Table of Contents
Myth 1 – You need to pre-rinse.
Myth 2 – It doesn’t matter how you load it.
Myth 3 – It’ll damage your flatware.
Myth 4 – Good knives are ok to put in there.
Myth 5 – Using a rinsing agent is a waste of time.
Myth 6 – Detergents are all the same.
Myth 7 – The disposal has nothing to do with the dishwasher.
Schedule your dishwasher maintenance now!
7 Dishwasher Myths Busted!
Some of us scrub our dishes so well before they go in the dishwasher that they hardly need any more cleaning. If there’s nothing for the detergent to clean, it can be abrasive to dishes. Learn more about this and other dishwasher myths in this helpful article.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Uncover the truth behind these common dishwasher myths.
- Dishwashers aren’t exactly new-fangled inventions, but there are still a lot of misconceptions about them.
- Unless you have large particles of food on your dishes, pre-rinsing creates extra work and could actually hinder dishwasher performance.
Dishwashers aren’t exactly new-fangled inventions, but there are still a lot of misconceptions about them. Mike Showalter, a field support engineer at Sears, helps us get at the truth behind some common dishwasher myths.
(Text Version of Infographic)
Myth 1 – You need to pre-rinse.
Unless you have large particles of food on your dishes, pre-rinsing creates extra work and could actually hinder dishwasher performance. If there’s nothing for the detergent to work on, it can be abrasive to dishes.
Myth 2 – It doesn’t matter how you load it.
Top Rack: Cups and glasses belong here, between the tines – not perched over them. The little rack with the slots is for the stems of wineglasses. Place bowls at an include so the water drains. Dishwasher-safe plastic also goes here.
Bottom Rack: Best suited for plates, pans, and larger items.
Third rack: Some dishwashers have a slip third rack for spatulas, other tall cooking utensils, and large knives. If you don’t have one, they go on the top rack, facing down.
Myth 3 – It’ll damage your flatware.
Everyday flatware is fine to put in the dishwasher. Put utensils in the holder with their handles down, business-end up – with the exception of sharp knives. Those go in point-down. Mix up forks, spoons, and knives.
Myth 4 – Good knives are ok to put in there.
Nope! Wash your good cooking knives by hand. Ditto for fine china, ceramic cookware, wooden cutting boards, crystal glasses, sterling silver, and silver-plate items.
Myth 5 – Using a rinsing agent is a waste of time.
This is one of the most common mistakes. Rinsing agents allow water to drain after the final rinse and prevent spots and streaks.
Myth 6 – Detergents are all the same.
Some studies have shown that powders, especially the powder tablets, work best on caked-on food. If you’re a fan of gel or pods, keep a box of powder tablets on hand for really tough loads.
Myth 7 – The disposal has nothing to do with the dishwasher.
Not true! The dishwasher likely drains into the same pipe as your sink, so making sure it’s not clogged with disposal fodder will help your dishwasher drain efficiently. Also: Run the hot water and then start the dishwasher so the cycle will use hot water from the get-go.
Schedule your dishwasher maintenance now!
Regular dishwasher maintenance can help prevent costly breakdowns, reduce energy costs and extend the life of your appliance.
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Glossary Terms
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A garbage disposal is a device installed under a kitchen sink that shreds food waste into small enough pieces to pass through plumbing, facilitating an easier and more hygienic kitchen waste management process.
A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.
A microwave cover is a kitchen accessory designed to fit over dishes being heated or cooked in a microwave oven, preventing splatters inside the microwave and helping to evenly distribute heat.
Common Repair Dishwasher Symptoms
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher is leaking are a faulty pump and motor assembly, defective electronic control board or a worn door seal.
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher has no water are a broken detergent dispenser, defective electronic control board or a clogged water valve.
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher is not draining are a failed drain pump, cracked drain hose or a defective electronic control board.
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher is not drying are a broken heating element, defective electronic control board or a stripped wire connector.
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher is not spinning are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a faulty pump and motor assembly.
The most common reasons your Amana dishwasher is not starting are a defective electronic control board, damaged user interface control or a stripped wire connector.