Introduction
Washing dishes by hand can be tedious and time-consuming. Fortunately, dishwashers provide a convenient way to clean dishes while saving time and effort. Modern dishwashers have various wash cycles designed for different levels of soil and food residue. Understanding the different cycles of your dishwasher is key to using it effectively and getting your dishes sparkling clean.
The Main Dishwasher Cycles
Most dishwashers have at least four main wash cycles:
Light Wash
The light wash cycle is intended for lightly soiled loads that do not have dried or baked-on food. This quick cycle uses less water and energy compared to heavier cycles. It’s great for dishes that have been rinsed or pre-washed.
Normal Wash
As the name suggests, the normal wash cycle is suitable for regular, moderately soiled loads. This is the standard cycle that effectively cleans everyday dishware. The duration can range from 60 to 120 minutes.
Heavy Wash
Meant for heavily soiled dishes, the heavy wash cycle uses higher temperatures and longer cycle times. This intensive wash is ideal for pots, pans, casserole dishes, and plates with stubborn dried food residue. Cycle times are typically over 120 minutes.
Sanitize
The sanitize cycle heats water to very high temperatures of around 150°F – 165°F to kill 99.999% of bacteria. This cycle is recommended for baby bottles, cutting boards, and dishes that require sanitization. Cycle time is similar to normal wash.
Specialty Dishwasher Cycles
In addition to the main cycles, many dishwashers also offer specialty cycles for specific cleaning needs:
- Rinse Only: A quick rinse to remove loose food debris when you don’t have a full load.
- Express: A faster cycle for lightly soiled loads that need quick cleaning.
- Energy Saver: Uses lower temperatures and less energy. Takes longer but is more efficient.
- Delay Start: Allows you to delay the start of a wash cycle by up to 24 hours.
Cycle Options and Modifiers
Most dishwashers allow you to customize cycles by adding options like:
- High Temp Wash: Increases main wash temperature.
- Heated Dry: Circulates air to dry dishes after final rinse.
- Sanitize Rinse: Raises water temperature in final rinse to sanitize dishes.
- Extra Dry: Increases drying time for hard to dry loads.
- Extra Scrub: Adds extra wash time to the main wash cycle.
Choosing the Right Cycle
Follow these tips for selecting an effective cycle:
- Check manual for cycle details if unsure.
- Use light cycle for lightly soiled loads to save energy.
- Normal cycle works for most everyday dishes.
- Use heavy for loads with dried food or grease.
- Sanitize cycle is ideal for baby items and cutting boards.
- Adjust cycle options like heated dry or high temp as needed.
Getting optimal performance from your dishwasher requires understanding which cycles work best for your dishes. With some trial and error, you’ll learn the ideal cycles and options for cleaning efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dishwasher Cycles
How do I know which cycle to use?
Check your owner’s manual and read the descriptions of each cycle. For most everyday dishes with moderate soil, the normal cycle is a good standard option. Light cycle works for lightly soiled loads, while heavy cycle is better for tough grease and dried food.
What is the difference between the normal and heavy cycles?
The heavy cycle uses higher wash and rinse temperatures and runs longer to clean heavily soiled pots, pans, casseroles and dishes with stubborn food residue. The normal cycle is suitable for everyday dishware with moderate soil.
When should I use the sanitize cycle?
Use the sanitize cycle for baby bottles, cutting boards, utensils and any dishes that require high-heat germ killing. It heats water to around 150°F – 165°F to kill 99.999% of bacteria.
How can I speed up cycle time?
Using the light or express cycle will provide a quicker wash for lightly soiled dishes. Turning off heated dry and energy saver options can also shorten total cycle time.
Should I use heated dry?
The heated dry option improves drying by circulating hot air in the dishwasher after the final rinse. It’s useful for plastic items that are slow to dry but uses more energy. Air dry works well in humid climates.
How does the delay start work?
The delay start option allows you to program a wash cycle to begin up to 24 hours in the future. This allows you to load dishes anytime but have them start later.
Conclusion
Mastering your dishwasher cycles means you can take full advantage of its cleaning capabilities. With a range of cycles from light to heavy, and customizable options like heated dry and sanitize rinse, modern dishwashers provide flexible washing for all kinds of loads. Taking the time to learn which cycles work best can lead to sparkling clean dishes and optimized performance. Check your owner’s manual and experiment with different programs to find your dishwasher’s sweet spot.