Ever found yourself staring at your dishwasher control panel feeling so confused on which option to use. If you don’t understand some of the cycles on your dishwasher, two things may be of help; one is perusing through your manual, and the other is going to the manufacturer’s website to find a pdf copy. Unfortunately, if you’ve lost your hard copy manual and your dishwasher is more than a few years old, you’re out of luck. This article enlists the most common cycles and their intended use.
Auto wash cycle: This cycle goes by many names. Some dishwashers call it ProWash, others SmartWash, while others call it Sensor. Whatever the name, they all mean the same thing. The Autocycle automatically detects whether your dishes are lightly or heavily soiled then adjusts the heat and cycle duration to get them clean. This cycle gets your dishes clean the first time and saves you the headache of figuring out which cycle to use. Unfortunately, this setting is only present in the more modern dishwashers so if yours if dated back, you may not get to enjoy Smart Wash.
Express: This cycle also comes in a variety of names. Bosch dishwashers, for instance, call it speed60. If you’ve forgotten to run the wash and need your plates clean real quick, this is your go-to cycle. In approximately 30 minutes, this cycle quickly cleans lightly soiled dishes. If your model has power Dry option, selecting it increases the final rinse temperatures and will subsequently add 15 minutes to the cycle time.
Pots and Pans: Depending on the model, this cycle comes with other names such as Heavy-duty and Intensive. This cycle provides extended time for better cleaning making this option ideal for heavily soiled cookware with baked-on grime. Of all other cycles, this one uses the most water which of course is necessary to clean the stubborn baked-on food.
Quick Cycle: This cycle is ideal for everyday dishes. If you normally pre-wash your dishes before loading them, quick wash is the cycle to select. Some people rinse their dishes after use eliminating the need to put those dishes in a lengthy cycle.
Light wash for china and crystal: This cycle works well for delicate dishes and finer dishware. It’s advisable you rinse these types of dishes before loading them in the dishwasher. This cycle features low heat and low pressure or cold water to prevent your delicate kitchenware from breaking.
Sanitize: In a regular cycle, temperatures are usually 120 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in this cycle, water temperatures reach 140- 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Sanitize cycle does two things: It cleans as well as sanitizes — just like the name suggests. Given the temperatures, this cycle is ideal for cleaning baby bottles and cutting boards
Plate warmer: Warming your plates before serving food is not mandatory, it’s however a nice way to serve your family or guests. First, food served on a warm plate stays warm longer, especially foods like pasta that get cold pretty quickly. Right before you serve food, put your dishes in the washer and clock on this setting.
As you use your dishwasher, always remember that cycles vary in temperature, speed, and pressure. While standard washes have light, normal and heavy wash, newer models have additional specialty cycles for customized cleaning. On a final note, if your dishwasher is faulty, you may not get to enjoy the conveniences of these cycles. To restore your dishwasher’s functionality, don’t hesitate to contact, Winnipeg dishwasher repair professionals of Mike’s Quality Services.