Recipe For Automatic Dishwasher Detergent?

Automatic dishwasher detergents are among one of the products that contain higher amounts of phosphates which can wreck havoc on the environment. The bad news is, from all my experimenting so far I have yet to find a recipe that actually works in a dishwasher but without leaving spots or residue behind on the the dishes.

I am extremely hesitant to recommend one of the "green" phosphate free brands though because many contain an ingredient called "zeolite", which I have read may not necessarily be the lesser of the two evils. There is concern over the fact that because zeolite is undoubtedly not as effective as phosphates, more detergent or cleanser is needed- even more getting dumped into the environment. It is actually also cheaper and easier to remove phosphates from contaminated waters that it is for zeolite. As always, if something sound too good to be true there's probably another side to the story...

There is also a popular recipe on the net that uses two tablespoons of half borax and half baking soda in the dishwasher. Once again, I have a hard time recommending this. Only in this case I'm not claiming it doesn't work or isn't more environmentally friendly , but borax has been linked in research studies to create fertility issues and just because it may natural doesn't mean it's innocent- remember borax is also used as a form of pesticide! Even though many swear by the use of borax in many types of homemade cleaners, I won't use it in my home in areas that come in contact with my family at any time so I simply cannot recommend you use it to clean the same plates you'll eat off of.

So what do we do? Well there is one tactic for the dishwasher I found to be at least helpful until better solutions are known of. First off I've found that you really don't need as much dishwashing detergent as most brands recommend- using half of that amount does an excellent job in itself. Another thing that can be done mixing your powdered dishwashing detergent with as much as half baking soda, which acts as a water softener to make that lesser amount of detergent you use even more effective. Or even better yet, just do your dishes by hand!

Visit Lisa Chambers' website for more free information, tips, and recipes based on a healthful and balanced take on beauty, home, and well being.

Dishwasher Fever - What these Large Appliances Offer!

It wasn't that long ago, sometime in the 1950's, when dishwashing machines emerged as the dish cleaning staple in the kitchen of most homes. At the time, however, variety was limited and getting dishes clean was still a kink manufacturers had not quite worked out.

Fortunately, much has changed since then. If you're out looking for a new machine you can choose from a high end model that fully integrates into your kitchen cabinetry and has whisper quiet operation so that you don't hear it running; or choose an economical dishwasher, one without the bells and whistles, but that has the ability to clean very well.

Basically, there are several types of dishwashers; however we'll stick with the most common type, the traditional 24" built-in model that fits beneath your counter. These models are broadly manufactured. In fact, appliance manufacturers such as: Miele, Bosch, Maytag, Whirlpool, Kitchennaid, Kenmore and Jenn-Air often make several lines or 24" dishwashers to choose from.

For example, Miele has Incognito, Touchtronic and Novotronic; KitchenAid has the I Series, P Series, S Series, U Series; and Bosch has the Integra and Evolution line.

While it is useful to know something about the various lines, it is not the only approach to selection. Instead, you can determine which features are most important to you: top rack adjusts for loading flexibility, stainless steel tub, delay start time option, half load option, and so on. Of course, if you like the manufacturer, knowing that Novotronic is Miele's most affordable 24" machine, whereas Incognito is Miele's top of the line, is helpful. see: http://www.dishwashers-select.com/miele-dishwashers.htm

What's remarkable about today's dishwashers is that most perform very well at the job of cleaning. What you're paying then, are for features and technology. Features that will cost you more: quiet running (and there are different levels of quiet!), adjustable racks, cycle options and integrated design.

To shop, consider your lifestyle and the features that you need. You can buy a dishwasher for as little as $300 or you can spend $1500; not much when you consider the cost of a kitchen remodel!

Keep in mind the dish cleaning space you need inside the dishwasher. Many machines offer a half load run cycle which can be extremely useful when you've got a smaller dirty-dish load.

Also, you will find plenty of space in many machines. Jenn-Air and Maytag offer a model with 3 racks. Keep in mind capacity. Some machines wash 10 place settings, others wash up to 14. And finally, having flexible dishwasher racks can be extremely useful, especially for dinner parties, where large size platters and dinnerware need space to get clean!

Nicole Martins is author and researcher for DishwashersSelect. You can find about more about these manufacturers and others by visiting this site at: http://www.dishwashers-select.com

Secrets To Make Your Dishwasher Clean Perfectly

As a service company we are constantly asked, Why doesnt my dishwasher clean better. To this query we offer the following insights and suggestions.

As a service company we are constantly asked, Why doesnt my dishwasher clean better. To this query we offer the following insights and suggestions.

Whenever we diagnose a poor cleaning complaint the main things we want to know are:

1 Is the water hot enough
2 Using a proper detergent
3 Using a rinse additive
4 Loading practices

1 Water temperature --------------

Most manufacturers suggest a minimum 120 Fahrenheit for the dishwasher to begin the cleaning process, 140 to remove food soiling, and 155 to sanitize and remove bacteria. In restaurants they boost the dishwasher temperature to 180 Fahrenheit to satisfy health requirements. Consumers misunderstanding these requirements have led to problems for the household dishwasher.

In a dishwasher the temperature of the wash water is paramount. Unfortunately, It is now common to find household water temperatures of 100 Fahrenheit, or less.

Many people have lowered their household water temperature in an effort to be conscientious consumers. Yes, it lowers electrical consumption. Unfortunately it has other consequences.

Manufacturers say it does not provide enough heat to clean dishes properly and can leave them covered in bacteria and food residue. Supporters of lower water temperatures claim it is both environmentally friendly and necessary to protect children from any possibility of scalding at bath time.

One of the latest ideas is a mixing valve added to hot water tanks. It is preset and will not allow temperatures in excess of 115 Fahrenheit. It does this by mixing cold water with the hot to maintain this preset maximum.

This debate over hot water tank temperatures has resulted in a catch 22 type scenario. Lower the temperature to lower consumption and be more child safe, but end up leaving bacteria on the plates we use to eat.

Low water temperature can also affect the cycle length. If too low the dishwasher may keep stopping to try and heat the water. A normal cycle of 40 minutes could be extended to 2 or 3 hours with all the heating delays. Some dishwashers may stall completely.

2 Using proper detergent -------------

We always suggest you use a name brand detergent. A good detergent is always worth the price. So stay away from those that are super inexpensive, or ones that claims to clean the dishes plus everything else in the house. If unsure, ask your neighbours what they use.

Gel or crystal, the choice is yours. Both seem to work equally well. Whichever form you prefer the one thing we always stress is, when you find one that works for you stick with it even if it costs more than others.

Crystal is less messy, while gel will dissolve quicker with the water. If your water temperature is low (as described above) gel may be a choice because it will mix better.

If using crystal detergent be aware that it can pick up moisture from the air. When this happens it will swell up and become lumpy or harden. These lumps will be difficult to break down and will not fully dissolve. If at cycles end you see detergent left inside it may be evidence of hardened crystals.

Additional evidence of moisture buildup can be seen if the box itself appears to be swollen. If seen, replace immediately with a fresh box.

A box of detergent should be consumed within 2-3 months. If not throw it away and buy a new one. Match the box size to your needs. Do not buy a large box just because it is on sale. If you have to throw most of it away, it wasnt much of a bargain.

Some detergent manufacturers now offer a product that combines the detergent with the rinse additive. Others offer a detergent that includes a special grease-dissolving agent. Still others are in a tab form, or inside a dissolvable plastic pouch.

Also dishwashing detergent and dishwasher detergent are not interchangeable. Trying to do so will cause problems. Each type of detergent is formulated to do a specific job.

Dishwashing detergent is the one used to wash dishes in the sink is. It is definitely not meant for the dishwasher. Anyone who has ever mistakenly put it into the dishwasher can attest to the mess this will produce. The beating action of the water will produce massive amounts of suds. This results in the dishwasher flooding out the door and across the kitchen floor.

So the moral of this tale is: Dont confuse dishwashing with dishwasher.

3 Rinse additive -------------------

This is something that gets forgotten once the free sample bottle that came with the dishwasher has been used.

Its job is to make the water run off the dishes faster so they can dry quicker. Without it there would be little beads of water on everything at the end of the cycle. Glasses especially would appear to be water stained or be left with a gritty residue. So if poor cleaning is a problem, check the rinse additive level.

But remember, only one or two drops are added per load. A few ounces of rinse additive lasts a very long time. Such a long time those customers often think it is not being added, and blame the additive for problems it has nothing to do with

To refill, look on the dishwasher door for a cap or plug that is removable. It is often overlooked because the time between fill ups can be months. Also, the appliance manufacturers could help solve this problem if more of them added some sort of Hey, Im empty indicator.

Frigidaire dishwashers have a neat little indicator. Right next to the soap dispenser is a clear plastic eye that changes colour when the additive is empty. So every time you add detergent to the machine you also see this eye staring back at you. White if empty, and black if full. Simple, effective, and smart.

4 Proper loading --------------------

Lastly, dont forget that how you load the dishes can drastically affect how well they are cleaned.

Proper loading will allow the water to penetrate all the nooks and crannies. Try the following suggestions:

Cups and glasses on the top rack with bottoms up
Plates on the bottom rack all facing the same direction
Bowls either rack, but all facing the same direction
Utensils in the utensil holder in a mixed fashion (some knives, forks, spoons together in each compartment) to allow gaps between them
Large items, such as a spatulas, laying down on top rack
Pots bottom up wherever space allows (on their side okay if positioned so that water will drain out)

Placing the dishes and utensils in an orderly manner really does make for a better wash. It allows the water sprays to penetrate the dishes thoroughly. Try it it works.

The analogy I offer customers is: If you were going on a car trip would you pack the car efficiently, or just open the doors and throw everything inside so that the passengers had to fight with the luggage. I think you get the picture.

Dishwasher efficiency -----------------

If your dishwasher is having a mechanical problem the result may show up as poor cleaning. Anything from low water pressure, broken pump, not draining fully, or even a blocked filter could be the cause.

So how do you know if the machine needs repair? You dont. But, by checking all the previous problems first a lot of the more common causes of poor cleaning can be easily eliminated.

Also, you have probably heard this a million times before, but before telephoning for service read you owners manual. It can include some valuable information. It will usually give you a checklist of items to test before calling for service.

Summing up ----------------------

You now know what is needed to make the dishes come out of the dishwasher sparkling clean. Hot water, good detergent, rinse additive, and proper loading practices. Thats it thats all. Provide all four of these things to the dishwasher and your cleaning success is guaranteed.

So load up the machine, go get yourself a liquid refreshment, put your feet up and let the dishwasher do all the work. For more information about appliances including FAQ, Stain guide, and Recycling visit http://www.mgservices.ca

Dishwasher Detergent Cup – A Sticky Situation

Detergent tends to build up over time and you may find that one day the detergent cup won't open. The detergent acts like glue, sealing the cup. Your dishwasher's detergent cup is located on the panel, inside your dishwasher's door. Grab your sponge and a bucket of warm water and clean the detergent cup inside and out. If this doesn't fix your problem, read on.

Let's understand how detergent cups work. The detergent is placed in the cup and the spring-loaded door is snapped shut. This keeps the detergent dry until later in the cycle. As the cycle progresses, a component will trigger the spring, allowing the door to open and the detergent to be released.

Not all dishwashers use the same components to open the detergent cup. Depending on your dishwasher the components in this process may include:

• Timer and bi-metal switch
• Timer and wax motor
• Timer

The timer is responsible for the length of time your dishwasher runs each cycle. The timer sends an electrical current to each cycle component at a specific time and for a determined length of time. When the timer indicates it's ready for the detergent cup to open, it will send a current to a bi-metal switch or a wax motor. If your dishwasher doesn't have one of these components, the timer will activate the release of the door.

 

A bi-metal switch is an electrical component located behind the dishwasher detergent cup. This switch consists of two types of flexible metals bonded together to form one strip. An electrical current is sent to the bi-metal switch, heating the strip. Since the metals expand at different rates, the strip will bend. This action will open the detergent-cup door. A defective bi-metal switch won't expand enough to signal the release of the door and the switch will have to be replaced.

Many dishwasher manufacturers have replaced the bi-metal switch with a wax motor. There's actually wax inside this small motor. The timer sends a current and the wax inside heats up. As the wax heats up it expands and pushes on a piston. The pressure from the piston releases the spring and opens the detergent-cup door. If there's anything wrong with the wax motor, you may have problems with your dishwasher releasing the detergent.

If your dishwasher doesn't have a bi-metal switch or a wax motor, the timer also serves as an actuator. The timer activates a lever to release the door. If the lever is broken or damaged in some way, it's probably the culprit.

Test your bi-metal switch or wax motor if you have one. If you don't have one of these components or they aren't the source of the problem, test your timer. You may need to replace it.

Take care of your dishwasher and it will take care of you.

Tyler Anderson is a writer for Total Appliance Parts: Helping you repair your dishwasher and other major appliances. Learn how to repair your own appliance and find parts for your dishwasher, refrigerator and more at EasyApplianceParts.com.