The dishwasher has become an integral part of the kitchen in many households. It not only saves time and effort but also helps reduce water and energy consumption. However, in order to ensure a long and efficient life, it is not just important to choose the right model for your household but also to use and maintain it properly. The Elektrum energy efficiency experts share their advice on choosing and using a dishwasher to ensure both clean dishes and a long-lasting appliance.

What to consider when choosing?

• Intended location and size

When choosing a dishwasher, the first thing to understand is where the appliance is going to be installed and how much space it will take up. A standard dishwasher is about 60 cm wide, but for smaller kitchens, compact or narrow dishwashers of 45 cm in width are a better fit.

It is also important to take into account the number of people living in the household and to choose a dishwasher with the right capacity. For households of up to two people, smaller dishwashers are more cost-effective, where you can wash 9 to 10 sets of dishes. But for a family of 4, the wide dishwasher, which is designed for 14 to 15 sets, is more suitable. The narrow and wide machines have minimal differences in electricity and water consumption, while the wide machine can wash half as many more dishes at once, which will be more cost-effective in the long run. At the same time, the wide machine will be more flexible for different types of dishes, as the plate holders can be folded down in parts, allowing one to combine smaller and larger items, such as a saucepan.

Remember that every home has its own dishwashing habits, and loading the dishwasher in the right way maximises both the amount of dishes you can wash at one time and the quality of the dishwashing.

• Electricity and water consumption

When choosing a dishwasher, pay attention to its energy label. Appliances with a higher energy efficiency class will be more efficient and more cost-effective in the long term.

• Noise level

The noise level of a dishwasher is a particularly important factor if you live in an open-plan home. In this case, it is recommended to choose a dishwasher with a low noise level (40 to 48 dB).

• Functions and programs

When choosing a dishwasher, it is equally important to consider which features will be most useful for you to ensure efficient and convenient dishwashing according to your daily routine.

A dishwasher usually has at least three programs: standard (for everyday, medium dirty dishes), intensive (for very dirty dishes and pots, usually running at higher temperatures and for a longer time) and light or quick (for only slightly dirty dishes).

At the same time, the dishwasher can have various additional functions, such as:

• Delayed start – allows you to set the start of the wash cycle for a later time, for example in the middle of the night;
• Steam cleaning – available on a range of modern machines, this feature helps to dissolve stubborn dirt for a more thorough clean;
• Eco program – washing at lower temperatures and with less water, which is better for your wallet and the environment;
• Automatic dosing – a feature available mainly on high-end dishwashers – calculates the exact amount of detergent needed according to the dirtiness of the dishes and the program;
• Gentle program – suitable for fragile dishes such as beverage glasses and porcelain items.

How to use the dishwasher efficiently?

• Preparing the dishes – Before putting the dishes in the dishwasher, you must remove any large food residues. There is no need to rinse dishes under running water at the same time if the machine is equipped with a powerful filter.
• Correct placement – It is recommended to place the dishes as indicated in the instructions so that the water jets can reach them from all sides. Place larger items on the bottom shelf and more fragile and lighter items on the top shelf.
• Choice of programs – Slightly dirty dishes can be washed efficiently at 40 °C and on shorter washing programs, which will help reduce water and energy consumption. Only use programs with higher wash temperatures, such as 70 °C and longer cycles, for dishes that are particularly dirty.

What should be taken into account during the maintenance process?

• Odour prevention – It is essential to open the dishwasher door at the end of the wash cycle to prevent moisture and mould from building up. Special cleaning products must be used as specified in the user manual or on the label.
• Regular cleaning – To ensure a long and efficient life, you should not forget to clean your dishwasher’s filter at least once a month, as it tends to accumulate food residues. It is advisable to clean the water spray nozzles of the dishwasher periodically, as food residues can block them. A bristle brush is useful for this process. It is recommended to use a damp cloth or mild detergent to clean the door seals to prevent mould and bacteria from forming.
• By following these tips, your dishes will always be clean and your machine will be long-lasting and reliable. And energy will be used wisely, reducing both day-to-day costs and the environmental impact.

For additional useful tips from the experts at the Elektrum Energy Efficiency Centre, take a look at here.