How to start a dishwasher for the first time

After installing a dishwasher, many owners are eager to turn it on and see how good it works, especially if this is their first dishwasher. But don’t rush, first, at least read the instructions, in which you will probably find information that before washing the dishes for the first time, the machine needs to be tested. If the instructions do not contain such information, then we will tell you how to launch it correctly.

Test run of the dishwasher

Before testing your dishwasher with a load of dishes, manufacturers including Bosch and Siemens recommend performing a test wash (dry run). Some users say they don't see the point in this, but we'll point out the reasons why it's still worth doing:

1. Rinsing the dishwasher with water for the first time will rid the machine of any debris that accidentally got into it during installation, as well as from lubricating the elements.
2. During the first startup, you need to find out how quickly the water is drawn in, whether it heats up, whether it is drained at the end of the cycle, how the drying is carried out, thereby you can understand whether the unit is working properly.
3. Idling is also a check that the dishwasher is installed correctly. There have been cases when installers carelessly pressed the electrical wire from the dishwasher under furniture so that even the first start was not possible.

Let's celebrate! Idle rinsing of the dishwasher does not mean that if there are no dishes, there is no need to put detergent in it. On the contrary, detergent and dishwasher salt are a must!

You will see the salt compartment when you pull out the lower basket; it is at the bottom of the machine.Unscrew the lid and fill the compartment, then add salt to about 2/3 of a one and a half kilogram pack, but so that the tank is not overfilled. When adding salt, excess water will flow into the tank, there is nothing wrong with that. Read the article about the importance of using salt Why do you need dishwasher salt?.

Then decide what product you will use to wash dishes: powder, gel, rinse aid or 3 in 1 tablets. Find compartments for these products on the inside of the door. Now turn on the machine and on the control panel, depending on the model, set which product you are using.

In addition, before pressing the “Start” button, you need to set the water hardness; salt consumption will depend on this. Hardness is determined using a test strip (this is the easiest way), but you can find out about water hardness at your city’s Vodokanal. Select any washing mode, after which you can press the “Start” button.

Important! Don't forget to open the water supply tap before turning it on. Otherwise, the washing process will not start.

Launch of the first wash

After an idle start, you should not immediately start the dishwasher with dishes; you will have to wait a little until it cools down. Frequent loading may overload the heating element and pump.

When the machine has cooled down, load it with dishes, having first cleared them of food residues, and if necessary, put detergent in the compartment. You already have salt and rinse aid in the compartments; they may last for two months. To achieve maximum washing quality, you need arrange the dishes correctly and cutlery in baskets so that nothing interferes with the movement of the rockers and the access of water to all areas of the chamber.After making sure that everything is packed and nothing is forgotten, select the program and press the “Start” button.

The first launch of the dishwasher may require you to spend a little more time arranging the dishes, but don’t worry, soon the whole process will become automatic, and you will notice how much free time you will have with the purchase of such a “helper”.

Let's celebrate! If you still forgot to put some item in the machine, then on some models from Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux and others, there is a special button to stop the process; after reloading, the washing process will continue.

Tips for use

During further operation of the dishwasher, you must follow a number of rules and precautions indicated in the instructions for almost all Bosch, Electrolux, Ariston models; this will help extend the life of the dishwasher:

1. Do not touch a running machine with wet hands.
2. When connecting the machine to the network, if possible, do not use an adapter or extension cord.
3. Do not allow children to press the control buttons.
4. Make sure that no foreign object gets into the dishwasher.
5. Wash the filters regularly to remove food debris.
6. Rinse the chamber and make sure that no food or grease remains under the door at the junction with the chamber.

To summarize, we emphasize once again that the first start of the dishwasher should be carried out only after studying the instructions for a specific model of Bosch dishwasher or any other. Each model has its own nuances, including the nuances of setting water hardness and the nuances of setting the washing program.

2 reader comments

1. 05/30/2018 at 21:13

   Anonymous:

   They laid the dishes. After turning it off, it remained not washed, but only the rinsing function. What's the matter?

   Answer
2. 09/18/2019 at 01:34

   Anonymous:

   Write more about how to stack the dishes correctly...
   Not a word about the fact that the heat exchanger and salt tank take a long time to fill with water, etc. for the first time.

   Answer