Guide to Using a Dishwasher

Dishwashers are an important part of most households. They keep dishes and cookware clean with only a fraction of the effort of handwashing. This comprehensive guide will introduce you to how to properly load your dishwasher, how to select the correct detergent and which cycle can help ensure the best performance.

To wash dishes and other items in a dishwasher effectively:

• Load your dishware and cookware onto the racks

• Add dishwasher detergent to the dispenser

• Select a washing cycle

• Start the dishwasher

Learn how to operate your dishwasher by using the steps below.

To get clean dishes every time, scrape any food off the plates before loading, and then evenly space each dish with the dirty side angled toward the water jets. It’s recommended to never overlap your dishes, as doing so can prevent the water from reaching where needed to provide an effective cleaning.

Top rack:

• Load items like mugs, bowls and wine glasses in the top rack.

• Place all small bowls and plates between tines.

• Put plastic containers and lids on the top rack to avoid warping. Always confirm that your plasticware is dishwasher safe before placing it in your appliance.

Bottom rack:

• Place large kitchenware, like dinner plates, platters, dishwasher-safe baking dishes, stainless steel cookware and other dirty dishes in the bottom rack. 

• Place pots and pans on either side or toward the back.

• Put utensils in the dishwasher’s utensil basket. Place sharp objects, like knives, downward to help avoid injury.

• Ensure nothing is blocking the wash arms.

Select Whirlpool^® Dishwashers have a Third Rack, which lets you load hard-to-fit items, such as extra silverware, utensils or even additional cups and bowls. If you require more information on where to load certain items, review this guide on how to properly load your dishwasher.

2. Load the dishwasher detergent

This may vary by model, but most detergent dispensers are located on the inside of the dishwasher door. 

Follow these steps to load detergent into a dishwasher correctly:

• Place detergent in the detergent dispenser.

• Pour rinse aid into the rinse aid dispenser up to the “Full” line (available only on select models). If your dishwasher isn’t equipped with a rinse aid dispenser, you can purchase a rinse aid basket or use detergent packs or tablets with rinse aid.

• Close the lid, pressing firmly until it clicks shut. 

Once the dishwasher completes an initial pre-wash cycle, the detergent dispenser lid will automatically open to release the detergent, which will then mix with the water.

Using the correct detergent is imperative to achieving the optimal performance of your dishwasher. It’s recommended to only use detergents that are specifically formulated for automatic dishwashers, and never use dish soap in the dishwasher. 

The market offers various types of detergents: 

• Liquid

• Tablets

• Gels

• Powder

• Packs

Figuring out which detergent to use can be based on your preference. That said, packs and tablets take the guesswork out of deciding how much detergent to use. Remember, if using gels, liquids or powders, fill the dispenser to the “fill” line that is present on most models.

3. Select a wash cycle

Many models have at least three cycles: 

• Quick

• Normal

• Heavy Duty

Which cycle to use depends on the load size and how dirty your dishes are. Use the buttons typically situated on the top or front of your dishwasher door to select a cycle.

To achieve optimal performance, water temperature should be 120ºF as it enters the dishwasher. If the water is too cold, it may not clean your dishes as desired. Select Whirlpool^® Dishwashers may also feature additional cycles like Prewash, Sensor or Sanitize, as well as an assortment of drying options.

4. Start the dishwasher

First, double-check that nothing is blocking the wash arms before choosing your cycle. Then, shut the dishwasher door and press start. For top control dishwashers, remember that you must press start on the control panel before closing the door. Generally, a normal load takes about 1.5 hours to complete, although the display on the front or top of your dishwasher may indicate the time remaining on the cycle. Read this article to learn more about dishwasher cycle times

A dishwasher cleans dishes by employing a sequence of washing systems, heat and detergent.

Water is first released into the dishwasher tub and heated. Next, detergent is dispensed and circulated with the water to help remove grime from the dishes. The dirty water is then drained, and clean water is recirculated. Finally, the dishes are dried via a heating process. If you have a portable dishwasher, it will function similarly, but you will have to connect it to a faucet before use.