Dishwasher parts: types, where to look and how to choose good ones

Don't forget to salt

The special salt is intended for the correct functioning of the regenerator and the softening of hard water. Thus, all parts of the dishwasher receive good protection against lime deposits and detergents will work more efficiently and consumption will be significantly reduced.

How it works

If the water is hard, which is the case in most of our areas, the detergent will not lather well and lose some of its effectiveness. Salt, dissolving in the liquid, softens it and eliminates this deficiency. Therefore, tablets and powders begin to remove dirt and fats much better.

Soft water should always circulate in the dishwasher.This will save you from the forced overspending of detergent. This technique has a built-in regenerating filter that converts calcium and magnesium ions into sodium, which is the merit of a special resin. To restore the properties of this very resin in water, there must be sodium chloride - this is salt.

The fence is made from a special compartment located at the bottom of the working chamber. This compartment must always be filled. One download is more than enough for 30 days or more.

This is done quite typically:

• salt is poured into a special compartment;
• the machine is operated in a standard way;
• as it empties, the compartment gradually fills up. If the device has a control panel with the appropriate indication, they are guided by it.

At the end of the wash cycle, the dishes remain completely dry and ready for use.

Manufacturers

The first product that will be offered to you is Finish salt. Price - 199 r for 1.5 kg. However, reviews of the product are not the most rosy. However, I assume that this is due to the incorrect use of the facility. The product itself is well worth it.

TOP HOUSE

This is a coarse-grained salt from a well-known Belgian manufacturer. He promises us the effectiveness of super-modern technologies, protection against scale and other typical problems of dishwashers.

I can say that salt works great not only in words, but also in practice. At least limescale does not remain on the dishes, and the consumption of detergents is reduced by at least 2 times, which is the merit of wonderful large-crystalline particles.

The liquid really softens as it should. For those who are especially inquisitive, you can check it yourself by pouring salt into a glass of tap water, measuring the hardness with a test strip.I can’t say anything about extending the life of heating elements and ion exchangers - here we need a longer experience in using salt. However, I have no reason to distrust the Belgians.

What to replace

Sometimes users are tempted to replace the special salt with plain table salt. Despite the fact that it is still the same sodium chloride, I would not recommend using this option. The fact is that table salt (simple, sea, fine, coarse, iodized and not) contains a lot of impurities, which harms the health of equipment.

This can lead to such negative consequences:

• deterioration of the regenerator, clogging with pollution;
• loss of warranty. Any service engineer will detect an attempt to use left funds, after which you will have to pay in full for the restoration of the dishwasher;
• deterioration in the quality of washing dishes.

If the purchase of professional salt becomes a source of significant expenses, I advise you to immediately purchase a large bag, which will result in serious savings. You can choose budget funds without overpaying for the brand. Another option is to purchase multifunctional tablets that already contain salt. With them, the washing cycle will cost 9-10 rubles. If you install an effective filter at the outlet of the water supply, you can completely refuse to use this product.

This is interesting: How to make a humidifier with your own hands

What to look for when choosing a dishwasher

When planning to buy a dishwasher, a person must deal with several basic issues.

First of all, you need to pay attention to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen and the installation location of the equipment.If your house is small, then it would be optimal to choose a high-quality dishwasher from narrow models (45-50 cm wide)

Is your kitchen spacious enough even for large units? Choose full-size models (60 cm), because they can wash up to 16 place settings at a time.

Dishwashers for the home can be installed separately or built into furniture. The second option is usually more expensive, but it allows you to achieve a holistic interior. In this case, we will not give specific advice, because it all depends on your preferences. There are also two connection methods - to cold or to hot water. And although in the second case you can achieve less energy consumption, in the summer, when preventive, reconstruction or repair shutdowns are carried out, you will not be able to use the dishwasher.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the drying of dishes. It can be either condensing or active. In the first case, the machine simply turns off, and the remaining moisture after hot rinsing accumulates on the walls, gradually draining into the drainage. The active one blows the dishes with hot air. This is faster, but consumes additional electricity

For this reason, it is especially important to consider the energy class. But not only him, but also the washing efficiency determines which dishwasher is best for the home (standards from best A to worst E)

Different devices differ among themselves and in the type of detergent used. If ordinary powder detergents are poured into the unit, then additional rinse aids must be added to them.Tablets contain two or more components at once, but are more expensive. Gels will require even more costs. However, their effectiveness is approximately the same, and much depends on the chosen program. Most often, dishwashers have Standard, Intensive, Economic modes, as well as Soak. But in new models, sometimes more programs are provided, the more there are, the wider the capabilities of the unit.

Top 5 dishwasher detergents

1st place: Grab Green eco-friendly capsules

Non-toxic and environmentally friendly, especially recommended for allergy sufferers and children. The tablets do not contain phosphates and other harmful substances. They also do not contain abrasive components, which allows you to use Grab Green for all types of dishes. At the same time, users unanimously note the high quality of washing appliances.

If the balance of detergent, softener and salt is not correct, iridescent streaks may remain on the surface of the washed dishes. In this case, it is advisable to additionally turn on the rinse mode to get rid of the remaining substances (+)

A significant advantage of Grab Green is the absence of toxic substances and components harmful to the environment.

2nd Place: Popular Powder Finish

Well-known brand assigned to a wide range dishwasher detergents machines that have won wide popularity among users. The product range also includes dishwasher tablets, which are popular among consumers.

In the palette of products produced under this brand, there are also Finish Quantum tablets, which have earned high consumer appreciation.

The reviews mention the excellent quality of washing with this drug, especially when using salt and rinse aid from the same manufacturer. At the same time, the availability of these funds, which are always on sale, is emphasized.

There is also a convenient packaging of the powder, thanks to which it is easy to pour the required dosage. This affects both cost savings and human health.

3rd place: Fairy "All in 1" capsules

The All-in-One Salt and Conditioner are dissolvable capsules filled with powder and liquid gel. The tablets are in a stylish colorful package.

The drug perfectly copes with various types of dirt, including grease and stubborn food residues, gives the dishes a shine and a well-groomed appearance. The capsules can be used in both hot and lukewarm water.

Of the minuses, the impossibility of separating the capsule can be noted. It is not recommended to open its shell due to the fact that the concentrated liquid contained inside is particularly caustic. It also contains harmful substances - phosphates. Among the disadvantages include a fairly high cost.

Along with the products produced in capsules, the company offers effective dishwasher tablets, which will be introduced in the article we recommend.

4th place: budget Pilotex powder

Powdered dishwashing detergent enjoys the attention of consumers due to its extremely low price. In this preparation - the minimum amount of phosphates

Users also note the convenient packaging of the mixture, which contributes to comfortable storage.

Although due to the low content of detergents, the quality of washing with Pilotex powder can be described as mediocre, the product is quite suitable for rinsing lightly soiled dishes.

Pilotex powder is mainly attracted by its affordable price. It does not have high efficiency, but it does an excellent job of rinsing.

5th place: Ecover hypoallergenic capsules

Hypoallergenic dishwasher tablets with 4 in 1 formula. The ingredients include detergent, salt, rinse aid, anti-scale agent. It is based on the abrasive principle of washing, which allows you to remove dirt with the help of the smallest mineral particles.

The advantages of such a tool include the exclusion of potentially harmful substances. The package contains a complete list of components, so that users can get a comprehensive understanding of the composition

Ecover brand tablets are easy enough to cut in half, which allows them to be used in half dosage when the dishwasher is not fully loaded.

Among the shortcomings, some users noted the insufficient quality of washing, as well as the need for additional application of conditioner and salt, without which a pronounced coating remains on the dishes.

In addition, due to the abrasive effect, Ecover is not suitable for washing glassware, Teflon-coated kitchen utensils, as well as utensils decorated with patterns.

In addition to means for processing dishes, owners of machines should definitely purchase a composition for cleaning the equipment itself. We recommend that you read the following article on the issues of choosing the drug you need to take care of.

Which manufacturer to choose?

Since you already know how to choose quality equipment, it is worth talking a little about the reputation of the companies that are responsible for their production. The most popular dishwasher manufacturers are Bosch, Electrolux, Whirlpool, Hotpoint-Ariston, Amica, Beko and Mastercook. Each of the mentioned brands enjoys great popularity and positive feedback among users. The products they offer are user-friendly and, depending on the price range, come with a lot of extra features.

The answer to the question of which dishwasher to buy can be difficult, but only at the beginning. After analyzing your own needs and budget, it will be easier for us to customize the equipment in terms of the most important technical parameters, as well as design, to match the kitchen furniture. Each dishwasher (both freestanding and built-in) can also be analyzed by you in terms of user reviews. This allows us to know before buying whether it is worth buying a particular model of dishwasher.

Principle of operation

The dishwasher works in the same way as a washing machine, only dishes are “washed” instead of dirty clothes. The whole process is divided into 7 stages:

1. Dirty dishes are loaded into the chamber, detergent is poured into a special compartment and the device is turned on by selecting the desired program;
2. Water is supplied to the tank, which is heated by electric heaters. It passes through a special softening container to get rid of excessive rigidity;
3. The cleaning agent enters the hot water tank;
4. Under high pressure, water hits the dishes from different sides, cleaning them from dirt. All waste flows to the bottom of the device;
5. The liquid passes through the filter and the spray is repeated cyclically until the program completes the action. Dirty water goes down the drain;
6. Clean cool water enters, washing off the detergent from the dishes, after which it also drains;
7. The contents of the chamber are drying.

The advantages of using a dishwasher over tap washing are obvious:

1. The main advantage is a significant time saving. While the technique is working, you can do other useful things;
2. Much less water is used;
3. High temperatures and the absence of foreign particles during washing ensure a hygienic process;
4. No good housewife will wash dishes with such high quality as the technique will do;
5. The modern variety of manufacturers and models will allow you to find the right product at an affordable price.

Among the disadvantages:

• the need to allocate a whole section for installation, and there is not always a place in the kitchen;
• you will need to buy special detergents.

Important! Once you spend enough money on a quality reliable dishwasher, you will provide yourself with a comfortable, safe, efficient and economical appliance for many years to come.

Connection to cold or hot water supply

Already at the stage of choosing a dishwasher, it's time to think about its subsequent connection. The future user should be aware that some models can be connected to the cold water supply only, while others can be connected to hot and cold water at the same time.

According to experts, the first option is preferable, since cold tap water contains less impurities, rust, etc. than hot water.Of course, grease from dirty dishes and pots will not be washed off with cold water, but the dishwasher itself is able to heat cold water to the desired temperature. However, this implies the main disadvantage of this type of connection: the dishwasher will consume much more electricity during its operation.

"Hot-cold" type of connection is more energy efficient: you can significantly save on water heating. It remains only for a moment to think about what is contained in hot water besides the water itself. If the quality of hot tap water in your city / village does not scare you, then we recommend purchasing a dishwasher that matches this particular type of connection.

A bit of history

The history of the automatic dishwasher roughly coincides with the invention of the washing machine. For the first time something similar was patented by Joel Guoton in 1850. However, his device bore little resemblance to today's model - according to the principle of operation, it rather resembled a shower stall for plates. Dishes were placed in a special container, on which water was poured. It flowed into buckets, and with the help of the levers of the machine, they rose again and tipped over onto plates. All actions had to be done manually, so the result of such a wash was far from ideal, and the unit itself remained unclaimed.

In 1885, the history of dishwasher development continued. American Josephine Cochrane creates a "dishwashing machine", which became the prototype of modern models. In her device, dirty utensils were located on moving baskets, and hot water was poured onto them under the action of piston pumps.The difficult financial situation after the death of her husband forced the woman to start serial production of her unit, which was bought up with pleasure in her hometown. Just 8 years later, the dishwashers of the inventor Cochrane became a sensation at the Chicago World's Fair. The company founded by Josephine and now produces household appliances under the Whirlpool brand.

The twentieth century was a time of rapid development of dishwasher technology, which led to the creation by the German company Miele in 1929 of a machine powered by electricity. In 1960, the first automatic model rolled off the assembly line of the same company, and since the mid-60s, its counterparts have been put into production by many European and American firms.

Popular brands

If you are faced with the question of which company to choose a dishwasher, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the most popular manufacturers of such equipment. These include Electrolux, Siemens, AEG, Bosch, Miele. They produce expensive and high-quality models that meet all modern requirements. However, you have to pay a little more for the brand.

Samsung, Ariston, Whirpool, Zanussi, Beko, Ardo, Indesit are considered to be slightly less well-known manufacturers of dishwashers, whose products nevertheless have an acceptable cost and proper quality.

Expensive devices are able to independently determine the amount and degree of contamination of dishes, calculating the mode, water temperature and the time of a full cycle.

Purchasing a quality dishwasher will allow you to free up a lot of free time that is usually spent on washing dishes, as well as regularly save electricity and water.

Economy

It is important before how to buy a dishwasherto evaluate its economics. It is logical that during operation the dishwasher will actively consume water and electricity

How much utility bills will grow can be understood by carefully studying the factory markings.

First, let's look at power consumption. As a rule, each unit has a special sticker, which shows the assigned class - from A +++ to D. Models A are considered the most profitable, the consumption of which does not exceed 0.8-1.5 kW per hour for one standard cycle, and more energy-intensive - all letters below B. It consumes from 1.06 kW per hour, since these machines are either too outdated and lack modern cheapening technologies, or are designed for production capacities and are not suitable for domestic use.

Let's not forget about water consumption. More often than not, all modern models do not take more than 15-17 liters from the water supply, which is more economical than 60 liters spent during manual washing. But it is worthwhile to understand that with intensive mode or abundant rinsing, the given figure will grow a little.

Fresheners

Sometimes the dishes are waiting for washing in the car for half a day. This is common practice. Someone collects a kit to save money, someone simply does not have the time to immediately start the process. However, at this point, bacteria begin to multiply on the surface of the dishes. An unpleasant smell appears in the chamber, which is always felt when it is opened.

Fresheners - neutralize and absorb such odors without affecting the dishes inside.

A few important nuances:

• make sure that the detergent compartment is always dry, it will not be superfluous to wipe the working chamber;
• the freshener is placed on the dish basket, on the topmost shelf;
• the capsule should not block the sprinklers and the dispenser compartment;
• when the smell dries up, the freshener is changed to a new one, which will happen after about 60 washing cycles.

If we talk about manufacturers, then this product is offered by almost all the brands that were listed above. There is no difference in effectiveness and method of application. However, I would call this thing a simple toy. If you regularly wash the device and follow the operating instructions, there will be no odors anyway.

Energy consumption class and equipment

Energy consumption is one of the most important things to consider when buying a dishwasher in the first place. It is displayed on the factory label in the form of a class assigned to the technique in a letter designation from A to G

Level A models are considered the most economical, among which there are also more advanced models of type A +++. Such machines consume about 0.8-1.05 kWh per cycle, while category B - 1.06-1.09 kWh, and C - 1.1-1.49 kWh. It is logical that the closer to G, the more expensive each wash.

As for the equipment, there is a standard set: a dispenser, two levels of grates, a cutlery tray and a filter. But the number of devices increases with the increase in the price of equipment and may include:

• basket position regulators;
• illumination of the working chamber;
• external indicator;
• multi-level fixing of the door;
• heat exchanger;
• increased sound insulation;
• glass holders.

Often dishwashers are equipped with adjustable “legs” that allow you to install the machine on an uneven surface.Some machines also have a display that allows you to track the washing stage and adjust the cleaning process.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

We offer you to visually familiarize yourself with the flow heating element for some models of dishwashers in the video:

A detailed video instruction on repairing the board is offered by a practicing master. True, to repeat his experience, certain skills and knowledge will be required:

We offer you to watch a video on replacing the drain hose on the dishwasher:

You can try to replace the door lock mechanism with your own hands. The nuances of this process are demonstrated in the video:

Video about self-replacement of failed dishwasher elements with new spare parts:

Spare parts for a failed dishwasher must be purchased only original. There are many low-quality parts, they will not last long. If the required item cannot be purchased, the marking should be deciphered - some spare parts may be interchangeable.

Have questions about the topic of the article? Or can you supplement the material with interesting information regarding the choice of spare parts for dishwashers? Please leave your comments in the box below.