If we had to choose one essential appliance in our kitchen, besides the refrigerator, of course, everyone would choose the dishwasher (especially those of us who really hate washing dishes by hand). It is probably the best invention for the home, it saves us work quickly and leaves our cutlery sparkling clean. But is it really that good to use? Surely you have used the quick cycle at some point. It is tempting: clean dishes in less time and, in theory, with less water and energy consumption. But, be careful! It could be damaging your appliance and not cleaning your dishes properly.
This washing program, while it seems practical, is not designed to be used all the time. Experts warn that it can reduce the life of the dishwasher, wear out its parts and leave dishes less clean than you think. So, if you use it every day, read on because this is of interest to you…
What’s the problem with the fast cycle?
The fast cycle is just that: fast. It doesn’t let the detergent do its work long enough to get everything in tip-top shape, so if you’ve put in greasy dishes, food residue, or glasses with marks, it’s very likely that when you take them out they’ll still be dirty. And the worst thing is that many times, to correct this, you end up washing them again by hand or using another cycle. In other words, double waste.
In addition, it does not reach the ideal temperature to eliminate bacteria with water, because the fast cycle usually uses less temperature to save time, so, although it seems to clean well, the cleaning is not effective. (And more so now that we are in flu season, it is essential that our dishes are cleaned and disinfected well).
We think that by now you’ve already given up on the idea of stopping using the quick cycle, but just in case, here’s one more tip to convince you: It seems that using a shorter cycle will reduce energy and water consumption, right? Well, that’s not always the case. To compensate for the short time, the dishwasher uses more pressure and speed in the water jets, which can generate similar (or even higher) consumption than a longer, more efficient cycle.
What is the best option?
There is no best option, but there is a better use of our dishwasher. Below we are going to give you some recommendations so that you can get the most out of our favourite appliance:
Use longer cycles, they will be much more efficient, or the ECO program (they use less water and manage energy more efficiently).
Although they take longer, they make up for it with better cleaning and a lower impact on consumption.
Choose the program according to the dirt: If you only have cups or lightly soiled plates, the quick cycle may work. But if there are pans, pots or greasy plates, it is better to use a cycle with a higher temperature and time.
The quick cycle may get you through a few days, but using it frequently can end up costing you more in repairs, water and electricity than any other cycle. So it’s best to use it sparingly and choose the right program for each load. This will keep it working well for longer and ensure your dishes are really clean too. Your wallet (and your dishes) will thank you!