How Can I Use My Dishwasher?

Using your dishwasher is a straightforward process designed to efficiently clean your dishes and cookware.

To wash dishes in a dishwasher, you need to load your cookware and dishware onto the racks, add dishwasher detergent to the dispenser, select your washing cycle and start the dishwasher.

Let's break down these steps into a simple process:

Steps to Use Your Dishwasher

Using a dishwasher involves a few key actions to ensure your dishes come out sparkling clean.

1. Loading: Arrange your dishes, glasses, cups, utensils, and larger items like pots and pans correctly on the designated racks. Ensure items aren't blocking the spray arms or nesting tightly together, which can prevent water circulation. Scrape off large food particles, but rinsing isn't typically necessary with modern dishwashers and detergents.
2. Adding Detergent: Locate the detergent dispenser, usually on the inside of the dishwasher door. Add the recommended amount of dishwasher detergent (liquid, powder, or pod) to the main wash compartment. Some dispensers also have a pre-wash compartment for heavily soiled loads.
3. Selecting a Cycle: Choose the appropriate washing cycle based on the soil level of your dishes and the type of items you are washing. Common cycles include:
   • Normal
   • Heavy Duty
   • Light/Express
   • Eco-friendly
   • Rinse Only
     Consult your dishwasher's manual for specific cycle descriptions and recommendations.
4. Starting the Dishwasher: Close the dishwasher door firmly. Press the Start button. Some models may require you to press Start and then close the door within a few seconds. The dishwasher will then proceed through the wash, rinse, and drying stages of the selected cycle.

Quick Reference Table

Here's a summary of the basic steps:

Step	Action	Detail
Load	Arrange cookware and dishware on racks	Ensure spray arms can move freely.
Add Detergent	Put detergent in the dispenser	Use appropriate type/amount for your machine and load.
Select Cycle	Choose a washing cycle	Match cycle to soil level and dish type.
Start	Close door and press Start	Follow your specific dishwasher model's instructions.

Following these steps will allow you to effectively use your dishwasher to keep your dishes clean.