It’s a familiar disappointment.

Dinner is long-finished, and the dishwasher cycle has just ended. As you open the dishwasher door and peer through hot steam, you see the same crumbs from your plates hours earlier.

The glorious invention that is your dishwasher was meant to replace hours of hand-washing plates and glasses, but if you’re breaking out the scrub brush and dish soap after unloading the dishwasher, it’s time to make a change.

Modern Energy Star dishwashing machines only use three to five gallons of water to wash your entire load. If you were to wash those dishes by hand, you would be using up to 27 gallons if water is allowed to run!

Your dishwasher was meant to be efficient. Check out these tips and tricks to make your dishwasher run better.

1. Load It the Right Way

When the dishes are loaded, hitting the “normal cycle” button shouldn’t always be your go-to option. Sure, it’s a safe setting, but if last night’s dirty dishes were lingering in the dishwasher until morning, you might want to consider a heavier wash cycle.

The “pots and pans” button is also there for a reason, so don’t be afraid to use it. The quick cycle may seem like an appealing way to save some time, but if the dishes are very dirty, be prepared to wash them again by hand.

2. Give It a Good Cleaning

Yes, the machine that cleans your dishes can get dirty, too. All the food that gets washed off your dishes can build up on its way out, so be sure to check the drain for any leftovers. The door seal and spray arms are sanctuaries for soap scum and debris. We won’t go too in-depth, but you can imagine how filthy the inside of your dishwasher can get. Thankfully, there’s an equal number of ways to control the grime.

3. Check Your Detergent Level

Using more soap won’t make your dishes cleaner. In fact, it might even make them dirtier. Excess soap results in soap scum that builds up inside your dishwasher and can cause spots on your dishes. A little goes a long way, especially when you want to avoid pouring money down the drain — it adds up. Don’t cut back too much, but keep an eye on the correct amount to use in your dishwasher.

4. Test Your Water 

Your water might be the culprit of unclean dishes. Are you noticing white spots or specs on your glasses? It’s probably your hard water — which is more mineral-rich and makes it harder for soap to produce suds. Homeowners with water softeners notice cleaner dishes without the cloud-like residue leftover, so installing a water softener is something to consider if you’re ready to make a change. There are a number of ways to subdue the effects of hard water on your dishwasher. You shouldn’t have to wash them twice.

Trust Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Dallas, as we’ll help you fix your dishwasher issues. Our punctual plumbers are always on time and are trained experts in drain cleaning, water filtration systems and more. Give us a call today for a dishwasher check-up.