How to use a dishwasher - tips for new users from professionals

The Swedish brand Electrolux has long been in demand among users; the popularity of this company was brought by the Inspire line of washing machines, and now more and more people prefer PMM from this manufacturer. Electrolux dishwashers are modern kitchen assistants that relieve owners from washing dishes by hand.

How to load dishes into the dishwasher?

When starting to use a dishwasher, first learn how to load dishes into it correctly. If you ignore the recommendations, you can get back not only dirty plates, but also break your equipment.

Typically, a dishwasher has two baskets and a compartment for cutlery. The upper basket is designed for plates, cups and other small dishes. And the lower one is for pots, pans and larger items.

If the machine has the ability to adjust the height of the basket, adjust it so that the water is distributed evenly.

Tips for loading dishes into the dishwasher:

When using a built-in dishwasher, before loading, remove any remaining food from the dishes - bones, large pieces, etc. Otherwise, there is a risk that the filter will become clogged.
For the sake of economy and absolute cleanliness, if the dishes are very dirty, first rinse them in the sink. You will remove heavy dirt, thereby making the machine easier to operate and increasing its efficiency. This advice is especially needed for those users who do not have a soaking program.
Fill the lower basket first, and then the upper one, but do not confuse their purpose. We talked about this above.
It is better to place plates, etc. with the inside facing the center. Place large dishes on the edge. Keep a distance between dishes in the holders, otherwise they will not be washed well.
Cups, etc. Place them upside down to prevent liquid from flowing into them. If you wash glasses and other fragile glass, do not place other dishes close to them.
Place cutlery separately in the drawer with the handles facing up so that water can run down them.
Use the dishwasher correctly, loading very dirty dishes in one cycle, and cleaner ones in another. Place baking sheets on their sides, and pans with the bottom facing up.
Don't make the dishwasher difficult to close. There should be free space between the dishes so that each appliance has enough water and you get cleanly washed dishes.

Correct choice of mode in PMM

Bosch, Electrolux, Hotpoint Ariston, and Hansa machines will do the job perfectly if the user sets a suitable washing program.

Often the consumer chooses the most convenient mode and uses it constantly. In this case, the degree of contamination and the material of the products are not taken into account.

Whatever PMM model you use - Siemens, Beko, Kerting, Gorenie, Ikea - study the programs in the instructions.

Express mode. The program time does not exceed 45 minutes.
Intensive washing at 60-80 degrees. Suitable for heavily soiled utensils.
The standard program automatically determines the load level, and then selects the duration and temperature of the wash.
An economical program consumes less water and electricity.
The delicate mode is set for fragile dishes.

The table will help you decide:

Pay attention to every load of your machine, then it will serve you for many years. After watching the video, you will learn how to properly set up your dishwasher:

What can't be washed in the dishwasher?

Tree

If a tree is placed in water for a long time, it will expectedly swell and increase in size. Those. wooden spoons, rolling pins, etc. utensils will become unusable.

After drying, the bond between the fibers will be destroyed, and such dishes will still remain with defects: a different shape, cracks, roughness.

Even if you are not going to put wooden dishes in the dishwasher for a long time, the effect will be the same due to boiling water and detergents.

Plastic

You can use the dishwasher and load plastic dishes, as long as they are heat-resistant. Look for the icon that allows the machine to wash.

We do not recommend loading into the lower basket, because... the heating element is closest to it, the products may melt. You cannot wash disposable tableware!

If you have dishes that can maintain a vacuum inside, then they also cannot be washed in a machine. Otherwise, the plastic will deform and the container will lose its seal; in other words, air will begin to enter it.

Porcelain

It is better to take care of beautiful porcelain sets with your hands. Hot water may cause small cracks to appear on the porcelain, ruining its appearance.

Also, the painting may not be as bright if it is not covered with varnish. If you are at risk, then choose the “Delicate Wash” program.

Crystal

If possible, take care of the crystal yourself. He is afraid of the high temperature changes that exist in the dishwasher. Or turn on the “Delicate Wash” program.

Metal

When using a dishwasher, you need to know something about metal. It is better to wash silver in the sink, because... from contact with other metals (for example, stainless steel), the products will turn black.

Bronze, tin, and brass objects also lose their color, which is not easy to restore later.

Aluminum, despite the protective film, can become dark gray from boiling water and chemicals. And cast iron will not suffer from corrosion after regular washing.

Other

When deciding to use the dishwasher correctly, do not use it to wash:

Sharp knives, they will become dull.
Unglazed clay dishes, otherwise particles will clog the filter.
Thermos, etc., if it does not have a dishwasher safe symbol.

Preparation

Before making a test run, you need to carefully prepare. Visually assess the tightness of the connections during installation. Then you need to check whether there is any packaging material, foam balls or advertising stickers left inside the chamber, found in devices from Bosch, Siemens and many others. All foreign objects must be removed before starting work.

Algorithm for preparing for test activation of the dishwasher

After this, you need to wipe the inside of the camera with a soft and clean cloth.
Even if there are no dishes, the machine must be loaded with detergent using special softening salt.
On the control panel, be sure to note with what composition the program will be executed. Even if the device can recognize the type of detergent, it is necessary.
In addition to determining the type of product, you should indicate the level of salt consumption.
The household chemicals market produces many special detergent compositions for testing PMM - dishwasher.

“>PMM. Their types differ in their characteristics in accordance with their intended purpose. They are intended for test run purposes only.

At the last stage of preparation, you will need to level the device and tighten the legs on the body.
Check that the nozzles can rotate freely.
Remove the filter and rinse under running water and replace it.

What means should I use?

For proper operation of the dishwasher you need to use detergents, let's talk about them.

Salt

Salt is used to soften water because... It is not recommended to wash dishes in our hard water. Firstly, it reduces the effectiveness of the funds. Secondly, scale appears on the products, and the machine itself may eventually fail for this reason.

How to use dishwasher salt? Before the cycle begins, salt is poured into a tank at the bottom of the chamber. At the end, a saline solution is sprayed into the container, leaving it for 15 minutes.

For about 20 sessions you will need 1.5 kg of salt, the consumption depends on the hardness of the water. It is easier to find out the hardness using test strips. And based on this, set the parameters on the regulator responsible for how much salt the exchanger will take.

If you run out of salt, you will see a notification on the panel.

As soon as you start using a dishwasher, you will realize that there are a lot of cleaners and detergents. Moreover, they are presented in different forms: powders, tablets, gels.

The main rule is to use dishwasher-safe products only. Do not replace them with soap, washing powder, or anything else. Otherwise, at best, the equipment will have to be sent for repair.

Today, dishwasher tablets and powders are especially popular. Users like the tablets because they don’t need to calculate the quantity; some even have a break strip (if the machine is half loaded).

But the disadvantages are that in small cycles the tablet does not completely dissolve. And this product costs more than the powder.

Most often, users around the world use finish products for the dishwasher. This manufacturer produces everything: powders, tablets, gels.

Benefits of Finish detergents:

A manufacturer with a rich history (more than 20 years) and good reviews, one of the first to produce tablets for dishwashers.
There are no strong chemicals in the composition.
Natural ingredients and oxygen do not form foam during washing and do not harm equipment.
All products have been tested and are safe.
A large assortment of powders, gels and various tablets, which allows you to choose the best product for yourself, including cost.
Finish tablets for the dishwasher contain substances that, when used, not only effectively wash, but also soften water.

How to use finish for dishwashers?

Rules:

Fill the machine with dishes.
Place the tablet.
Select a temperature of 50-55 degrees.
Launch it.

Rinse aid

Thanks to the rinse aid, there are no water stains left on the dishes. It looks like a liquid detergent that is poured into the compartment on the door when using the dishwasher.

Expert advice

While the dishwasher is operating, you must refrain from touching parts of the cabinet with wet hands. This may result in electric shock. If you need to use an extension cord, you should give preference to a high-quality one.

You can maintain the functionality of the device for a long time if you follow the rules of use:

Regularly check the availability of detergents and auxiliary products, adding them as needed.
Check the cleanliness of the spray nozzle and clean the filter.

Follow the rules for placing dishes inside the chamber for quality washing.
Refrain from loading plates and pots with food residues into the basket.

Preparing the dishwasher for further use does not require special knowledge or skills. By following simple recommendations and instructions, you can conduct a test run yourself, without resorting to outside help.

Video

Starting the dishwasher for the first time

When you use a dishwasher for the first time, you need to understand its structure well:

The chamber door can stand in the block while the machine is operating so that it does not accidentally open.
Baskets, holders, shelves are needed for dishes.
Sprayers can be either at the bottom or at the top of the machine. They spray water, washing away dirt from objects.
The control panel can be mechanical or electronic (touch). If you use a built-in dishwasher, you will see the panel on the outside of the door.
The salt compartment is located next to the drain - at the bottom of the pan. Reservoirs for detergents are on the door.

To start a test wash:

Open the door.
Remove the lower basket.
Open the salt compartment and fill it with water, then add salt.
Set to medium cycle and high temperature.
Run the dishwasher without dishes.

These instructions are suitable if this is your first time using a Bosh dishwasher or any other manufacturer.

What should you pay attention to?

After delivering and unpacking the Electrolux dishwasher, you want to immediately start it up and test its functionality, but there is no need to rush, since you have to perform a test run in idle mode without loading dishes. The dishwasher test mode is useful because it:

cleans the new device from small factory debris and lubricating components, preparing the equipment for everyday use;
checks functionality - a test run allows you to identify possible defects in equipment that may be factory defects or appear as a result of careless transportation;
monitors the correct connection of the device to communications - water supply, drainage and electrical networks;
checks the heater and all settings.

In addition, the trial cycle will give you the opportunity to get used to choosing programs and setting up the required mode. Before a test run, you need to pay attention to the correct rotation of the sprayer and the integrity of the filter, set the water hardness, then add salt, detergent, rinse aid, set the high temperature mode and start the unit.

The first start of an Electrolux dishwasher with a loaded basket is carried out 20-30 minutes after the end of the test cycle, since the chamber must be completely dry.

How to choose a program for your dishwasher?

Before starting the machine, check again that the dishes are positioned correctly, see if there are any unnecessary items, and if all the detergents are filled. And then you need to select a program.

Their set differs depending on the brand and model of the dishwasher. Let's talk about the main programs that are most often used in dishwashers.

Soak

This mode is needed for cleaning very dirty items, when there is grease, pieces of dried food, etc. First, the dishwasher will soak to make it easier to work with, and then it will remove the remaining dirt even without a product.

Intensive wash

Set this program for very dirty dishes; it consists of two stages - preliminary and main. The temperature can be up to 80 degrees and the machine consumes a lot of water and energy, so you should not choose intensive washing unless absolutely necessary.

Normal mode

The machine can handle medium-sized stains, for example, if you just used a pan and decided to wash it. The temperature is up to 65 degrees, and the washing time is about 1 hour.

Economical

Due to the low temperature - up to 55 degrees, energy consumption is less. Also, if you choose a half load, you can reduce the consumption of not only energy, but also water.

Fast

Suitable for not very dirty dishes, temperature up to 55 degrees, but cycle time is shorter.

Delicate

Select this program when using the dishwasher for anything fragile: crystal, porcelain, glass, etc. Temperatures up to 45 degrees. But cold water won’t help with heavy dirt, so you’ll have to wash something by hand.

Features of the device and configuration

The functionality of dishwashers is constantly being improved, which is why models from the Swedish brand are in great demand among consumers. Among the functional features of the dishwasher, several product lines can be noted:

The “green” series is designed for economical electricity consumption due to simultaneous connection to cold and hot water.
“Comfort Lift” is a model range of devices with adjustable basket height. The special mechanism makes it easy to use.
"Real Life" is a line of large-sized machines with large capacity.
“Real Life Slim” - compact dishwashers up to 45 cm wide.
FlexiWash is a modern development aimed at varying degrees of cleaning and temperature conditions.

Advantages and disadvantages of the company

PMMs from the Swedish brand Electolux demonstrate many advantages over models from other companies:

economical consumption of “A-class”;
connection to hot water;
loading chamber capacity;
reduced noise level;
availability of 2 or 3 baskets;
ease of control
stylish design.

Judging by the reviews of the owners, the disadvantages of the models of this company are:

lack of protection from children;
there is no protection against leaks;
no half load mode.

How to use different brands of dishwasher?

Instructions for Bosch

After the Bosch dishwasher is installed and connected, the rules of use will be as follows:

In the settings program, select the product you are using - powder, gel, tablets. And load it into the container on the door. And check the presence of rinse aid and salt using the indicators on the panel (if any of them are on, you need to replenish supplies).
Next, load the dishes.
Close the door.
Select a program.
Turn on additional functions - partial loading, delay timer, etc.
Start the washer.

How to use a Siemens dishwasher correctly?

Using a Siemens dishwasher correctly is also not difficult:

Press the power button or turn the lever;
Load up all the products, including salt if you have run out and rinse aid.
Load items.
Close the door.
Select a mode.
And start the machine. After the cycle ends, you will hear a melody and the indicator will light up, which means you can open the door and take out clean dishes.

How to use an Electrolux dishwasher?

The rules for using an Electrolux dishwasher are as follows:

Press the on/off button on the control panel.
If suddenly the water softener settings are not set, then set them based on the hardness of the water in your home.
Fill the salt and rinse aid containers. And also put detergent.
Load dishes.
Select a program.
Close the door well.
Start the washer.

Or watch our video on how to use an Electrolux dishwasher.

Instructions for Media

How to use the Midea dishwasher:

Turn on the machine using the on/off button and open the door.
Fill the detergent compartments.
Check the level of the distribution device when flushing.
Check for salt. If it ends, there will be a notification on the panel.
Load the baskets with dishes.
Select a program by pressing the program button until the desired one lights up.
Close the door and start the washer. However, the cycle can be changed if it was started recently. Otherwise, the products and water may have already been drained, in which case, refill the compartments again. To do this, open the door by holding down the programming button for 5-10 seconds, select a new mode and start the appliance again.

How to use a Beko dishwasher?

How to use your Beko dishwasher:

Turn on the machine using the on/off button.
Check for salt. If it is not enough, an indicator will appear on the instrument panel.
Load detergents and dishes.
Select a program and enable additional options. functions - half load, Turbo Wash, Extra Rinse, etc.
Close the door and start the washer.

How to use a Hansa dishwasher?

Rules for using the Hans dishwasher:

Turn on the machine and see the power indicator light up on the panel.
Check for salt. If it is not there, the salt indicator will light on the panel.
Add powder and rinse aid.
Load dishes.
Select a program – standard wash, delicate wash, eco-clean, etc.
Close the door and start the washer.

How to use an Ariston dishwasher?

Rules for regular use of the Hotpoint Ariston dishwasher:

Turn on the machine using the on/off button on the panel.
If you see that the salt indicator is on, it means that it has run out. Refill the reservoir. To do this, pull out the basket from below and unscrew the tank lid clockwise. Fill the reservoir completely, removing excess salt from the cap threads, rinse the cap with water and close the reservoir.
If you see from the indicator that the rinse aid has run out, refill another reservoir. Open the dispenser by turning the cap counterclockwise and pour in the liquid. Do not pour rinse aid directly into the machine;
Fill the compartment with detergent.
Load the machine according to the instructions.
Close the door.
Select a program by rotating the program selection knob clockwise (intensive, normal, daily, delicate, etc.).
Select additional functions (delayed start, etc.).
Start the wash using the start button.
At the end of the cycle, the end indicator will light up.

Instructions for Indesit

How to use the Indesit dishwasher:

On the instrument panel, press the power button.
Check the presence of salt and rinse aid, add detergent.
Open the door and load the dishes.
Select a program (intensive, normal, reduced, etc.) and turn on additional options. features if you need them.
Close the door and start the machine.

Getting started - first operational start

This stage is started only after a test run of the PMM in idle mode. Otherwise, even if everything is in order with the equipment, traces of industrial grease may remain on clean dishes. These substances are potentially dangerous. It’s better not to save money and risk your health.

Before starting operation, you will have to spend a little time and deal with pressing issues. You need to take care of selecting detergents, preparations for preventive maintenance, learn how to load the basket correctly, and find the optimal program for your existing cutlery.

We offer step-by-step instructions for preparing to turn on the dishwasher for the first time in operating mode.

Step 1: selection of household chemicals

To keep your dishes consistently clean, you need to decide on the best products for your particular machine model.

You should focus on the following criteria:

Release form. There are powder, tablet, and gel formulations. The quality of dishwashing and the cost-effectiveness of product consumption depend on the choice.
Compound. Complex chemical preparations may contain several active ingredients. Each performs its own function and copes best with a certain type of task. You should choose depending on the type of cookware.
Safety. Harsh chemicals can be harmful to health. It is better not to use certain brands of products if there are children, old people, pregnant women, allergy sufferers, and asthmatics in the house.
Price. A dishwasher saves the housewife time and effort, but this does not mean that you should go broke. You need to decide on the budget that will be allocated monthly for household chemicals and select formulations that are suitable for the price.

In addition to detergents, you will also need compounds for water softening, manual and automatic cleaning of the dishwasher, removing scale from the walls of the chamber, heating element and other machine parts.

How to drain water from a machine

If it is necessary to transport equipment in the event of, for example, moving, it should first be prepared. First of all, you will need to drain the water from the machine. The same procedure is carried out if it is necessary to repair the unit. This is done very simply:

Protective gloves are put on your hands.
The drain hose of the machine is disconnected from the sewer riser or sink siphon.
Its free end is placed in the basin.
To stop the water flow, you just need to lift the hose.

First dishwashing

After a test run, making sure that the device is operating correctly, you can proceed directly to operation. To do this, you need to acquire special detergents and carefully study the instructions. Then, having decided on the choice of programs, you can start using the device.

How to choose the right funds?

The market offers many chemical options for first starting a dishwasher. Making a choice can be quite difficult. When purchasing, you should consider the following nuances:

Release forms. The drug can be produced in the form of gel, powder, capsules, tablets and granules. Their dosage, dissolution rate and the final result of use depend on this.
Compositions. The product may contain various active ingredients. They are all responsible for performing separate tasks.
Degree of security. Harsh products can be toxic. Therefore, when choosing them, you should take into account the purpose of use, whether there are old people, children, allergy sufferers, or people with asthma in the house.
Price. Using a dishwasher simplifies the life of housewives. But at the same time, you need to take into account your financial capabilities and calculate in advance the costs allowed for servicing the PMM - dishwasher.