How to properly load dishes into the dishwasher: valuable tips

Using a dishwasher is an opportunity to free up time and relieve yourself of the work that equipment can do. However, illiterate operation can turn useful equipment into an endless headache. Moreover, most violations are associated with improper loading of dishes into the unit’s tank.

We will tell you how to properly load dishes into the dishwasher. We'll show you the order in which kitchen utensils should be placed for an ideal sanitization result. This article provides advice on choosing tools for operating and maintaining equipment.

Causes of damage to dishes in the car

There are quite a few limitations that limit the possibilities of using a dishwasher, and inept handling of equipment and improper loading lead to unexpected results. The conditions created in the dishwasher limit the ability to wash certain types of dishes in it.

Factors that narrow the functionality of technology:

very hot water;
temperature changes;
hot air drying;
aggressive chemicals;
prolonged contact with water, steam.

Temperature shock can cause even tempered glassware that can withstand hot temperatures to crack.

Some dishwasher models take this factor into account - a built-in heat exchanger eliminates sudden temperature changes.

To make the most of the equipment’s potential, purchase dishes with a manufacturer’s mark that they can be washed in a dishwasher. But even following all the rules can lead to damage to tableware.

Repairing a dishwasher at home using the example of the Bosh Silence Plus model, video

Increasing the area of kitchens in new buildings allows you to fit a lot of useful equipment, including a dishwasher (DMM). This device facilitates women's responsibilities and provides more time for leisure.

The functionality and design of a dishwasher may differ between different models, so when choosing such equipment, you must first study its characteristics in detail.

Structural components of the dishwasher
Types of modern models
Additional functionality of PMM
Dishwasher operating diagram
Types of drying in a dishwasher
Maintainability of PMM parts Electric circulation pump
Drain pump
Control device board
Water inlet valve
Flow heaters and heating elements
Elements of drying equipment
Other PMM components

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Its main function is to clean the dishes placed inside from dirt. But ensuring a good result is only possible with the correct operation of its components.

The main parts of the dishwasher include:

Control Panel.
Hermetically sealed inner chamber.
Sprayer blocks (rocker arms).
A circulation pump that returns drained water to the sprayers.
Compartment for detergent, rinse aid, water softener.
Baskets for dishes, shelves for glasses.
Water filter system.
Flow-through heating element.
Float switch.
Power cable.
Water inlet valve.
Drain pump.
Hose system.
Pressostat.
Lamp.

The listed parts form the basis of a typical PMM, but other modules may be included in its design. Only the interior space of the washing chamber is available to the user for viewing. It is in it that the main elements responsible for the cleanliness of the dishes being processed are located.

The main parts located inside the working space of the dishwasher are:

PMM housing. Made of stainless steel. Its walls do not experience strong mechanical stress, so the thickness of the metal at the tank is minimal.
Rocker arms for spraying liquid under pressure. They do not have a special drive, but rotate due to the oblique arrangement of several outlet holes.
Baskets for storing dishes. Several of them can be placed in the internal space. The size of the baskets usually differs: at the bottom there is a more spacious one for pots, and at the top there is a compact one for plates, mugs, and cutlery.
Filter system. Located in the lower sector of the tank, it consists of an upper mesh and a lattice glass located under it.
Compartment for loading funds. Designed for detergent, rinse aid and water softener. These three containers can be located separately or connected within one dispenser.
Sealing rubber bands and a light bulb.

Without the listed components, the dishwasher simply will not be able to perform its functions efficiently. But other elements can be installed inside the PMM, providing expanded capabilities and making it easier to work with the device.

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Not all apartments have spacious kitchens that can accommodate full-size dishwashers. Therefore, manufacturers have invented many alternative devices that can wash dishes and not take up much space. All of them are exclusively electric with forced water pressure.

Four structural types of PMM can be distinguished:

Built-in under the countertop.
Standing separately.
Compact and portable.
Top loading.

PMMs built under the countertop usually have a depth of 57 cm, which allows for the necessary communications between the device and the wall. If installed correctly, the front edge of a machine of this size will be flush with the table. In terms of width, dishwashers can be compact (44-46 cm) or full-size (56-60 cm). Their height is usually standard - 81-82 cm with the ability to adjust.

Restrictions on the type of materials

The dishwasher should not be loaded with cutlery or items made from materials such as:

Wood. Antique cutlery, spoons, plates, spatulas and cutting boards can become completely damaged due to contact with hot water. The wood will swell and, as it dries, begin to crack and change its shape.
Plastic. The restriction applies to items made of plastic that cannot withstand high temperatures.
Copper, tin, silver. Contact with chemicals can cause them to fade, change color, or oxidize.
Aluminum. Frying pans, pots, meat grinder parts and other aluminum products darken and a coating forms on their surface. Prolonged contact with water is also undesirable.

It is also undesirable to wash cast iron cookware in a machine, since strong detergents help remove the protective layer from them and cause rust.

In a dishwasher, operating modes can last from 30 to 150 minutes. It is clear that wooden dishes, having spent so much time in a humid environment, will absorb a large amount of water and, when dry, can behave differently - swell, crack

A complete list of items allowed and prohibited for loading into the dishwasher is given here; we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the very useful information.

Adviсe

Fragile glassware should not come into contact with each other so that it is not damaged during the washing process;
Don't overload your dishwasher. Sufficient distance between dishes will allow you to rinse containers and cutlery more thoroughly;
Do not wash products made of wood or containing elements made of this material in the dishwasher;
If there is not a lot of dishes, it is better to place them in the center, since in the corners they are not always washed thoroughly. This does not apply to modern models of Bosch and Siemens dishwashers; they have two rocker arms that are more effective at washing dishes.

As a conclusion, it is worth noting that in order for the dishwasher to wash the dishes efficiently, the consumer must know how to properly arrange the dishes in the dishwasher.

When placing dishes in the dishwasher according to all the rules, the question arises of how many dishes can be washed in one cycle. The manufacturer indicates in the instructions the capacity in the number of sets. Small machines can hold up to 6 sets, narrow ones up to 11 and full-size up to 17 sets of dishes.

However, the sets may differ not in quantity, but in the size of the plates. Additionally, some may only use soup and salad bowls and no saucers. Therefore, the load on the machine may differ in different families. We suggest following a few more rules for placing dishes in the dishwasher:

You should not load the machine with dishes to the maximum, a larger gap between items will allow for better rinsing of the products, and especially do not overload the machine;
before putting any item in the dishwasher, make sure that it can be washed in it, especially for plastic products, fragile glass and crystal goblets;
place objects so that they do not touch each other;
If possible, wash pans and pots separately from plates, mugs and glasses;
Do not wash wooden items in the dishwasher;
If you prefer to collect all the dishes in a day, then it is better to immediately place dirty plates in the washing machine; they will not dry out in it and will be easier to wash later.

It turns out that not all objects can be processed in PMM. Not every material from which plates, pots, pans, etc. are made will withstand the sudden temperature change that occurs when very hot water hits the surface.

In addition, items are subject to the following effects:

contact with active household chemicals;
interaction with hot water in the form of steam;
hot air drying.

It is not recommended to load utensils made from the following materials into a household unit:

wood – does not tolerate temperature changes and moisture and as a result is destroyed;
aluminum – darkens from prolonged exposure to hot steam and water;
silver, copper and tin - oxidize, changing their original color;
cast iron - loses its protective layer, which is why it undergoes oxidation, and eventually rust appears;
plastic, porcelain - not all varieties of these materials react normally to high temperatures.

Experts do not recommend putting cutting knives in the PMM, as temperature changes cause them to become dull. Also, you should not place Teflon-coated products in the tray - the material is simply washed off under the influence of an aggressive environment during the washing process. As a result, the food in such dishes will begin to burn during cooking.

Only turn on the machine when it is full. This way you will save time.
Store powder products exclusively in a dry place.
Use short dishwashing cycles whenever possible to save energy
Use a drying cycle. If this program is not available, open the machine door and wait until the dishes dry.
If you are unhappy with the cleanliness of your glass glasses, make sure that no other glassware interferes with the flow of water that washes them.
Set the boiler thermostat to 50 degrees when using high temperature programs.

How to load dishes into the dishwasher - on video.

How to properly load a dishwasher?

do not place very dirty items in the corners - the center cleans better;
do not wash greasy pans with delicate and fragile items - a residue will remain on the glass;
if there are a lot of dirty large utensils (pans, pots, molds) - do not overload the machine, wash them separately.

The article describes how to load a standard depth dishwasher. But these tips also apply to desktop PMMs - you just need to adapt to the compact size of the devices.

Dishes that are not dishwasher safe

Manufacturers do not recommend loading the following dishes into the machine:

Knives, shredder knives. When heated, they become dull, so it is not advisable to wash them at high temperatures.
Frying pans and saucepans with Teflon coating. The protective layer of the frying pan is washed off under the influence of detergents, and it loses its non-stick properties.
Dishes with a vacuum lid and seal. Under the influence of hot water, the seal will be broken and the seal will deteriorate.
Items with decorative painting. The paint used to decorate the dishes may wash off.
Objects stained with ash, grease, paint, wax. Anything that can stain equipment and lead to clogging.

In addition to general rules, there are also restrictions for specific dishes - after all, porcelain and plastic can have different compositions and react differently to the harsh conditions of machine washing. Therefore, when purchasing and before loading them into the dishwasher, check their labeling.

Knives tend to become dull in a hot environment. Therefore, it is better to wash them by hand, preferably at a low temperature. You need to be especially careful when handling professional knives.

Likewise, rusty appliances should not be placed in the dishwasher. They will not only be subject to even greater destruction, but will also lead to the formation of rust on metal cutlery that has not yet been touched by corrosion.

Isothermal dishes after being in a dishwashing machine may no longer retain heat due to the destruction of the vacuum seal

How much does it fit?

How many pots, plates and spoons can you wash at once? Read the instructions to see the capacity. Unit of measurement sets. In small-sized PMMs, 6 sets are washed per cycle, in narrow ones no more than 11, in full-size ones no more than 17.

A set is a set of dishes needed by one person. The manufacturer knows what is included in the kit. Approximate contents: a couple of plates, cutlery, a cup. In fact, the machine fits about 12-14 sets. If you need to wash an additional couple of pots and pans, then less.

Rules for using equipment

Broken or unwashed dishes with food residues, a clogged drain, corrosion inside the device body - all these are consequences of improper operation of the equipment. To avoid having to correct errors, it is better to study the download rules before you start using it.

General location rules

Before loading dishes into the dishwasher bin, remove any remaining food from it - just remove it with a spoon.

Pre-washing kitchen utensils is not only not necessary, but also not recommended, since in this case the sensor technology selects a weak cleaning program mode and stubborn dirt is not washed off.

If possible, cutlery is placed at some distance from each other to provide better access to water jets

There are rules that clearly stipulate how to load dishes and cutlery into the hopper of dishwashing equipment:

All items must be stable. The plates are placed in special racks; for tall glasses, it is also necessary to provide support (a small shelf located above the upper basket and holders are often adapted for this).
Dirtier kitchen utensils are placed in the lower rack of the dishwasher. There the water flow is stronger and the washing is more thorough. In addition, dirty water will not flow onto cleaner appliances.
All containers are placed upside down to prevent water from accumulating in them. Concave and convex objects are placed at an angle, so the water will drain better.
Tall and narrow containers should not be installed in corners or in an excessively inclined position.
Nothing should block the rotation of the rocker arms that spray water.

Do not overload the dish baskets or place any items in the detergent tablet compartment.

It is incorrect to place long cutlery, such as spatulas, skimmers, scoops, vertically, especially when the machine is half loaded

Devices for placing dishes

The design of the dishwasher includes the following devices for stable and safe placement of dishes:

Folding pins - designed for securely holding bowls, glasses, and pans.
Knife rack - suitable for storing all long items (stacked horizontally).
Small Item Holders - Securely holds lightweight items such as lids, plastic cups, etc.
Upper basket (box) - for loading cups, glasses, small plates. Can be placed at different heights.
Lower basket (box) - designed for large dishes, pots, pans, as well as for heavily soiled appliances.

In addition to the basic accessories, you can additionally purchase a cassette for washing silver, a bottle holder, an attachment for washing baking sheets, a bracket for tall glasses, a box for glasses and wine glasses, etc.

Before starting the washing program, all items must be securely fastened. For this, manufacturers provide many devices - shelves, pins, clamps

Loading rules for each type of cookware

The internal structure of the machine, the location and design of the boxes and shelves in it, are thought out in such a way as to provide the user with convenience and the safety of the dishes.

It is imperative to find support for the legs of tall glasses, otherwise they may break during washing. For this purpose, recesses are most often provided on the edge of the upper folding shelf for knives

To ensure that cutlery is placed stably, washed thoroughly, and does not interfere with the effective functioning of the equipment itself, each type of utensil has its own place:

Knives, skewers. Place on a special shelf in a horizontal position or in a basket for cutlery (spoons, forks) with the tips down.
Spoons, spatulas. There is a special basket for them; they are placed vertically.
Cook's spoons, skimmers. As well as other long cutlery. They are placed on folding shelves that can be installed at different heights and folded up when not needed.
Cups, glasses. Load into the upper basket upside down, in an inclined but stable position.
Plates, bowls. They are placed in special sections, one at a time if possible.
Pots, pans. Place in the lower basket with the bottom up.

Small cutlery is placed on shelves or in baskets with a fine mesh. If they are so small that they fall out of the basket, it is better to wash them by hand.

If water collects in the recesses of the cutlery, it means that the dishes were not positioned correctly - they must be placed not just upside down, but at an angle

The following video will introduce you to the subtleties and specifics of proper arrangement of cutlery when loading into the PMM:

Removing dishes after finishing washing

It is necessary to remove the dishes from the machine after it has cooled to a comfortable temperature, so as not to get burned. In addition, hot glass and porcelain dishes are sensitive to shock and may crack or break when unloaded. To prevent drops from dishes placed in the upper box from flowing onto the appliances located below, they must be unloaded starting from the bottom.

Arrangement of cutlery

Knives, forks and spoons of all types and sizes, collectively referred to as cutlery, are placed in a separate basket. Arrange them freely, trying not to place identical devices next to each other. If packed tightly, spoons and forks will not wash off. The position of the knives is strictly downward with the blade.

New PMM models from the Bosch and Siemens brands are equipped with a special tray for spoons and forks. It is located upstairs. The devices are placed in a horizontal position; this is economical, safe and ensures high-quality washing.

Dishwashing detergents and water softeners

Failure to comply with the norms for loading preparations into the dishwasher, incorrect settings of systems that dose products, or any deviations from the established rules lead to disruption of the dishwashing process. As a result, at the end of the programs, you can observe residues on the dishes and poor washing quality.

For washing use: detergent, salt, rinse aid. The rules for their use are described in detail by each dishwasher manufacturer.

Water softening salt

To thoroughly clean the dishes and avoid the appearance of a layer of scale, it is necessary to soften the water. This is especially true when using water with a high degree of hardness. Regenerating salt is loaded into the container of the water softener. The amount of loading is adjusted depending on the hardness indicators.

You can determine exactly how much softener you need to use based on data on the hardness of tap water in a particular region. The amount of salt for different levels of hardness is indicated in the standard table.

It is better to load salt into the machine before starting the washing program and, once dissolved, it is immediately washed off. If you fill it up earlier, the solution can get on the metal and trigger the start of the corrosion process.

Rinse aid for dishes care

The product is used to prevent water droplets from leaving stains on the dishes. Dish rinse aid is loaded into the container.

When the dishwasher light turns on, it indicates that there is 1-2 loads of rinse aid left. The portion size that is supplied to the system can be adjusted by setting it to a level from 1 to 4.

The required amount of rinse aid can be determined by the condition of the dishes after washing: if streaks remain, the portion can be reduced; if water stains are visible, the portion can be increased

Suitable detergents

Detergents contain slightly alkaline substances containing enzymes that dissolve proteins and break down starch. Some of them contain oxygen bleaches and work well on tea and ketchup stains.

Can be produced in the form of liquid, powder or tablets. The first two options allow the dishwasher to automatically dispense the required amount of product. Our recommended article will help you figure out which is better: powder or tablets.

The tablet is used completely, but sometimes, in order to save money, it is divided in half. The rules for using products from different manufacturers may differ, so before use, study the information on the packaging.

If the dishes are not very dirty, there are no dried traces of food on them, you can use less detergent than indicated in the instructions

You can use combined products that contain detergents, softening salt, and rinse aid if the hardness of your tap water is not higher than 21° dH. When using 3 in 1 products, the rinse aid and salt absence indicators are turned off - most machines support this function.

There are also 4 in 1 and 5 in 1 products, which include additional components to shine stainless steel or protect glass.

Detergents

Finally, I will dwell on some recommendations that are not directly related to loading, but are extremely important for the efficient operation of the machine:

Do not add too much detergent to the machine. This will cause excessive foam to form and washing will automatically stop.
Some machines have two detergent reservoirs. First you need to fill out the one on the door. A second container is only needed if there is some dirt left after the first wash.
First fill the tank located on the door. It should open after the dishwasher has finished pre-rinsing to loosen dirt.
The machine only uses detergent, rinse aid and salt. Each dishwasher manufacturer describes in detail how and in what doses to use them.

Check before starting

After distributing the dishes, make sure that there is enough space for the top sprinkler to twist - there should be at least 3-5 centimeters to the highest item.

Also, nothing should prevent the dispenser lid from opening and tablets or detergent powder falling out of it - do not place any high objects in the lower tier near the door.

Rules for safe use of the device

Operating a dishwasher requires following safety precautions in the same way as any other equipment:

Only specialized compounds intended for dishwashers are used as cleaning components. This is especially true for those containing chlorine.
The door must be closed while the device is operating. It is necessary to check whether the dishes placed inside do not interfere with this. An infrared indicator signals that the door is not tightly closed.
You must open the door carefully while the program is running to avoid being scalded by water that may splash out of the machine.
The machine door should only be open when unloading or loading the dishwasher, otherwise you may trip over it while moving around the kitchen.
Do not put heavy loads on the door, do not sit down or stand on it.
When installing a dishwasher, including a built-in one, you must strictly follow the installation rules developed by the manufacturer.

You need to be especially careful when using equipment if there are children in the house, and purchase those device models that have child protection programs and lock the car doors, preventing unauthorized access.

Children should not use the dishwasher independently. Young family members should also be prevented from accessing detergents - they contain chemical components.

How to extend the life of your dishwasher

Now let's look at how to use a dishwasher without breaking it. While operating the unit, you must not:

Overload it too much.
Do not allow any solvents to get into the machine.
Use household products designed for hand washing.
Allow the equipment to operate without regeneration salt. It is imperative to ensure that it is present in the appropriate container.
Open the door during operation. Before doing this, be sure to wait until the blades have completely stopped.

Besides:

The filters need to be cleaned after each wash.
The external surfaces of the machine should be wiped regularly with a damp cloth.
You should not try to repair a broken machine yourself.

The listed rules are a completely comprehensive answer to the question of how to use a Bosch, Ariston, Electrolux and any other brand dishwasher.

Equipment maintenance and cleanliness

Like any equipment, a dishwasher requires proper handling. After a certain period of operation of the device, you can observe the accumulation of fat, scale, and a humid environment leads to the appearance of fungi.

If deposits of plaque and grease have formed, it is necessary to load detergent into the appropriate chamber and run the program with the highest water heating temperature

Clean the filters from standard contaminants for dishes and rinse them under running water after each dishwashing. Spray arms are less often cleaned of scale and dirt. Each dishwasher manufacturer provides information in its instructions on how to properly remove and clean the removable elements.

Regular cleaning of the dishwasher and compliance with operating rules will significantly extend the service life of the equipment and eliminate the need for repairs and replacement of expensive components.

Special attention should be paid to the seal on the machine door - wipe with a damp cloth lightly moistened with detergent. Also keep the front panel with the controls clean without using a sponge with an abrasive surface.

From time to time it is necessary to carry out automatic washing of equipment using means for sanitizing the hopper and hard-to-reach areas of the unit. If the device is not used for a long time, to avoid the formation of fungus and unpleasant odors, keep its door ajar.

All dishwasher manufacturers provide detailed operating instructions with their products. For the sake of normal operation of the equipment, it is necessary and imperative to adhere to the rules indicated in the manual.

Select the desired program

You can wash dishes in the dishwasher using various programs. The instructions included with your assistant describe the entire range of features and functions; you should definitely read them.

In most cases, good results are achieved when using a standard program (economy or eco). If the dishes are very dirty, then the intensive washing mode is used - it washes well, but consumes maximum energy and water, so it is better to run the PMM at night.
The delicate mode is designed to wash particularly fragile dishes, such as glasses or crystal wine glasses. The delicate mode means the machine has a built-in heat exchanger that helps raise the water temperature during the first rinse.
In the case when you collect completely different dishes in the dishwasher, it is also worth turning on the gentle mode.
The machine will wash dishes for 1.5 hours or 1 hour in the standard program. The dishes will be hot after the cycle has completed, so wait another quarter of an hour before opening the door.
To prevent drips, the lower compartment is emptied first, followed by the upper one.
There are other rules. So, after each wash you should clean the filters. And to care for external surfaces, use damp sponges. You will also need to periodically clean the impeller nozzles to prevent them from clogging and clean the machine itself of scale if it has formed.

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Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The science behind loading your dishwasher:

Surely, you have not washed these items in the dishwasher yet and you will be interested in watching the video:

Most of the problems and malfunctions that arise during the operation of a dishwasher are a consequence of its improper use. Proper treatment and care of equipment will help not only preserve the appearance of kitchen utensils, but also extend the life of the device itself.

Would you like to talk about how you load dishes into your “home assistant”? Would you like to share the secrets of rational use of space in a bunker? Please write comments in the block below, post photos related to the topic of the article, and ask questions.

Preparing for washing

The first load takes 20 minutes for users who have no experience with a dishwasher. Having acquired the dexterity, dishwasher owners cope with the task of loading a standard batch in half the time; it takes 10 minutes.

Before placing plates in baskets, they are cleaned of food residues, otherwise they will then have to be removed from filters, hoses and pipes. It is better to remove food in advance rather than disassemble and clean problematic units. This can be done conveniently with napkins, sponges, or a rubber spatula. No solid food should be allowed into the hopper.