How To Use a Whirlpool Dishwasher

Most people would agree that a dishwasher is one of the best inventions ever. Not only does it save you from doing dishes by hand, but it also saves you from having to handle chemicals to clean your dishes. 

If you have a Whirlpool dishwasher, there are a few things you need to know to get the most out of it. A Whirlpool dishwasher can be a great addition to your home, but it can be tricky to know how to use it properly.

Guide on How To Use a Whirlpool Dishwasher

Here’s a guide on how to use a Whirlpool dishwasher:

1. Load the Right Type of Dishes Inside of the Washer

Some kinds of materials require special attention when cleaning them with hot water. For example, if you wash regular plates made out of ceramic or glassware in hot water, they may crack. 

The same goes for some types of plastics because their material composition has changed slightly since being created, so they cannot withstand high temperatures anymore — don’t forget that when you are loading your dishwasher.

2. Choose the Right Type of Detergent and Add It Accordingly

If you want to remove some specific stains from a plate or a cup, you can use bleach, but beware — too much chlorine in hot water over time may damage the surface of your dishes. 

Always do a small test on one or two plates before throwing them all into the washer. Never pour softener into your dishwasher because it will lead to corrosion inside of it!

3. Read Instructions Provided by Manufacturers Carefully

Before using any product, read its instructions carefully to avoid overusing the product. This is especially important for dishwashers because too much of an additive can damage your machine in the long run. 

Remember that you are responsible for everything happening inside your home appliances. Be responsible if you want to see your dishwasher working properly when you need it most.

If you have lost the user manual, you can find an online version for most dishwasher variants.

4. Clean Out Filters Regularly

Sometimes there might be too much dirt or leftover food in the filter. If this happens, remove them immediately and clean all parts of the washer thoroughly with a damp towel. 

Always read the instructions provided by manufacturers before trying to clean any part of your appliance. Otherwise, you may break it or cause some other serious damage.

5. Do Not Overload the Washer

Simply put, do not put too many dirty dishes inside of your dishwasher. Remember that the whole point of using a dishwasher is to help you clean the kitchen faster and easier. 

If you overload your machine with dishes, it will not be able to finish its work properly — and that would be extremely frustrating.

Best Practices For Using a Dishwasher

1. Always Pre-wash 

Before using your dishwasher, fill up any dirty dishes with water and place them near the sink, where you’ll empty any excess food and then load the machine. This cuts down on any extra washing once they’ve entered the dishwasher — and it decreases the chances of extra food clogging everything up. 

Avoid overloading because of space limitations in all dishwashers. Try not to overload with plates or cutlery so that the water can reach all surfaces for the best results. 

 2. Don’t Use Too Much Soap 

If you’re using regular dishwashing soap, it’s best to dilute the solution in water before adding it to your dishwasher. If you’re using powder-based soap, try not to overfill the compartment — too much soap may lead to a poorly cleaned load. 

3. Use Hot Water

Unless the instructions specifically indicated otherwise, it’s best to run your dishwasher with the hottest water possible. This gives dishes a deeper clean and reduces the need for multiple rinses or wash cycles. 

Run full loads because dishwashers work best when filled. It’s smart to run full loads whenever possible instead of smaller loads. Though it may not seem like a huge deal, every little bit helps when it comes to your dishwasher’s effectiveness. Remember though, that a full load does not mean it’s overfilled. 

overloaded open dishwasher unable to close

Common Problems With Dishwashers and How To Solve Them

1. The Dishes Aren’t Getting Clean

Make sure you use enough dish detergent. Most people don’t use nearly enough and then wonder why their dishes don’t get clean. You should be using one tablespoon of powdered or liquid soap or two teaspoons of gel per load. Another alternative is to use dishwasher pods to avoid miscalculating measurements.

If your dishwasher has an automatic dispenser, make sure you have it set to “normal.” Automatic dispensers can be adjusted so that they use less soap. If you choose automatic with a low wash, the dishes will not get nearly as clean because there isn’t enough soap being used. 

2. The Dishwasher Smells Bad or Is Leaking

It’s easy to understand why a smelly dishwasher would turn people off. A smelly appliance can result from food remaining on dishes, not using the hot water setting, or not running it enough. 

You can help eliminate odors by always using the hottest water possible and by regularly running the dishwasher on “heated dry” without any dishes inside. 

3. The Dishwasher Takes Hours To Complete a Cycle

There are many reasons that a dishwasher might take longer than expected, but it is usually because of issues with the water supply. Try checking your home’s plumbing and faucets for any leaks or drips. 

If everything checks out okay, try running several cycles with nothing but vinegar added to see if this helps speed up your dishwasher’s cycle time.

Conclusion

A Whirlpool dishwasher is a great appliance to have in your home. Not only does it make dishwashing much easier, but it can also help conserve water and energy. 

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a dishwasher. The features of a Whirlpool dishwasher can make it easier for you to get your dishes clean! 

If you have further trouble operating it, don’t forget to check your owner’s manual.

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