How to Get a Well-Cleaning Dishwasher

Consider whether you will rinse the dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. If you won't take the time on a regular basis to rinse them in the sink, choose a dishwasher with a pre-rinse or quick rinse option. Running the pre-rinse cycle each time you load the dishwasher will keep food from drying onto the dishes before you run a full cycle. You should also consider purchasing a dishwasher with a hard food disposal feature to get rid of items coming off dishes during the wash cycle. This also prevents food pieces from landing on and sticking to your dishes during the rinse cycle.

Decide what you will routinely wash in your dishwasher. If you will use it for washing cookware, make sure the unit you buy has a pots and pans setting. If you will use it for washing delicate items like wine glasses, make sure it has a stemware setting. Also consider whether you will use a sanitizing setting.

Consider how often you will be running the dishwasher. If you have a small family or you eat out often and don't produce many dishes, choose a smaller dishwasher. This prevents dirty dishes from sitting for long periods of time with food drying on them or becoming smelly.