How do you run a dishwasher?

Question

This is my first time, my parents aren't here, and I can't figure it all out. I know I turn the knob to normal wash, but do I add soap to the machine? Where? Please help me, thanks in advance!

what way do I position the dishes and cups if I have two levels? Thanks!

Answer 1

Glasses and light plasticware (tupperware containers and tops) go in the top rack. Be sure to secure the container lids or they'll slip through the rack down to the heating element and will burn in the drying cycle, leaving a really nasty smell. You might use a heavier item to hold down a light plastic (ex: I have commuter mugs with plastic lids. I put the lids into the top rack and then put a coffee mug on top of part of the lid. This holds the light plastic in place but both are exposed to the water)

Silverware should have its own rack. Some people put it pointing up but I put it pointing down so that I don't touch the business end of the utensils after they've been washed.

Pots, pans, plates and heavy stuff go into the bottom rack. The dirty side of the plates face inward toward the center so they get max exposure to the water and soap.

Do yourself a favor, even though most people don't rinse their dishes anymore, do it anyway. If the machine doesn't wash everything off, the drying cycle practically bakes the crud on and then you have to scrub and wash again.

Loading the dishwasher takes a bit of practice but if you just keep repositioning things, you'll be amazed at how much you can get into it. Try to visualize what the loaded dishwasher looks like from the bottom, looking up. Make sure the insides are all exposed to water coming up from the spinning arms.

The detergent:
You'll have two compartments for soap. One can be closed with some type of door. Be sure the machine is full so that you're being efficient. Use ONLY dishwasher machine soap. Do not use the soap you'd use in the sink. Dishwasher soap does not suds up the way regular detergent does.

If you've got the tabs or the pouches, just put one into the compartment with the door, shut it and turn on the machine.

If you're using dishwasher powder from a pour spout, put some into each compartment. Don't overload the one with the door or you won't get it closed.

Wash settings...
Try to use a money saver setting that uses a lower temperature. You want a cycle that will wash, rinse and heat dry (not air dry).

Emptying...
Let them cool off before you take anything out... they will be VERY VERY HOT!

Good luck!

Answer 2

My husband says;
"I wont tell you how to run her, but I'll tell you how to fix her... Kick her."
Isn't my hubby a gem??? Might I add that he has done the dishes in our home for the past month????
LOL
**
cups go upside down on the top rack. Also put all plastic contaners on the top rack and all the larger utensils
make sure to use dishwasher soap in the dishwasher compartment found in the door.
be sure to pre rinse everything in the sink and if you aren't sure if something is dishwasher safe then look on the bottom of the container and it should say so. If it does not then it's best to handwash the item.
good luck and I hope I helped!
:-)

Answer 3

There is usually a compartment in the door for the dishwasher soap. If it is all new, best thing is to buy dishwasher tablets and then you get the measurements right.

Usually plates, pots etc go downstairs, glasses, cups and small things upstairs

Answer 4

The most important thing is to NOT use the liquid soap that you use to hand wash stuff....

And glasses point down, and plates and bowls (on the bottom) point towards the middle.

Answer 5

Uh.. put the soap in the little" turny " or " flipy" lookin' thing ... then turn it to the normal wash.

Answer 6

inside the door you will find a place for it. use dish powder not liquid. fill both compartments and shut the one that will shut. then start a normal wash.