Dishwasher
Dishwasher racks are critical components for most consumers when making this major kitchen purchase. Price is, of course, the primary consideration for most people but the interior design of a dishwasher is generally what makes or breaks the final decision. Consumers should consider dishwasher rack tips pertaining to rack design, proper loading and maintenance of the racks for longtime usage when deciding which unit to buy.
Rack Design
A consumer looks for a dishwasher rack design that fits his or her lifestyle, basing their ultimate choice on whether the racks can hold the types and amount of dishes they regularly wash. Of course, the complexity of a dishwasher rack's design often depends on the price point of the washer. Look for built-in top rack features like flip-down stemware supports and attached baskets for small items that need to be sterilized: measuring spoons, sports bottle tops and baby items such as bottle nipples and pacifiers. A water spout coming up from the spraying arm underneath helps encourage water circulation for greater washing and rinsing. Bottom rack design may or may not include the silverware basket which could be in the center of the lower rack, on the side or in the door. The door silverware rack provides more room for dishes on the bottom level, but some consumers may not feel the silverware doesn't get as clean as it does in the bottom rack, as it doesn't get water spray from all angles. Some dishwashers come with adjustable or folding racks to accommodate large items.
Loading Tips
Loading the dishwasher racks correctly makes all the difference in how effectively the unit washes the dishes and in how many dishes you can wash per load. Reserve top rack spots for delicate glass items and plastics, making sure to situate glasses in between the prongs on the top rack to prevent shifting and possible breakage of fragile glassware. Bigger, dirtier items will be best cleaned on the bottom rack especially when the dirty, food-covered sides face the center to get the full exposure to the water jets. The dirtiest items, those with baked-on food, should face down toward the bottom rack sprayer. When loading silverware, position the handles down, except for knives which need to be placed blade down to prevent injury when unloading dishes. Rinse aid products in attachable baskets should be placed on the top rack according to manufacturer instructions.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Plastic-coated dishwasher racks become worn or chipped from heavy usage or from a sharp edges rubbing or catching on them. This wear-and-tear is fixable with a little touch-up paint or with rack caps that fit over the worn rack tips. Touching up the worn places helps prevent corrosion and rust from developing and leaving residue on the dishes. Any hardware or appliance store should carry these dishwasher care products, and if there isn't one nearby that carries them, these products are available online from home improvement and dishwasher manufacturer sites. Run a dishwasher cleaning product through an empty dishwasher cycle a couple times a year to keep these appliances free of food and chemical build-up on the racks and spraying arms.
Related posts
Your older dishwasher can be repaired to like-new condition.Dishwashers use metal wire racks to hold all of your dirty dishes and cookware for cleaning. While some models feature exposed stainless...
Cover dishwasher rack tips with replacement caps.Dishwashers are susceptible to wear over time, but the removable racks are often the first to go because of the constant exposure to harsh dishwash...
A dishwasher is one of the most-used appliances in a kitchen.There's no doubt that your dishwasher is one of the hardest working appliances in your kitchen. Over time, the continuous onslaught of...
A dishwasher with problems usually leads to frustration, since many have come to rely upon it for easy cleaning. Hotpoint dishwashers, which General Electric manufacture, generally have a good rep...
A stainless-front dishwasher wirth adjustable cycle dial.Automatic dishwashers take some of the drudgery out of running a household. At the end of a meal you just load the dirty dishes in the mach...
