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A dishwasher can save you a surprising amount of time in the kitchen. Load it up, press a button, and a pile of dirty dishes is handled while you get on with your day.
But dishwashers still need a little care. Certain habits can leave dishes dirty, cause unpleasant smells, clog the machine, or put unnecessary strain on its parts. A few simple changes to how you load and run your dishwasher can help it work better and last longer.
Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid.
Add Dish Soap
Running out of dishwasher detergent can leave you tempted to grab the bottle of dish soap sitting beside the sink. Don’t.
Dish soap is made to create plenty of suds when mixed with water. A dishwasher uses a different type of detergent that cleans without producing a mountain of foam. Add regular dish soap to the machine and you could end up with suds spilling onto the kitchen floor.
If you’re out of dishwasher detergent, it’s better to wash the dishes by hand until you can get the proper detergent.
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Leave Large Food Particles on Dishes
You don’t need to prewash every plate until it’s spotless, but large pieces of food should be scraped into the trash or compost before the dishes go into the machine.
Big bits can collect in the filter or interfere with drainage. They can also leave the dishwasher smelling unpleasant if they sit there for several cycles.
A quick scrape is usually all that’s needed. Let the dishwasher handle the remaining food residue.
Skip Cleaning the Filter
The dishwasher filter has a dirty job. It catches food particles and other debris so they don’t keep circulating through the wash.
Over time, that buildup can restrict water flow and contribute to odors or poor cleaning. If you notice glasses coming out cloudy, food stuck to plates, or a funky smell every time you open the door, the filter is a good place to check.
Related: How to Clean Your Dishwasher Filter the Right Way
Check your owner’s manual for instructions on removing and cleaning the filter. How often it needs attention depends on how frequently you run the dishwasher and how much food residue goes into it.
Ignore Warning Signs
A dishwasher that suddenly starts making strange noises, leaves dishes dirty, or refuses to drain is trying to tell you something.
Don’t keep running it for weeks and hope the problem disappears. A small issue can sometimes become a much more expensive repair if you continue using the machine without figuring out what’s wrong.
Check the filter, spray arms, drain area, and detergent dispenser first. If the problem continues, consult the owner’s manual or have the appliance checked by a qualified technician.
Skip the Drying Cycle Without a Reason
The heated drying option isn’t necessary for every load, but skipping drying altogether can leave the inside of the dishwasher very damp.
That moisture can contribute to musty smells and make the machine take longer to dry between cycles. Plastic containers in particular tend to hold onto water.
If your dishwasher has an air-dry or fan-assisted drying setting, that may be a useful alternative to heated drying. You can also crack the door open after the cycle finishes, provided your dishwasher and kitchen setup allow for it.
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Rely on Cold or Very Short Cycles for Everything
Quick cycles have their place. They’re useful for lightly soiled dishes when you don’t need a long wash.
The problem comes from using the shortest or coolest cycle for every load, especially when dishes are covered in grease, dried-on food, or heavy residue. A shorter cycle may not give the detergent and water enough time to deal with stubborn messes.
Match the cycle to the load. Lightly dirty dishes can usually handle a shorter program, while pots, pans, and heavily soiled plates may need a longer wash.
Skip Running the Hot Water First
If the water sitting in your kitchen pipes is cold, the dishwasher may begin its cycle with cold water. Depending on the plumbing and appliance, this can mean the machine has to spend more time bringing the water up to the temperature needed for the wash.
Before starting the dishwasher, turn on the kitchen faucet and let the water run until it becomes hot. Then start the cycle.
Hot water helps dissolve detergent and break down grease, giving the dishwasher a better start.
A dishwasher isn’t difficult to care for, but small habits make a difference. Use the correct detergent, scrape off large food scraps, clean the filter, pay attention to unusual behavior, and choose the right cycle for each load. Those few steps can help keep your dishes cleaner and save you from avoidable appliance problems.
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