How to Use Dishwasher Pods and Other Dishwasher FAQs

Dishwashers are designed to make lives easier for us. Just place the dirty dishes in the washer and let the machine do the rest – from washing stains to rinsing and drying of the dishes – it takes care of everything. It’s only natural then that the soap used for facilitating the dishwashing cycle should be equally convenient and non-messy.

Dishwasher pods help qualify these criteria perfectly. They’re incredibly comfortable to use and save you from the whole hassle of adding perfectly-measured detergent powders, liquids, or gels, which can get quite messy too while adding.

Here we discuss in detail the simple process of using dishwasher pods and attempt to answer some other commonly asked questions regarding a dishwasher.

How to Use Dishwasher Pods?

It’s relatively simple still we clarify the process here for better understanding, especially for first-time users.

Step 1: Put only dishwasher-safe dishes inside the dishwasher – Before you put the pod in, you need to make sure that the dishwasher is loaded with only those kind of dishes that are safe to be used inside. This is why any dish made of cast iron, crystal, plastic, or copper should be avoided. Similarly, non-stick ware and insulated mugs shouldn’t be placed inside since they can be damaged due to heat and detergent both. For those wondering where to put dishwasher pods, these go in the right in the detergent drawer.       

Step 2: Add a dishwasher pod to a regular load size – Each dishwasher pod is packed separately and carefully measured to suit a general dishwasher load size. This means that for a regular load, you can do with putting one single pod into the machine. Again, for a full load or one that’s more stained than usual, it’s a good idea to add a second pod for better cleaning and effective results. Also, always keep the load size optimum – neither too heavy nor too light.

While placing the pod, carefully keep one in the space provided as dishwasher detergent dispenser. Besides, the pod generally comes in a case packaging. Try not to pierce it open as it can unnecessarily create a lot of mess and even cause skin irritation, not to forget that the pod itself would get wasted.

It’d be a great idea always to choose an environment-friendly pod for your dishwasher, especially if you use them quite frequently. This would help reduce the burden on the environment, while also ensuring that the pod is safe to use both for the long-term health of your dishes as well as that of your hands. Before choosing a biodegradable pod, you might want to read the list of ingredients on the packaging to be sure.

Step 3: For best results with your dishes, pour some finishing liquid to the load with the pod cake. This would ease out the task for the pod by helping it to clean off all food spills and grease coated on the dishes, leaving them spotlessly clean and shiny too.

Step 4: Turn on the dishwasher – To allow the pod to perform its function effectively, set the ideal temperature on your dishwasher’s temperature control settings between 125°F and 140°F. This is perhaps the best heat setting for the dishwasher pods. After each use, always store the remaining pods in a dry place away from water. This means no placing them anywhere near the kitchen sink (however tempting it might be for convenience sake). 

If you want to keep things comfortable, place them in a dry and fresh cabinet somewhere close to the dishwasher so that they can always be handy and in easy view whenever you need them. Besides, always remember to buy dishwasher pods that are of high quality – strong, labelled with concentrated cleaning power, and free of toxins such as synthetic dyes and chemicals.

Other Common Dishwasher FAQs

1. What can I Substitute for Dishwasher Detergent?

Imagine you are in a hurry and you need to get your filthy plates and dishes cleaned before the guests arrive. But unfortunately, you are out of detergent! Now, what would you do in such a state? We pray you do not fall in such a mess. But if you do, don’t you worry. We have this solution for you.

Here’s what you could do in such a circumstance. The only basic ingredients you would need is baking soda, dish soap, salt, and water.

The DIY Substitute for Dishwasher Detergent

• Put the dirty plates and dishes in your dishwasher just like you always do.
• Now take a detergent cup and fill the cup with a two-thirds portion of baking soda, a few drops of regular dish soap, and a pinch of salt.
• Use this recipe just as a substitute for the dishwasher detergent.
• Run the appliance normally.
• This substitute works like a charm and rewards you with clean and shiny dishes!
• As a bonus, you’ll also save some bucks as this recipe would cost you much lesser than a packet of dishwasher detergent powder.

Related: Dishwasher Size Chart- Which one should you select?

2. What is the symbol for Dishwasher Safe?

Did you know that not every dish and utensil is dishwasher safe? No matter how much you hate to acknowledge this, you cannot merely just throw any filthy dish in the dishwasher. Some dishes are simply meant to be manually washed with hands.

There is no typical official symbol for symbolizing care and caution in all dishware. However, modern plates and utensils come with a phrase or symbol with an indication of being dishwasher safe. If you have recently bought a new dishwasher machine, you can find the entire guide in the booklet or user manual.

Some plates are symbolized with “dishwasher safe”, “heatproof” or “ovenproof”. You may also find indicative labels or images of plates or glasses put in the dishwasher. These labels and images may vary from company to company.

Some labels come with an upside-down chalice with a few water droplets. On the contrary, one of the handwashing dishware symbols shows a bucket filled with water or a hand in a bucket filled with water.

As said earlier, there are numerous varying symbols used across the states. These symbols are however often marked on the underneath of the dishware or on the container of the dishware.

If you do not find any symbol regarding your crockery being dishwasher safe while purchasing, consider asking the retailer for more info. If you still do not find any valid answer to your query, search for the company’s website and you would hopefully get to know the answer.

3. How to use the Dishwasher gel?

Before knowing how to use dishwasher gel, I would like to give a brief knowledge about it.

Dishwasher gel is a special type of detergent used for dishwashers. It is either liquid or powdered. It is unlike the regular dishwashing detergent that we usually use. Dishwasher gel does not create too much soapsuds unlike regular dishwashing detergents. This property makes it a preferred option over dishwasher detergent.

If you put dishwasher soap instead of gel in the appliance, then there are chances of water getting overflowed from it as there would be too much formation of soapsuds. And it might also leave white residue on the dishes.

How to use dishwasher gel?

Step 1: Take the required amount of detergent gel. If you do not have any idea of how much to use, follow the instructions on the packet.

Step 2: Open the dishwasher door and put the dish detergent into the dispenser. Don’t forget to wipe dry the detergent cup as it could have some wet residue in it.

Step 3: Firmly shut the lid of the dispenser and throw the dirty dishes into the appliance.

Step 4: Press “Start” to begin the wash cycle.

And that’s all!

4. What causes white residue on dishes from Dishwasher? and How to fix it?

Isn’t it infuriating to find white deposits on your dishes after you’re take them out of the dishwasher? We present you a number of reasons that could cause this problem, and also the ways to fix it.

Hard water contaminated with mineral deposits could cause this problem. If the white residue is due to hard water, then try to fix this issue by using vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda or other natural or chemical cleansers that clean hard water. We advise you to add a cup of plain vinegar in the dishwasher and run a cleaning cycle once in a month and of course with no dishes inside.

Putting too much of detergent could also cause this white residue problem. This is because using too much detergent would create lots of soapsuds and also the appliance may find it tough to wash it away. That’s why we recommend you to fill only half of the detergent compartment. Also, use a typical dishwasher gel which creates much lesser bubbles.

Another cause could be due to not getting enough hot water. If the water is not sufficiently hot, then the detergent would not dissolve completely and therefore would leave white residue on dishes.To avoid this problem, make sure your appliance comes with a hot water option or check if your home’s geyser runs properly.

5. How to clean Spots off of the Stainless steel Dishwasher front?

Water stains and other spots tend to get shiny stainless steel dishwashers looking dull and washed while they’re in fact fully functional. It hence becomes a necessity for meticulous homeowners to know how can they effectively get these stains out from the metallic body of their dishwasher without actually ending yo scratching the surface. Here’s an easy DIY for you to consider next time you see water stains on the front of your dishwasher.

1. Make a workable paste with vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and olive oil in a bowl.
2. Take a soft cloth, dip it in the paste and gently apply the mixture all over the stained parts of your dishwasher’s door.
3. Leave the mixture for roughly 10 minutes while it dries.
4. Take another soft damp cloth and wipe away the paste.

The above procedure costs almost nothing, is a good DIY task and most importantly, works.

6. How to Test a Dishwater Pump Motor?

Before you start, remember to unplug the dishwasher from the main power supply to avoid any electrical shock. Now remove the lower front panel and turn the motor fan blades manually. In case you feel they don’t freely move around, disconnect the motor wires from their respective terminals. Set a multimeter to RX1 setting and attach a probe to each motor wire terminal. Following this, the motor should be showing some resistance. 

Next, check the ground connection. Place one probe over the bare metal housing of the motor while the other probe should be placed on each terminal in turn. It shouldn’t indicate any reading at all. In case the dishwasher pump motor fails in either of the two tests, you may need to seek professional assistance. 

7. Are dishwashers ideal for spice stains common in Indian cooking?

Absolutely! A dishwasher is perfectly able to clean all types of greasy stains, food residue, and spices. Besides, to be doubly sure, you can adjust your dishwasher’s temperature settings – increasing it from 45°C to 70°C in accordance with how dirty the dishes are.

8. Can a dishwasher scrub the dishes as I do with my hands?

The dishwasher has powerful spray arms that help remove all stubborn stains on the dishes – that of spices, oil and grease – with high water pressure to provide you with clean and spotless dishes just like you clean them with your hands. The dishwasher also uses the detergent such as rinse aid effectively,

9. I don’t like dishwashing detergent? Can I substitute it with something else?

The ideal substitute would be dishwasher pods – they’re less messy, quickly dissolve in water, and environment-friendly too. Besides, some other quick and affordable alternatives include baking soda, dish soap, salt and water.

Conclusion

Washing dishes in a dishwasher can be quite a tempting thought; after all, it’s as easy as washing clothes in an automatic washing machine! Perhaps even better because here you don’t even need to put out dishes for drying – they come out hot and dry, ready for use after the cycle time is up. Use dishwasher pods and maintain the appliance well for it to last longer and keep delivering effective results.

Hope this article has been helpful. Let us know if you have any other queries regarding your dishwasher in the comment section.