Like many appliances that are now common in modern kitchens, the dishwasher has been around for a surprisingly long time. The first patent for it was granted to Joel Houghton in 1850. Josephine Cochran invented a way to use water pressure to wash dishes in 1886. She was rich, entertained often, and was tired of her servants chipping her fine china. Here are some other fun facts to know.
1. It Uses Less Water Than Hand Washing
Some people find this hard to believe, but your dishwasher uses less water than you do when you wash your dishes by hand. A dishwasher that’s full uses about 10 gallons of water, while you’d use twice as much water to clean the same amount of dishware. Because of this, your dishwasher uses less hot water. This helps you save on your energy bills.
2. You Don’t Have to Wash Your Dishes First
Some people still rinse off their dishes before they put them in their dishwasher, probably because they think the dishwasher won’t need to work as hard. Believe it or not, soapy water works best when dishes are dirty. The suds grab onto the dirt and take it away. If your dishwasher senses that the dishes are already half-way clean, it won’t work as hard. The result is dishes that aren’t as clean as they could be when the cleaning cycle is over.
3. Dishwashers Are Sort of Connected to the Garbage Disposal Unit
Dishwashers used to come with their own garbage disposal units, so you could actually add dishes without scraping off large food scraps first. However, manufacturers stopped this practice because it cost them too much money. Now, dishwashers have a filter that needs to be taken out now and then and washed in the sink. One tip is to turn on the garbage disposal just before the dishwasher. Since they share the same drain, the disposal flushes away any debris that can block the dishwasher.
4. Dishwashers Make Your Dishes Last Longer
You may think that the sprays of hot water inside of your dishwasher are hard on your dishes, but they’re not. Washing them by hand is considerably more brutal. Remember how Josephine Cochran was tired of her servants damaging her china? Think of how many glasses and plates have slipped out of your soapy hands and broken at the bottom of the sink.
5. Dishwashers Need Professional Maintenance Now and Then
Aside from your daily care, your dishwasher also benefits from being checked by a professional. These professionals can look for clogs and inspect the appliance’s components, including the spray arms, filters, float switch, and door gasket.
Get in Touch With Us to Learn More About Your Dishwasher
A dishwasher is a necessity in so many kitchens that some people don’t know how they’d manage without one. If you need service for dishwashers or other appliances, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professionals at Brian’s Appliance Repair in Fork River, NJ.
