Dishwasher Programs Explained

Just like a washing machine or a microwave dishwashers have a range of pre-set modes on them that are designed to maximise efficiency while cleaning. Depending on the program you pick you could have a short gentle wash or a longer more thorough one.

Knowing exactly how each program works and what each one does is a little tricky because some of the names aren’t immediately obverse. Of course, you can always refer to your instructions manual but they have a bad habit of getting lost, don’t they?

But don’t worry because we can help you, below we’ve outlined the six main types of dishwasher programs. Depending on the age of your dishwasher you might not have all these programs available as some older models may not have them all.

However, it’s highly likely that you will have most of these programs even on older dishwasher models. So, without further ado let’s start examining the six main types of dishwasher programs and investigate what each one does.

The Main Wash Program

The main or normal wash program is usually the default program on most dishwashers, as the name implies this program is designed for general use and loads. So, if you just want to wash the dishes after a family dinner this is the program you would choose.

However just because it’s designed for regular loads that doesn’t mean that this program is going to be very energy efficient. In fact, on some dishwashers this program can be very costly to run, it’s important to note that this isn’t all dishwashers but those with bad energy efficiency can cost a lot to run even on a normal wash program.

The Energy Saver Wash Program

This wash program is pretty easy to identify, isn’t it? Sometimes called the eco-friendly wash program this is the option you would choose if you want to save money and be more environmentally friendly.

Overall its effectiveness is very similar to that of a normal/ main wash cycle, however, there is a trade-off. The energy saver program is much slower so you have to take the added time into account, and it will wash the dishes at a much lower temperature.

The Intensive Wash Program

Anyone who has ever washed the dishes after a big meal will know that hot water and washing up liquid will only get you so far. To deal with tough stains that have been literally baked onto a pot you need to be much more thorough when washing them, don’t you?

The same principle applies when you’re using a dishwasher to handle these tough stains for you. So, for very dirty pots, pans and dishes you would choose the intensive wash program also known as the heavy-duty wash cycle on some dishwashers.

This is a very useful dishwasher program but its power comes with a cost, it uses the most energy out of all the available programs and as such can be very costly to run. You should also know that this is a program that won’t appear on all models of dishwasher so if it sounds like something you would benefit from having make sure you check any dishwashers carefully to ensure it’s included before you buy one.

The Delicate Wash Program

Have you ever been washing a piece of glassware only to have it break in the sink? If so you’re not alone it’s a common issue with delicate pieces like china plates, and you might be understandably cautious about putting them in a dishwasher, but that’s what the delicate wash program is all about.

This program is designed to be gentler to avoid chipping or damaging any delicate pieces while still ensuring they are thoroughly cleaned. If you don’t really have any delicate dishes or glassware then this will likely be a program you won’t ever really need.

The Half-Load Program

This program works like the normal/ main wash program with a few differences, while you would use that program after a big meal you would use this program after a smaller one. If you have dishes that need cleaning but not enough to fill the whole dishwasher this is the program you would use. It uses around 20% less water and therefore is more energy efficient but should only be used with smaller loads.

The Sensor Wash Program

Also known as the automatic wash program this setting will use a built-in sensor to work out how dirty your dishes are. Once it’s done that it will automatically configure the best temperature and wash duration, because of this the sensor wash can be very energy efficient or the exact opposite. It really depends on what the sensor actually picks up when it scans your load.

We hope you have found this article helpful. Keeping the appliance well-maintained will serve you over the longer term. However if you ever require dishwasher repair services, please contact us, we are happy to help.