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Optimize Your Dishwasher with ECOS®: Tips for Loading It Properly

4 minute read

Loading a dishwasher seems simple, right? However, doing it incorrectly can impact the cleanliness of your dishes—leaving food residue behind—and reduce the appliance’s efficiency.

To ensure your dishes, glassware, silverware, pots, and other utensils come out spotless, we’ve put together practical tips for loading your dishwasher correctly. Plus, discover how ECOS products can make a noticeable difference in your cleaning results.

10 Tips for Properly Loading Your Dishwasher

1. Remove Food Residue

  • Scrape large food particles off plates and use them for composting, but there’s no need to rinse them completely if you’re using a high-quality detergent. Modern dishwashers are designed to handle light residue.

Composting food waste is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and improve household sustainability. As they decompose, fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, and other biodegradable waste turn into a nutrient-rich natural fertilizer, perfect for enriching garden soil or potted plants. Additionally, diverting these materials from landfills helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane, contributing to a more positive environmental impact. Implementing composting at home not only benefits the planet but also promotes more responsible habits and a deeper connection with natural resources.

2. Arrange Items Properly

Placing items correctly is essential for optimal performance and thorough cleaning. Follow these recommendations:

  • Large Plates and Trays: Place them on the bottom rack. Ensure plates face the center of the dishwasher for even cleaning. Deep plates should be slightly tilted downward to prevent water pooling.
  • Pots and Pans: Position larger items like pots and pans on the lower rack. However, sometimes large items can block the water jets from below, preventing them from reaching the glasses on the upper rack properly. It may be helpful to wash large items by hand and keep an eye on this detail for a more efficient wash.

You can also try our new ECOS Foaming Dish Soap. For hand washing, simply apply the soap to your dishes, and the rich, concentrated foam effortlessly cuts through grease for an effective dishwashing experience.

  • Cups and Glasses: Place them on the top rack, upside down and angled to avoid water pooling. Lightweight plastic containers should also go here.
  • Cutlery: Use the designated basket. Place utensils handle-side down, except for sharp knives, which should face handle-sideup for safety. Alternate forks and spoons to prevent nesting.

3. Avoid Overloading

  • While it’s tempting to squeeze in “just one more dish,” overloading can block water flow and prevent detergent from reaching all surfaces.

4. Space Items Properly

  • Do not stack dishes, glasses, or utensils. Leave enough room for water and detergent to circulate effectively.

5.  Keep Spray Arms Clear

  • Make sure dishes and utensils do not block the spray arms. Rotate the arms manually before starting the cycle to ensure they move freely.

6. Use the Correct Detergent Compartment

  • Use a dishwasher-specific detergent and place it in the dispenser. Avoid using hand- washing soap, as it creates excessive suds.

7. Enhance Results with ECOS Products

ECOS dishwasher products are designed to deliver exceptional results while supporting a sustainable lifestyle. Try these popular options:

8. Check Item Compatibility

  • Avoid placing non-dishwasher-safe items, such as wooden utensils, high-quality knives, non-heat-safe plastic, or delicate metallic decorations. For example, stainless steel is generally safe, but materials like copper can be more delicate. It is recommended to check the manufacturer’s instructions for any non-standard items. It is also advisable to avoid placing handmade or antique items in the dishwasher and to keep in mind that some plastics may become hazy due to heat and detergents.

9. Choose the Right Cycle

Select the appropriate program based on your load:

  • Quick Cycle: For lightly soiled dishes.
  • Intensive Cycle: For heavy grease and grime.
  • Eco Mode: For energy and water savings on lightly soiled items.
  • Extra Drying: Use if you need dishes to come out completely dry.

It is advisable to assess the dishwasher’s heat level, as some materials, such as plastics, can become permanently deformed when exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods. This is especially important during the drying phase, where the heating element may be very close to the items and generate intense heat. To prevent damage, it is recommended to check the manufacturer’s instructions for utensils and, if necessary, use lower temperature settings.

10. Maintain Your Dishwasher

Regular maintenance keeps your dishwasher running efficiently:

  • Clean the filter regularly to remove trapped food particles.
  • Check and clean spray arms to prevent blockages.
  • Run a cleaning cycle with white vinegar or a specialized cleaner monthly.

It is important to consider the effects of excessively hard water on the dishwasher’s performance. The buildup of white limescale deposits over time can reduce washing efficiency and even affect the appliance’s lifespan. Regularly checking for these signs or conducting a water hardness test is recommended to prevent issues and optimize the performance of both the detergent and the dishwasher, as this can severely impact cleaning effectiveness.

Conclusion

Properly loading your dishwasher and using ECOS products is the ultimate combination for spotless results. Our detergents and rinse aids leave your dishes, glassware, and cookware sparkling clean while helping you contribute to a cleaner, more responsible future.

Try it today! Explore ECOS dishwasher products and elevate your cleaning routine.

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