Setting your dishwasher effectively depends primarily on the type of dishes you are washing and how soiled they are. Understanding the different cycle options on your appliance is key.
Understanding Standard Dishwasher Cycles
Most conventional dishwashers come with three standard cycles: light, normal and heavy for larger pots and pans. These settings are each well suited to regular dishes and everyday "dirt." Your specific model might also offer additional specialized cycles.
Here's a breakdown of the standard cycles and their typical uses:
| Cycle | Recommended Use | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Dishes with minimal soil, delicate items, or pre-rinsed loads. | Shorter cycle, lower temperature. Ideal for quick washes or items that aren't very dirty. |
| Normal | Regular dishes, everyday cups, plates, and bowls with average soil levels. | The most commonly used cycle, balancing cleaning performance and energy usage for typical loads. This setting is well suited to regular dishes and everyday "dirt." |
| Heavy | Heavily soiled pots, pans, casseroles, and dishes with baked-on food. | Longer cycle, higher temperatures, and often more water pressure to tackle stubborn messes. Specifically designed for larger pots and pans. |
Choosing the Right Dishwasher Setting
To get the cleanest dishes while optimizing energy and water usage, select the cycle that best matches the load inside your dishwasher:
- Use the Light cycle for loads that are only lightly soiled.
- Choose the Normal cycle for your everyday washes with average dirt. As mentioned, this is well suited to regular dishes and everyday "dirt."
- Select the Heavy cycle for tough cleaning tasks, particularly for larger pots and pans or items with significant baked-on residue.
While the three standard cycles (light, normal and heavy) are common, you might find your model has some of the below dishwasher cleaning cycles, too, such as:
- Quick/Express: For lightly soiled items that you need cleaned quickly.
- Delicate/China: Uses lower temperatures and less intense spray to protect fragile items.
- Sanitize: Uses extra high temperatures to kill bacteria, ideal for baby bottles or after illness.
- Auto/Sensor: The dishwasher automatically adjusts the cycle length, temperature, and water usage based on how dirty the dishes are.
Check your dishwasher's user manual for a complete description of all available cycles and options, as they can vary significantly by model.
