Daily Time and Money-Saving Dishwasher Cycles to Utilize Regularly
Fire up that dishwasher, but don't forget to pick the right cycle for a spotless clean and some serious energy savings!
Blasting through dishes day after day can wear away at your appliance and your wallet, so choosing the correct cycle can prolong your dishwasher's lifespan, decrease your bills, and save you from the headache of costly repairs.
Discover what each of the most common dishwasher cycles does and which five you should be employing like a pro.
Dishwasher cycles simplified
According to Ian Palmer-Smith, an appliance repair guru at Domestic & General, the right cycle selection "can save you energy and water, as well as preserving the lifespan of your dishwasher and preventing you from needing a repair."
Much like the various washing machine settings, there's a multitude of dishwasher cycles, each uniquely designed for various load sizes and soil levels. April Taylor, associate brand manager of the Whirlpool brand, adds that while the settings may differ between models, there are still general crossovers that can provide insight.
Dishwashing cycles to rule them all
With roughly 12 different dishwasher cycle settings on modern machines, the one you pick depends on three primary factors: how quickly you need the dishes, how dirty they are, and what's lurking in your appliance. These five cycles will have your dishes clean as a whistle without breaking the bank:
- Eco wash: Ian shines some light on this power-saving bad boy, explaining, "Eco is a popular setting to use as it helps save on energy bills and water usage. It does this by using lower wash temperatures in return for a longer cycle duration." It's best for everyday loads with the typical amount of grime and ideal for overnight runs to take advantage of cheaper electricity tariffs.
- Heavy wash: April gives the dirt on this cycle, saying, "The Heavy Cycle, also known as the pots and pans cycle, uses extra water and higher temperatures, making it ideal for heavily soiled items like casserole dishes, grimy tableware, pots, and pans." Regular filter cleaning is a must after these marathon wash sessions to maintain efficiency.
- Auto (sensor) cycle: If you're indecisive, consider the auto-cycle, recommended by April. "The Sensor Wash Cycle uses wash sensors and is best for cleaning mixed items with varying levels of soil. Designed to adapt to everyday dishes, it automatically selects the proper wash and dry settings for the load, using only the amount of water and energy needed to ensure dishes come out clean." If your dishwasher doesn't seem to be cleaning your dishes properly, it's probably best to inspect the sensors and give them a clean.
- Quick/Speed wash: In contrast to the eco cycle, April explains that this cycle uses more energy and heat for a speedy clean. "This cycle is best used for lightly soiled dishes like plates, bowls, and essentials that need to be cleaned quickly." Some models boast quick cycles that can complete in as little as an hour.
- Rinse cycle: April divulges, "The Rinse Only Cycle sprays clean water throughout the dishwasher to rinse away food debris, then drains the water through a hose." This nifty little cycle is excellent for rinsing dishes ahead of a full load, eliminating dirt for longer and freshening up your dishwasher between washes. Consider adding a rinse aid, such as Finish Jet Dry from Walmart, to aid in the rinse cycle and remove smudges and watermarks for a sparkling finish.
The remaining five cycles are useful for specific situations:
- Delicate wash: April discloses, "The Delicate Cycle, also referred to as the Glass or Light Cycle, uses low temperatures and is perfect for fragile items, including fine dishware and crystal, to avoid heat and water damage." It can also be helpful for cleaning "the unexpected things you can wash in the dishwasher" to prevent damage.
- Pre-wash: Ian warns that this built-in setting is generally unnecessary, as "it pre-rinses your dishes, preparing them for cleaning." It uses extra hot water, consuming energy needlessly and doing damage to modern dishwashers designed to tackle stubborn stains with ease.
- Sanitize cycle: This cycle is fantastic for families, Ian reveals, offering, "A sanitize setting can add up to one and a half hours onto your wash cycle, killing germs and bacteria with a high temperature, usually during the final rinse." This added layer of protection is perfect for heavily soiled dishes or items like baby bottles. The Molly Suds Natural Dishwasher Detergent, available at Walmart, is residue-free and fantastic for baby items.
- Half Load: Ian remarks, "Several dishwashers offer a Half Load option, meaning the wash cycle can be focused on either the upper or lower racks." This energy-saving feature is ideal for small households.
- Normal wash: April explains this cycle, saying, "A Normal Wash Cycle cleans average amounts of messes without extra water, heat, or time. It is best used for everyday dishes without heavy soil, especially when you avoid common dishwasher mistakes." Selecting a quality dishwasher detergent like Seventh Generation Powder Detergent from Walmart can also improve this cycle's efficiency.
Pedal to the metal: Drying cycles
Once your dishes are rip-roaring clean, you've got two options for drying:
- Heat dry (or Drying Boost): April explains, "The Drying Boost Cycle, or Heat Dry Cycle, generates hot air that circulates around the dishes to quickly evaporate water and speed up the dish-drying process." Depending on the model, this option can add an additional 30 minutes to the length of a regular cycle.
- Air dry: The dishwasher will use room-temperature air to dry the dishes more energy-efficiently. Head honcho at Solved, Punteha van Terheyden, recently started putting a towel in the dishwasher door to eliminate water spots at the end of the cycle and has found it to be incredibly efficient. Any standard dish towel, such as these 100% cotton waffle dish towels from Target, will do the trick.
What to stock
EWG-Verified
These unscented dishwasher pods are free from artificial dyes and fragrances, making them an awesome non-toxic dishwasher tablet alternative that doesn't compromise on cleanliness.
Deodorizing
Baking soda is a natural, abrasive substance that breaks down tough deposits without scratching delicate surfaces like metal and glass, making it perfect for cleaning your dishwasher and eliminating odors.
Set of three
For those tricky spots and indentations in a dishwasher, use a detail cleaning brush to help remove grease, food particles, and grime for more efficient cycles.
FAQs
How many cycles does a dishwasher have?
Typically, a full dishwasher cycle consists of three separate cycles: prewash, wash, and final rinse. Many modern dishwashers enable you to select which cycles you'd like, giving you the option to customize your cleaning requirements. For detailed instructions, consult your manufacturer's manual.
Expert Insights
Ian is an expert in dishwasher maintenance and repairs, boasting 39 years of experience at Domestic & General. The company repairs a staggering 2.2 million products a year, working alongside big-name brands like Bosch, Samsung, Whirlpool, and Zanussi to ensure appliance longevity.
April has been part of the Whirlpool brand for over eight years.
For more tips and advice on keeping your dishwasher in top form, check out our guide on "13 dumb dishwasher mistakes you're probably making."
Cooking a meal is part of an enjoyable food-and-drink lifestyle at home. After the cooking, cleaning the dishes can be easier with the right dishwasher cycle, which can prolong the lifespan of your appliance, save energy and water, and prevent costly repairs. Understanding each dishwasher cycle helps to choose the correct one, such as the eco wash for everyday loads, the heavy wash for heavily soiled items, the auto cycle for mixed items with varying levels of soil, the quick wash for lightly soiled dishes, and the rinse cycle for rinsing dishes ahead of a full load. These five cycles make your dishes clean as a whistle without breaking the bank.
