishwashers have several cycle options, such as Heavy, Normal and Eco. If you want to save energy, select the Eco cycle.
You can also adjust the temperature setting for your dishwasher. Many prefer to use hotter temperatures, but hotter temperatures use more energy. For summertime efficiency, try setting your dishwasher to a warm setting, as this setting will cause your dishwasher to emit less heat and use less energy.
Load Dishes Properly
How you load your dishwasher can also improve its efficiency. Place plates and bowls on the bottom rack, and put cups, glasses and utensils on the top rack. Make sure to leave plenty of space between dishes for water to circulate properly. Avoid stacking items on each other, as this can prevent them from getting clean, which will cause you to run more than one cycle to get the job done.
Use Less Detergent
Using too much detergent can make your dishwasher run longer and use more energy. Instead, use the recommended amount of detergent as indicated on the package or in your dishwasher’s manual.
Most dishwasher detergent is designed to be both effective and efficient. Many are now formulated with enzymes that break down food particles without needing extra water or energy.
Avoid Pre-Heating
Many people think it’s necessary to pre-heat their dishwasher before running a cycle. However, pre-heating isn’t required to clean dishes thoroughly. Modern dishwashers are designed to work with cold water, and pre-heating can use more energy than necessary.
Instead of pre-heating, run the dishwasher on the hottest cycle and temperature setting to get the best clean. This will ensure that your dishes are clean and sanitized without wasting energy.
Utilize Delay-Start
Most dishwashers have a delay-start option that allows you to set a specific time for the cycle. This is great for summertime efficiency, as you can set the dishwasher to start during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper.
Delay-start can also help reduce the heat your dishwasher produces, as it will run during cooler parts of the day.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the convenience your dishwasher brings while saving immensely on energy costs.
If you need any help with dishwasher repairs or want some additional recommendations for energy savings, contact Round to It Appliance Repair in Wichita, KS.
