Have you ever wondered how a dishwasher works? You may think that it is some type of complicated process. In reality, dishwashers use the same basic principles as washing dishes by hand.
After loading the dishwasher and a cycle has been set, the cleaning process will begin.
Dishwashers first add cold water before the element heats the water. The combination of hot water and soap powder sprays at high pressure onto the dirty dishes. Water then drains via the waste pipe. The dishes have a final rinse before hot air blows to dry the dishes.
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Here is a full step by step breakdown of how a dishwasher operates:
Table of Contents
Step 1: Cold water added
The dishwasher pulls water from the house water supply via a water pump into its reservoir. It’s important to know the whole dishwasher does not fill up with water. A small amount of water collects at the bottom of the dishwasher.
Step 2: Heats the Water
The dishwasher element heats the water, which is at the bottom of the machine. The water heats to around 130-16 0°F depending on the cycle or heat setting selected.
Step 3: Soap Powder Released
The dishwasher will release the soap powder by opening the dispenser at a set stage within the cycle. This can vary from cycle to cycle.

Step 4: Washing Commences
Water enters the machine through jets that shoot out of the spinning arms on the shelfs and side walls. Hot soapy water sprayed at high pressures from the arms onto the dishes. This process cleans off the dirt and grime from the dishes.
Step 5: Dirty Water Drained
Once the wash has completed, dirty water drains from the machine to allow for rinsing.
Step 6: Dishwasher Provides Final Rinse
The dishwasher uses fresh clean water at this point and sprays it onto the dishes. This ensures that all the dirt was removed and there is no dirty water left inside. The appliance will begin to drain the remaining water left.
Step 7: Hot Air Dries the Dishes
The hot air inside the machine will then blow over all the dishes. This aid’s the drying process once the dishes are clean.
In return for the dishwasher doing all the hard work, ensure you clean it correctly once a month. This will ensure the dishwasher does not stain and stop filters from blocking. In the long run, this will help the dishwasher last longer with fewer problems.
Main Components of the Dishwasher
The dishwasher has a few key components that help it operate, these include:
Door – The door locks and seals, preventing water from escaping.
Water Inlet Valve – This allows cold water into the machine.
Dispenser – Holds the dishwashing soap.
Heating Element – Most dishwashers use an electric heating element to heat the water. The heated water in a dishwasher is generally 130-160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spray Arms – The dishwasher has two separate jet spray arms. They work in conjunction together to create a high-pressure stream of soapy water. This stream of water sprays the dishes at high pressure to provide a thorough clean.
Water Pump – The First job of the water pump is to pump water through the spray arms towards the dishes. The water pump also drains the water after the dishes are cleaned. The pump also removes dirty water from the dishwasher through the waste pipe.

How To Use a Dishwasher
There are a few things you should know before using a dishwasher.
- Load the dishwasher properly. The dishes need to be able to move around in the dishwasher so that they can be cleaned effectively. Do not overload the dishwasher.
- Use the correct detergent. Read the instructions on the detergent bottle to be sure you are using the correct amount.
- Run the dishwasher on the correct cycle. The dishwasher should be run on the shortest cycle possible that it will still clean the dishes properly.
- Keep the dishwasher clean. Wipe down the inside of the dishwasher after each use and periodically clean out the filters. This will help ensure that the dishwasher continues to run properly.
- Use the dishwasher’s drying cycle. The dishwasher’s drying cycle will help ensure that the dishes are dry when they are removed from the dishwasher.
- Store dishes in the dishwasher. When you are not using your dishes, store them in the dishwasher. This will help keep your dishes clean and organized.
- Use the dishwasher to clean other items. The dishwasher can be used to clean other items, such as silverware, pots and pans, and even baby bottles. Be sure to read the instructions for each item before using the dishwasher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dishwashers really clean dishes?
Dishwashers clean dishes by spraying soapy water on top of them to remove the dirt and grime. In conclusion dishwashers are more hygienic than washing by hand.
Where does the water come from in a dishwasher?
The water comes from the house’s cold water supply pipe. Dishwashers are usually connected to the pipe beneath the kitchen sink.

Where does the dishwasher drain to?
The dishwasher drains waste water via the waste pipe usually connected to a sink’s waste pipe.
Does a dishwasher heat its own water?
Yes, dishwashers heat the cold water from the house supply by using a heating element.
Can you leave dirty dishes in the dishwasher overnight?
Yes, but we don’t recommend doing this as the dishwasher will smell and may not be able to clean your dishes very well. Best turn the cycle on and leave the cleaned dishes in overnight.

Are dishwashers more efficient or less efficient consumer habits?
Newly designed dishwasher are becoming more efficient by the day. We must also consider that washing the dishes by hand is the most efficient method. Christian Paul Richter created a study that goes deeper into the subject around efficiency.
Is it cheaper to hand wash or use a dishwasher?
In general, it is cheaper to hand wash due to dishwasher electricity use. But, this will depend on the type of electricity plan your home is on.
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