Dishwashers are now a common feature in most kitchens – using them takes away the chore of handwashing dishes, plates, and cutlery. They also save water and money, create less of an impact on the environment, and are more sanitary. Placing dirty dishes is convenient and keeps the countertops clean and free of clutter. With all these benefits would you like to know how does a dishwasher work? Read on…
How Does A Dishwasher Work? Mix Repairs Explain
Dishwasher Basics
Components of a dishwasher include:
- Heating elements – these pieces of metal convert electricity into heat and heat the water to the right temperature.
- Pumps – motors force the water through the jets during the wash and perform the draining process. The water goes in the right direction due to the computer opening and closing the valves accordingly.
- Spray arms – the water pressure causes the hollow arms to spin ensuring an even clean of the dishes.
- Timers – or small computers that regulate the length of each cycle
- Heating sensors – detect water and air temperature to prevent dishwasher overheating
- Overflow sensors – tell when the water level gets too high and can activate the draining function
- Dirt detector sensors – when the water is clean enough the wash has been successful
Dishwasher Workings
In order for your dishwasher to give real results, it needs hot water – temperatures can reach as high as 60◦C. The dishwasher draws in water from your water supply and pumps it into a pool at the bottom of the appliance – the heating element under the water turns on and starts to heat the water.
At the same time, the detergent is mixed into the water and sent under pressure via the spray arms onto the dirty dishes. The water goes back to the pool carrying food residues, and is filtered, reheated, and sent back again. The same water is constantly reused and reheated – similar to a car wash.
As soon as the water reaches the required temperature the heater switches off – the pumps continue pushing water through the spray arms until the end of the cycle. Some dishwashers don’t have built-in water heaters – whatever temperature circulating water is at will be used to clean the dishes. If this is the case then ensure a hot wash by running hot water through the kitchen sink taps before you begin a wash.
When the washing and rinsing are finished the water drains into the basin – depending on the type of dishwasher the water will then go directly into the pipes under your sink or travel up a hose into the sink itself. An optional dry cycle can then be selected – the heating element at the bottom of the dishwasher heats the air inside to help the dishes dry – not using this function can save energy.
Dishwasher Functions
Here’s a brief summary of what your dishwasher accomplishes:
- Fills appliance with water
- Heats the water to the correct temperature
- Opens the detergent dispenser automatically
- Cleans dishes by shooting water through jets
- Drains the dirty water
- Rinses dishes with additional sprays
- Drains water once more
- Heats to air dry dishes if the setting has been selected
Dishwasher Cleaning Stages
There are three main steps that a dishwasher carries out during a cleaning cycle:
1. Pre-wash or rinse
The aim of this initial burst of warm water through the spray arms is to wet the dishes – not to really clean them. If you’ve got a model with a pre-wash detergent compartment you should add the detergent now – this phase is normally only a few minutes long.
2. Main wash
During this sequence, the water is heated, sprayed, collected, filtered, and heated once more – until the heating unit turns off. On completion all of the water is drained – the main wash can take up to an hour with the cycle being repeated several times.
3. Final wash and rinse
New clean water is used to start the heat, spray, and filter cycle all over again – eventually, the heater will switch off while the spraying continues. The final wash can take up to an hour and may not use any detergent – and may be repeated multiple times.
For reliable dishwasher repairs in London contact Mix Repairs today!
Get Reliable and Low-Cost Repairs
Finding a trusted dishwasher repair service is simple – contact Mix Repairs for unbeatable prices and repairs carried out by fully qualified engineers. All repairs come with a six-month parts and labor guarantee – and there’s no call out charge at all.
Your local engineer will arrive with all the tools and equipment needed to get the job done – and can be with you on the same day if your repair is urgent. Full insurance for public and employer’s liability is covered so you’re protected whilst the work is being carried out.
With over 15 years experience in dishwasher repairs, you’ll be in safe hands – and your appliance will soon be in full working order once more.
