Liz's Laundry

10 common Dishwasher questions

Dec 31, 2022

10 common Dishwasher questions

If you're anything like us, you have questions about how to get the most out of your dishwasher.

To celebrate the release of (what we say is) Australia's best eco dishwashing powder from Hudstone, we’ve rounded up 7 common dishwasher questions and their answers:

How much water does a dishwasher use (in litres)?

Your average dishwasher can use around 6-15 litres of water per cycle, this is depending on the type and make of your machine.

Generally, newer energy star-rated model dishwashers will use much use less water than older models.

How long does a dishwasher take?

The average dishwashing cycle lasts around one to two hours, depending on the type of machine you have and the settings.

If you’re in a hurry, most modern dishwashers come with a ‘quick wash’ setting which will shorten the time considerably.

Are dishwasher tablets better than powder?

The type of washing detergent you use in your dishwasher depends on personal preference.

Powder detergents generally have a longer shelf life and can be more cost-effective, while tablets are more convenient to store and use. 

How do you clean a dishwasher?

If you use your dishwasher regularly, you should probably clean your dishwasher at least monthly.

Start by removing any large pieces of debris stuck in the filter, then run a cycle with a detergent and an empty machine.

Afterwards, use a damp cloth to wipe away any leftover residue on the inside of the dishwasher and run a rinse cycle.

How do you drain a dishwasher?

If you need to drain your dishwasher, first make sure that the power source is off and unplugged. 

Remove any dishes or items in the washer, then locate the drain hose connected to it. Unscrewing this will allow water to begin draining out of the bottom of the machine.

How do you load a dishwasher?

You should always try to load plates and cutlery in a way that allows the water to move as freely as possible.

Avoid overcrowding your machine and stacking items on top of one another. It's better to separate loads than try to wash everything at once.

Also make sure that all your dishes are facing down so the water can reach them effectively. There should be some space left between each plate and bowl so they can be properly cleaned.

When should you replace dishwasher racks?

The upper and lower racks in your dishwasher can normally last up to 10 years before needing replacement.

Signs that you may need a replacement could include some rusting or cracking of the plastic and metal components. 

How to use powder detergent in a dishwasher?

Using dishwasher powder detergent in your dishwasher is super easy.

Just add the powder directly to your dishwasher's detergent dispenser. One scoop is usually all you need.

Why is my dishwasher powder not dissolving?

If the powder in your dishwasher or your dishwasher tablet is not dissolving, there could be a few possible reasons.

You should check that your dishwasher is set to the right temperature and that your water pressure is adequate.

Also make sure that you're using a high-quality dishwasher powder like Hudstone for optimal performance. You won't have that issue with us.

What can I use instead of dishwashing powder?

If you don't have dishwasher powder, we'd recommend hand washing your dishes in the mean time and putting in an order for Hudstone Dishwashing Powder. It's Australia's best quality and value.