DISHWASHER SETTINGS AND CYCLES EXPLAINED
Dishwashers come with different cycles to help you get the clean you need. Choosing a dishwasher cycle will depend on what you’re washing and how dirty the load is. Some common cycles include Normal, Heavy, Delicate and High Temp. The menu of available cycles will differ depending on your dishwasher, so be sure to check your owner’s manual to learn more about the specific cycles your dishwasher uses to power through post-meal cleanup.
DISHWASHER WASH CYCLES
Read more about each dishwasher cycle below to help you determine the best selection for your load.
1. SENSOR
With the sensor cycle, your dishwasher senses how dirty your dishes are to automatically optimize the cycle. Cycle time, water usage and water temperature will vary as the sensor adjusts the cycle for the best wash performance.
CYCLE TIME: 2 - 3.25 hours
2. HEAVY
The heavy cycle uses higher temperatures and extra water to tackle your toughest messes. This cycle is great for pots and pans or other tough-to-clean dishes.
CYCLE TIME: 2.75 - 4 hours
3. NORMAL
The normal cycle is recommended for daily, regular or typical use to completely wash and dry a full load of normally soiled dishes.
CYCLE TIME: 1.5 - 2 hours
4. 1-HOUR WASH
The 1-hour wash, sometimes called Quick Wash, is great for quickly washing a load of lightly soiled essentials you may need in a hurry. It typically uses higher temperature and more water than the normal cycle to get the job done.
CYCLE TIME: 1 hour
5. PREWASH
Prewash, sometimes also called Soak and Clean, is used for soaking dishes that have dried on food messes. This cycle can help save time because you won’t have to worry about soaking the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
CYCLE TIME: 6 - 8 minutes
6. High temp
The high temperature option on your dishwasher will use hot water to help remove baked on food messes from your dishes. With this cycle the temperature is raised to a minimum of 130°F.
CYCLE TIME: Adds 5 - 13 minutes to wash cycle
7. SANITIZE CYCLE
The sanitize cycle sanitizes dishes and glassware by increasing the wash temperature up to 140°F and the final rinse temperature to 156°F. This cycle can sanitize dishes in accordance with the National Sanitation Foundation guidelines.
CYCLE TIME: 3 - 3.5 hours
Keep your dog and cat food bowls clean with the Pet Pro Sanitization cycle, like on this dishwasher from Maytag brand, that eliminates 99.99% of bacteria in pet bowls2.
8. DELAY
The delay option on the dishwasher will start the dishwasher’s cycle at a later time or during off-peak energy hours.
CYCLE TIME: Varies
DISHWASHER DRYING CYCLES
Your dishwasher may also have different drying cycles to choose from that use different levels of heat or lengths of time to dry your load. Read more about common dishwasher drying cycles below.
1. HEAT DRY
With this option, heat is generated from a heating element and circulated around your dishes to evaporate water and speed up the drying process. Choosing a heated dry option will add time to your cycle.
CYCLE TIME: 30 minutes
2. EXTENDED DRY
The extended dry option will either increase the final rinse temperature or lengthen the heat dry time. When used with a rinse aid, this option provides better drying performance and will help reduce the appearance of water spots on your dishes.
CYCLE TIME: 30 minutes
3. SHORT OR LONG POWER DRY
Select Maytag® dishwashers come with a short and long power dry option. With these drying options, your dishes are dried with both heat and a fan.
CYCLE TIME: Varies
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I RUN MY DISHWASHER?
You should run your dishwasher at least once a week to keep it in proper working condition.
HOW CAN I REDUCE THE TIME ON MY DISHWASHER?
If you’d like a short cycle, choose quick wash or 1-hour wash. If your dishes are very dirty, the dishwasher sensors will allow for a longer wash cycle to ensure they’re cleaned properly.
If you have hard water, limescale or mineral buildup, your sensors may default to a longer setting. Using affresh® dishwasher cleaner tablets1 once a month may help clean this build-up.
HOW DO I GET MY DISHWASHER TO CLEAN DISHES BETTER?
Follow these tips to help get the most out of your dishwasher:
Choose the cycle that describes the most difficult soil in your dish load.
Use cycles or options that add extra heat to the wash or rinse portion of the cycle when needed.
If your home is equipped with a water softener, avoid starting the dishwasher when the water softener is in the regeneration cycle because it may result in poor wash performance.
- Clean your dishwasher with affresh® Dishwasher Cleaner every 30 days.
Clean your dishwasher filter every three to six months.
HOW DO I MAKE GLASSES SPARKLE IN THE DISHWASHER?
Using the correct amount of detergent and rinse aid can help reduce water spots on glasses. Using dishwasher pods instead of detergent can help ensure that you are using the correct amount.
Water spots on glass can also be caused by hard water. Cleaning your dishwasher every 30 days can help to reduce build-up caused by hard water to help leave your dishes sparkling clean.
WHAT IS THE MOST ECONOMICAL SETTING ON A DISHWASHER?
Quick or short cycles generally use less energy than a normal cycle. If you are looking for an economical dishwasher, ENERGY STAR® certified dishwashers help save money on utility bills. Explore Maytag® ENERGY STAR® certified dishwashers.
Shop the latest deals on select Maytag major appliances Shop Now
SHOP MAYTAG® DISHWASHERS
With dishwashers from Maytag brand, you can unload confidently with features you can trust to bring the power, load after load. The high pressure jets of the PowerBlast® Cycle and the powerful fan of PowerDry Option on select models will leave your dishes sparkling clean each and every time. Maytag® dishwashers with the Pet Pro Sanitization cycle also take care of your pet’s bowls and eliminate 99.99% of bacteria.2
LEARN MORE DISHWASHER TIPS WITH MAYTAG BRAND
Was this article helpful? Pass it on
1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
2. See UL Verify for specific organisms.
