Guide
If you pre-rinse, you lose! Using the dishwasher correctly, part 1
by Simon Balissat
Waiting for clean dishes? Using the dishwasher correctly, part 2
15.10.2019
Translation: machine translated
The dishwasher. The most useful kitchen appliance when it works. There are an incredible number of things you can do wrong. The expert tells you how.
I wish my dishwasher would finish in a few minutes, then I would always empty it straight away. But because my machine takes forever, I do other things on the side. The dishes stay clean. Forgotten. Can't that be quicker?
In the last article I dealt with the topic of pre-rinsing, this article is about the comparison between machines for home use and machines for catering. What always amazes me is how quickly dishwashing in bars and restaurants is done. After a few minutes, the machines are done, whereas the fastest programme at home takes half an hour. The dishes are then clean, but still wet. I seek advice from dishwashing expert René Schaffner. He is Product Manager at Electrolux.
Slow, but energy-saving
Simon: Why are the gastro machines ready after a few minutes, while my dishwasher takes forever?
René: The dishwashers for home use are economical. They use less water, energy and chemicals. For consumers, the energy class A is a selling point. In the catering industry, things simply have to happen quickly. Catering machines work with higher temperatures, more water and different detergents. That wouldn't make sense at home.
Speaking of temperature: dishwashers have various functions. For example, there is the cheese function, intensive or eco mode. I always use the automatic programme. What do I need the other modes for?
The auto function is correct in most cases. You can use it to clean crockery, glasses and cutlery without any problems. If you only have glasses in the dishwasher, the corresponding glass function is worth using. Almost more important than the right function is correct loading. If the tab or powder cannot fall into the machine correctly, this has a major impact on the result. Larger pots should therefore be placed at the back of the machine. Electrolux, for example, has a special zone for pots and pans.
But why do the dishes dry faster in the gastro machines?
This has to do with the temperature and the polish. The water evaporates much more easily when the glasses are hot. If your glasses don't dry properly, you'll either have no shine or the dishwasher door won't open properly after washing. This is important so that the water vapour can escape and the glasses can dry. You've probably already noticed that plastic crockery doesn't dry the same way as ceramic, cutlery and glass. There is a reason for this: your Tupperware does not retain heat. The water on the surface cannot evaporate and the plastic therefore remains wet.
What about the care of the dishwasher?
It sounds strange, but even a dishwasher needs to be washed. Once a month, you should select the cleaning programme and fill the machine with detergent. Most modern machines will remind you to do this. The machine cleaner descales the dishwasher and gives it an antibacterial treatment. This guarantees a long service life.
Dishwashing detergents
Quantity discount
CHF6.20 per piece for 3 units CHF2300.–/1l
Finish Machine care
Tabs, 3 x
Have you always had a question about your dishwasher? Write it in the comments below and I'll clarify it for you with the expert. If you follow my author profile, you'll receive an email as soon as the next article on the topic is published. <p
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
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