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Household Tips
Kitchen - Dishwasher Topics
Cleaning the Dishwasher
Dishwasher Detergents
Loading the Dishwasher
Cleaning the Dishwasher
Most dishwashers are self-cleaning, but you may want to periodically check the bottom of the dishwasher to make sure no large particles of food have gone through the straining portion of the module. Wipe the inside of the door liner to remove any food soil splashes.
Run vinegar through your dishwasher once a month to prevent hard deposits.
If a glass item breaks in the dishwasher, use bread to pick up the fragments.
Dip a damp rag in baking soda to clean up any inside spots.
For odours, sprinkle baking soda in the bottom and let it stand overnight.
Dishwasher Detergents
Never add detergent until you are ready to activate the dishwasher. Left standing, detergent absorbs moisture, cakes, and loses its cleaning power.
Some detergents can actually harm your tableware from their abrasives or misuse. Here are a couple of hints to help you choose the best detergent.
Choose only a detergent that is specially formulated for use in the dishwasher.
Using dishwashing liquids or laundry detergents can cause excessive suds that may block the washing action of your dishwasher. It may also cause overflowing.
You don’t usually need the full amount of detergent the package suggests. Try using half the recommended amount first, increasing the amounts only if your dishes are not coming out clean. If you have hard water you will require more detergent than if you are using soft water.
Avoid putting the detergent directly on your tableware. You should always use the dispenser cups.
Use a rinse agent to counteract water hardness and effectively prevent filming, spotting and streaking.
Store your detergent in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Loading the Dishwasher
To get the best cleaning results, make sure you load your dishwasher properly. You should always check your owner’s manual for specifics regarding your model.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure your dishes are dishwasher safe. Some items such as gold accented cutlery or glassware, crystal, china can be tarnished damaged or even destroyed by placing in a dishwasher. Even some wooden, plastic and metal items are not dishwasher safe. Always check first.
Remove large food particles from dishes before loading in the dishwasher.
Check that all pieces are securely loaded into your dishwasher. Pieces, that rub or bang together can cause scratching and chipping.
Keep china away from aluminium items, which can leave dark spots.
Ensure soiled surfaces are in the path of the water spray but not blocking it.
Large platters or cookie sheets should be placed at the back or at the sides of your dishwasher. If placed in the front they could prevent the water from reaching the detergent dispenser or the cutlery basket.
Smaller, lighter and fragile items should be securely placed on the top rack or a small items baskets. Lightweight should be placed in corners where the spray is not as strong, to avoid flipping.Shop for ***Small Items Basket***
Cutlery cleans best when handles are placed down. Knives however should always be placed with the handles up for obvious safety reasons. Alternatively you wash your knives in knife caddies.Shop for ***Knife Caddies***
Never load stainless steel flatware or other metal items - such as pots, cookie sheets or carrot peelers - in the dishwasher with your silver flatware. Direct contact between these metals can cause permanent damage to the silver.
Make sure handles and flatware do not protrude through racks.
Your dishwasher should never be set beyond the recommended maximum water temperature of 65 degrees Celsius.
If you would like to add, request or suggest some tips or topics please e-mail me at householdtips@housewifextreme.com.
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Tip of the Week
You can place sugar cubes in the container with your cheese to help keep the cheese mold free.
***Food Guide***
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