There are 3 types of energy used to clean the dishes a balance of all three are needed for the best results.
Chemical Energy - The detergent you use plays a big role in the cleaning ability. Phosphates do a great job but as new regulations come into play phosphates are being phased out. Detergent can get 'old' and loose it's cleaning ability. It has a short life span, so buy detergent in small quantities. If you have hard water you will need to use more detergent or even an additive like lemi shine or Glass Magic to assist with the chemical energy. Detergents for automatic dishwashers have a no sudsing agent to reduce foam and suds. Rinse aid plays an important role in eliminating spots and drying the dishes, yes drying. The rinse agent helps sheet the water off the dishware prior to the dry cycle, there is a product called Turbo Dry that can be used in place of rinse agent that works great for drying plastic. In summary use detergent like Cascade or Electrosol and a rinse aid
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hermal Energy - Hot water is important for both dissolving/activating detergent and breaking down food residue so it can come clean from the dishware. It will help to run the hot water faucet at the kitchen sink until hot before starting a cycle in the dishwasher. If cleaning is a problem use the Pots and pans or High Temp wash
Mechanical Energy - This is done by water pressure against the dishware, be sure to load properly, do not stack or shadow other dishware, be aware of where the spray arms on your dishwasher and make sure you do not block them when loading. If you have a filter in the unit, clean it often, if you do not you may still need to clean out the sump on occasion. The spray arms may get food or deposits in the small jets (holes) that the water needs to come out. Inspect and clean as needed.
Links to other dishwasher tips:
Poor cleaning on upper rack Whirlpool KitchenAid or KenmoreClean light blinking flashing 7 timesCalcium white powder build up hard water
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