Speaking of dishwashers, there’s nothing more confusing and frustrating than inconsistent and poor dishwasher performance. One washing cycle gives you sparkling clean dishes, while another leaves you disappointed. If this is your case, you may want to tweak the way you use your dishwasher for more consistent results and better performance.

Below are our tips for getting the best dishwasher performance that will make washing more efficient and your daily routine in the kitchen easier and more convenient.

1. How to Improve the Dishwasher Performance

Do you want to have a high performance dishwasher? Minor changes to the way you use and handle the dishwasher you already have can lead to significant changes in its cleaning and drying processes. Here are a few tips to improve your dishwasher's performance:

Add Salt

This might sound weird for those who just got their first-ever dishwasher or have been winging its use for the longest time—but to get enhanced dishwasher performance, you need to use salt along with the dishwashing liquid to maximize the efficiency of the dishwasher cycles for better washing. Here’s the explanation.

Some dishwashers are designed to work with hard water, which contains high levels of minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. Why is this significant to the dishwasher's performance? This water type leads to mineral buildup in the dishwasher and on the dishware, reducing the efficiency of the cleaning process.

So, to improve dishwasher performance and avoid this mineral buildup, make sure to use salt to soften the water. Dishwashers with water-softening systems have a designated compartment for salt, which softens water by removing its minerals.

With the use of salt, you ensure the best dishwasher performance, as the washing and drying cycles will result in clean and spot-free dishware from the first wash, preventing the need for a second washing cycle.

Load Correctly

When thinking about the best ways to have a high performance dishwasher, we tend to forget or overlook the most obvious tips. Even though it is a given and a no-brainer, loading your dishwasher correctly has a significant impact on its cleaning performance.

How so?

It is important to position the dishware correctly, so its placement allows proper flow of the water and the dishwashing liquid. Meaning that correct placements enable both water and the dishwashing liquid to reach all surfaces, corners, and hard-to-reach spots of your dishware for thorough cleaning. If some plates, for instance, are improperly placed, they can block the water flow from reaching other items, leading to inconsistent results within the same washing cycle.

Also, avoid overcrowding and stacking dishware for enhanced water flow and detergent distribution, achieving the best dishwasher performance. Additionally, the dishwasher uses less energy and water when properly loaded. So, save energy and get sparkling clean dishware with proper loading.

You can use the dishwasher manual to guide you with loading, but here are a few tips that you can begin applying:

The top rack is where you place your cups, glasses, and small bowls.

The bottom rack is for plates, serving bowls, and other large bowls.

Any dishware that has caked-on food should face the spraying arms for better cleaning.

Pots and pans belong on the bottom rack as well.

Using Dishwasher Cycles Properly

For improved and high dishwasher performance, be attentive to the type of washing cycle you choose for each wash. Selecting the right dishwasher cycle will ensure your dishware is cleaned thoroughly.

Different dishwashers have different cycles, but generally speaking, these are the most common ones:

1. The Normal Cycle

Used for cleaning and drying every-day dishware that is not heavily soiled. This cycle does not use any more water, energy, or time than is necessary for the cleaning and drying processes.

2. The Quick Wash

Perfect for washing lightly soiled dishware in no time. Default to this cycle when you are in a rush to use your dishware as it goes the extra mile and uses more water and energy to get the cleaning done in time.

3. The Auto Cycle

Select this cycle for the best dishwasher performance for mixed loads. Did you just load your dishwasher with some heavy pans and lightly soiled plates? Let the dishwasher adjust its own settings for the best washing results.

It is tempting to default to the Eco Cycle, which prioritizes sustainable use of energy and water. However, it may not always give you the best washing performance with heavily soiled dishware. This is why selecting the right cycle is crucial to improving the dishwasher's performance.

Maintenance

The final tip on our list of ways to enhance dishwasher performance is regular maintenance—it is the key to the best dishwasher performance and a prolonged lifespan.

First off, you need to clean the dishwasher regularly to get rid of built-up food residue in the filter and accumulated soap scum and grease. Also, check the spray arms and the drain regularly to remove any food residue that could be clogging them.

Don’t forget to check the door seal to replace it in case it gets damaged to prevent leaking. If your washing machine has a maintenance cycle, make a point to run it from time to time, as this type of cycle is designed to remove buildup for better dishwasher performance.

2. Before You Go

These valuable tips will help you get a fast-performing dishwasher, which will give you the opportunity to do various other things during your day, without having to waste any time! For instance, a high-performance dishwasher will be a great advantage in Ramadan, as it will help you to complete the cleaning process very effectively and quickly, allowing you time for the spiritual acts and family and guests gatherings without thinking about the effort and fatigue that will await you later. Therefore, always make sure to improve the performance of the dishwasher to obtain the best performance at all times, especially critical times.

Are you looking for the best performance dishwashers on the market? Do you want to buy a new dishwasher just in time for Ramadan? Discover the wide variety of dishwashers from LG for more details about their features and technologies that offer you the best dishwasher performance.