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Dishwasher Use

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-563 -- More Projects »
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Three plates on each side of the utensil basket is just the right amount. Any more than that could block other dishes from being thoroughly cleansed.
Cleaning expert Linda Cobb shows why dishes may not come out of the dishwasher perfectly clean.
  • Delicate items should always go on the top rack. Glasses, cups and anything plastic all go on top to avoid the heating element.

  • Utensils should be placed face up in the utensil basket. Be sure to mix up the placement of spoons, forks and knives because placing them in the same section can cause them to nest together and not get as clean.

  • Bowls work well on either rack, just make sure they are securely anchored so that they don't bang together.

  • Large pots should be placed on the bottom rack in the back, while small pots can go in the top rack. Be sure to remove any excess or baked-on food before washing them.

  • If hot water isn't coming out of your sink faucet, it means that your dishwasher is filling up with cold water. Run the sink tap until hot water comes out, then start the dishwasher.

  • Keep dishes from spotting by adding a tablespoon of orange-flavored breakfast drink to your regular powdered detergent. Add the detergent to the washer first, then pour the breakfast drink on top and close the container.

  • Another good spot stopper is one cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup borax. Mix the two powders together and store in a sealed plastic container. Add one teaspoon of this mixture to the detergent container, then add powdered detergent. This can be done each time a load of dishes is washed.

  • Wipe down the inside of the dishwasher with a small amount of baking soda and a damp sponge to keep it clean and remove any spots or stains.
Resources
Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean
by Linda C. Cobb
Pocket Books, 2000
Order this title from Amazon.com.

Guests
Linda C. Cobb
Cleaning Expert / "Queen of Clean"
Website: www.queenofclean.com
Also in this Episode
Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-563
•Dishwasher Use
•Secondhand Furniture
•Salt Sense
•Smart Solution of the Day
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