How Does Your Dishwasher Work?

Your dishwasher is there to make life a lot simpler, but what goes on behind that closed door when the "running" light is on?

Pre-Rinsing Cycle

Most machines have programmes with a pre-rinse cycle that rinses off loosen soil particles from the dishes. Water is pumped into the machine and mechanically spayed to the dishes via the spray arm After this cycle the water is generally pumped off and replaced by fresh water.

Main Wash Cycle

After pre-rinsing, the detergent dispenser opens once the main wash cycle has begun, allowing detergent to mix with the water. This solution gets pumped through the spray arms, the force making the arms rotate so that all items are reached. The water is heated step by step to temperatures between 50ºC and 70°C, depending on the chosen programme. After the main wash cycle, the water is pumped off.

Intermediate Rinsing Cycles

In the intermediate rinse cycle residues remaining on the surface of the machine and/or the load are removed with cold water.

Final rinse/Drying Cycle

In the final rinse cycle, rinse aid or drying aid is added to the rinsing water. The water is step by step heated up to 70°C. Then the water is removed and the load dried by the remaining heat.