What Do the Settings on Your Dishwasher Mean? Here's When to Use Each One

Learn the function of each dishwasher setting, from quick wash to eco mode.

A dishwasher is one of the most convenient kitchen appliances, keeping utensils clean and ready for your next meal. However, if not used properly, it can lead to high utility bills , damaged dishes, or smelly pots and pans. Improper use can also reduce the lifespan of your appliance. Understanding your dishwasher's settings and cycles will help you optimize efficiency, save money, and prolong the life of your dinnerware.

Related: The 9 Best Dishwashers of 2024

Why You Should Choose the Best Setting for Your Dishes

Simply put, dishwasher settings are there to give you more options for cleaning your dishes. Most people use the same setting repeatedly because they trust the consistent performance and know how long it will take to complete. If it’s working, there is little reason to change. However, dishwashers are versatile, and the settings are the ticket to get the most out of them. For example, some dishwashers have a setting for running at a half-load capacity, which is more energy- and water-efficient. Some have settings for cleaning different types of dishes, like heavily soiled, lightly soiled pots, and fragile glassware. Using the correct setting makes the cycle more time and energy-efficient.

Dishwasher Settings, Explained

Dishwashers differ in design, size, brand, make, and model, so consult the user's manual for model-specific information. However, here are some standard dishwasher settings and what they mean.

Pre-Wash / Rinse Only

Just a few years ago, it used to be necessary to rinse dirty plates and cups before loading them into the dishwasher. Newer models demand less pre-work. Just scrape off the serious gunk and load up the dishes. You can run a rinse cycle before the wash cycle, which sprays dishes with water to remove food debris or residue. It also allows you to pre-soak items with dried or baked-on food. You can also use the rinse-only cycle if you want to remove strong smells. This tends to be a short cycle of 30-60 minutes.

Auto / Sensor Cycle

This cycle automatically selects the right dishwasher setting for your load’s soil level and size. When you do not know the exact setting that will be ideal for your load, try this setting to start. It is best when the dishware and utensils are at the same general soil level.

Normal Wash

A regular cycle is ideal for everyday dishes that are not heavily soiled. It typically includes a prewash, a main wash with average temperature and water pressure, and one or two rinse cycles. It cleans thoroughly, so long as dishes, pots, and cups are positioned correctly in relation to the water jets. This cycle can last 2-3 hours.

Quick Wash

This setting uses more water and heat to deliver fast results. It is sometimes called the 1-Hour Cycle because it can be completed in an hour or less, depending on the machine model. It is ideal for quickly cleaning a small load of lightly dirty items.

Heavy Wash

Also referred to as the heavy-duty or cookware cycle, this setting uses extra water, extreme temperatures, and multiple wash cycles to handle hard-to-clean items. It is ideal for heavily soiled items like pots and pans, casserole dishes, saucepans, baking dishes, and other grimy tableware. You should still pre-soak items before using this cycle. This cycle may also reach very high temperatures, so it is sometimes used as a workaround for sterilizing glass bottles and infant and toddler items.

Delicate / China / Glassware Cycle

This setting offers lower temperature and water pressure. It is ideal for delicate items such as glassware, stemware, crystal, china, and other delicate utensils. The low temperature and water pressure help reduce the risk of damage. It also protects utensils from chipping, cracking, shattering, or being scratched during the cycle.

Eco Mode

This is the energy-saving dishwasher setting. It lowers the wash and rinse temperatures during a cycle, helping you save on energy and water, thus lowering your utility bills. The trade-off for lower consumption is a longer cycle, which means the load is soaked in detergent for longer to make the cleaning process much easier. It is ideal for eco-conscious households or for cleaning lightly soiled utensils. It may not work well for large pots and pans that are heavily soiled with caked-on food.

Related: 6 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Laundry and Dishwasher Pods

Sanitize

To kill bacteria and germs, this setting releases hot water of up to 150 ⁰ F or higher in the final rinse cycle. It is ideal for homes with children, elderly family members, and anyone with a compromised immune system. Use this setting to sanitize baby bottles, cutting boards, or other cookware that has come into contact with contaminants, such as raw chicken.

Drying Settings

As with washing, dishwashers have multiple drying settings: air dry, heated rinse, and heat dry options.

Air Dry: After a wash cycle, the air dry setting automatically opens the dishwasher door to allow the steam to escape and the utensils to air dry.

Heated Rinse: The heated rinse setting increases the water temperature toward the end of the cycle. Once the cycle is done, the hot water evaporates quickly, leaving the dishes drier.

Heat Dry: Heat dry uses the heating element to generate hot air and circulate it around the dishes to remove residuals.

Understanding the different dishwasher settings will help you maximize the performance of your machine, all while saving on water and energy bills. Always refer to the product manual for specific recommendations.

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