Start Running Hot Water Before Starting Your Dishwasher And Thank Us Later

When trying to keep our homes clean, most of us just load up our appliances, turn them on, and forget about them until the cycle has finished. But even with advancements in modern technology — which have made our appliances more efficient than ever — there are still some things you can do to have them running at optimal performance. Running your hot water before you start your dishwasher will help your load of dishes to finish washing a lot faster, especially in the winter. 

Most dishwasher cycles require temperatures of 135 degrees Fahrenheit or more to properly clean and sanitize your dishes. Dishwashers connect to the water supply and heat the water to the temperature that your cycle requires. A dishwasher typically takes at least two minutes per degree to warm the water up. Water in your pipes that comes from below-ground piping is typically around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, this can drop down to 45 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. So, your dishwashing cycle could take between 140 and 160 extra minutes if you don't pre-heat the water.

Try running the hot water in your kitchen sink for two or three minutes before you turn your dishwasher on. This will clear all the cold water out of your pipes so the hot water can flow to your machine. This should reduce the time it takes for the machine to heat up your water and thus reduce the time it takes for your dishwasher to run. This should be especially helpful in the winter when the water is colder. 

Making sure the hottest water runs through your machine will also help your dishes get as clean as possible. You can use that water to clean any dishes that might be in the sink if you're concerned about wasting water. Older or simple dishwashers can benefit from this the most. It might not be necessary with more modern machines or high-end brands like a Miele since they are made to heat up fast, but it can't hurt the machine to do this either — your dishwasher's manual might even recommend it.