Dishwashers Cycles Explained

Function

• A dishwasher contains a rotating arm that distributes detergent and water onto dirty dishes. After the washing cycle finishes, the arm sprays the dishes with clean water to rinse away leftover detergent and food particles. A dishwasher's drying cycle uses either steam heat or air to evaporate residual rinse water.

Specialty Cycles

• Specialty dishwasher cycle options include plate warming, shorter washing cycle durations and pot scrubbing. Certain types of dishwashers have built-in cleaning cycles for fine china. Quick rinse options allow you to quickly clean dishes that don't have built-up food debris.

Energy Considerations

• Using the heat dry cycle on the dishwasher allows you to dry dishes faster but uses more energy. A dishwasher may use as much as 20 gallons of water when operating during the presoak cycle option, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension.