Built-in dishwashers are designed to automate the process of cleaning dishes, utensils, and other kitchenware. They work using a combination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components. Here's a general overview of how built-in dishwashers work:
Loading: Before starting the dishwasher, you need to load the dirty dishes into the racks provided inside. Make sure to remove any food debris or large particles beforehand to prevent clogging.
Detergent Dispenser: Built-in dishwashers typically have a detergent dispenser compartment located on the door or inside the dishwasher. You place dishwasher detergent in this compartment.
Water Inlet: The dishwasher is connected to your home's water supply. When you start the dishwasher, a water inlet valve opens, allowing hot water to flow into the machine. The water is usually heated to a high temperature, typically between 120-160°F (49-71°C), to aid in the cleaning process.
Pre-Wash: Many dishwashers have a pre-wash cycle that rinses off loose food particles before the main wash. During this stage, water is sprayed onto the dishes from multiple jets to remove initial debris.
Main Wash: After the pre-wash, the dishwasher enters the main wash cycle. A pump circulates the hot water from the bottom of the dishwasher to the spray arms located at the top and bottom. These spray arms rotate and release water under high pressure, spraying it onto the dishes. The combination of hot water, detergent, and mechanical action helps to remove grease, food stains, and other residues.
Drainage: Once the dishes are washed, the dirty water needs to be drained. The dishwasher has a drain pump that removes the wastewater through a drain hose connected to your home's plumbing system.
Rinse Cycle: After draining, the dishwasher usually goes through a rinse cycle. Clean water is sprayed onto the dishes to remove any remaining detergent or food particles.
Drying: Depending on the dishwasher model, there are different methods of drying. Some dishwashers use a heating element at the bottom to dry the dishes, while others use a fan to circulate air. Some models also have an extra drying cycle that increases the temperature to aid in the drying process.
Completion: Once the drying cycle is complete, the dishwasher typically signals that the cleaning process is finished. At this point, you can open the dishwasher and unload the clean dishes.
It's important to note that different dishwasher models may have additional features, such as adjustable racks, sensor-based cleaning, eco-friendly cycles, or specialized settings for delicate items. However, the fundamental operation remains similar across most built-in dishwashers.