The clocks have changed and the cold weather is drawing in, so the last thing you want to do is open up your dishwasher, only to find that your dishes aren't properly cleaned. Cue: washing by hand, or running a second cycle, wasting water and energy and causing a backlog of dirty dishes.
But that might not mean there's a problem with your dishwasher. According to appliance experts from Hisense, your dishwasher could struggle during the winter months, and there's a simple fix that will optimize its performance.
The tip in question? It's as simple as running the hot tap for a few seconds before starting your dishwasher. Here's why.
How to make your dishwasher run more efficiently this winter
Running hot water in your sink for a few seconds before starting the dishwasher ensures the machine receives hot water immediately
When the weather turns, I love nothing more than meal prepping soups and stews to hunker down and enjoy some cosy food with family. But this food can take a toll on your dishwasher, with large dishes and heavily soiled utensils creating a lot of work for even the best dishwasher.
"Your dishwasher may need extra attention when the weather turns cold," say the experts at Hisense.
Their advice? "Running hot water in your sink for a few seconds before starting the dishwasher."
According to Hisense, this "ensures the machine receives hot water immediately, which helps detergent dissolve properly and prevents residue from forming on your dishes."
This makes a lot of sense to me, as my dishwasher tablet hasn't dissolved properly in the past couple of weeks. I had thought it might be a problem with my tablets, but maybe a boost of hot water would make all the difference.
What else can I do?
One of the biggest threats facing your dishwasher this winter will be frozen pipes.
"Freezing pipes can be a serious issue," says Hisense, "potentially leading to cracks or leaks. Insulating pipes connected to your dishwasher is a simple yet effective solution."
The brand also recommends undertaking some routine maintenance.
"To keep your machine running efficiently, inspect the spray arms and filters regularly, removing any food debris that could clog the system."
We have a complete guide on how to clean a dishwasher, as well as some in-depth guidance on why vinegar can be an effective dishwasher cleaner.
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