Dishwasher History – Inventor, Facts, Tips

man and woman loading a dishwasher

We all know that a dishwasher is a machine that washes dishes automatically, but have you ever thought of just how this appliance came about? Take a look at some of the interesting facts behind the history of the dishwasher…

The First Devices

A hand powered wooden appliance was registered in 1850 in the United States by Joel Houghton, and was made of wood and cranked by hand while the water sprayed onto the dishes, but it was slow and very unreliable! In 1887 another hand-powered dishwasher was invented by Josephine Cochrane, with a wooden wheel that lay flat in a copper boiler with wire framed compartments made to fit her dishes! Europe’s first domestic dishwasher with an electric motor was invented and manufactured by Miele in 1929.

In The United Kingdom

In 1924 William Livens invented a small, non-electric dishwasher that included a front door for loading, a wire rack to hold dirty plates, and a sprayer that rotated. This was the first machine suitable for domestic use but it didn’t become a commercial success as they were only sold to the wealthiest of clients after the 1950s.

In Europe and America

By 1970 dishwashers had become common place in homes in North America and Western Europe, and by 2012 over 75% of households in The United States and Germany had dishwashers.

2010 to Today

Manufacturers soon began offering new energy conservation features in dishwashers such a soil sensors which measured food particles coming from the dishes. The sensor operated with another innovation of variable drying times which allowed the appliance to run for longer when dishes were very dirty, and for shorter times if cleaner dishes were detected. This saved on energy and water, and consequently on energy bills!

Today, new dishwasher features develop ways to continue to save water and energy with the use of crystals that heat the interior during the dry cycle without consuming any electricity. It does this by heating minerals up to extremely high temperatures that dries the dishes in minutes. Non-handle dishwashers with a simple knocking on the door panel to open the door are designed to be flush with the cabinetry. Re-cycled water from previous washes is another dishwasher innovation, with fresh water used only to complete the process, saving 33% on water usage. Unique bottle washing components are designed to fit tall containers with small openings, and finally independent rotating spray arms ensure a wider area of water exposure.

Dishwasher Maintenance

Whatever model of dishwasher you eventually decide to buy you’ll need to master routine maintenance!

  • Use your appliance regularly
  • Periodically run the dishwasher with a vinegar and water mix
  • Remove holders and racks to thoroughly clean
  • Clear debris from spinning arms
  • Wipe around the door seals and the gasket
  • Get rid of mildew and mould with bleach
  • Tackle any rust stains

When You Need An Expert

When you need an appliance repair service that you can rely on dishwasher repairs North London specialise in these. You’ll be able to get unbeatable prices for top quality work from a trained and experienced engineer. You’ll get a one-off charge with a return visit included, alongside a six month guarantee. Whenever you’ve got a problem you’ll be able to call and get a quote, and make a booking for a same day service. It’s as simple as that!

Dishwasher History – Inventor, Facts, Tips was last modified: January 16th, 2024 by Mix Repairs