Dishwashers offer a convenient and quick way to keep on top of mundane chores. There is no need to spend precious moments scrubbing and drying dishes, when all it takes to tidy up after a meal is a few minutes to rinse dishes, pop them into the machine and press the button.
This staple of most modern kitchens not only can increase a home’s re-sale value, but it also has an interesting history. In 1803 Joel Houghton first registered a patent for a dishwasher, although really the dishwashers we know today originate from Josephine Cochrane’s 1887 invention. Josephine Cochrane was a wealthy woman, and invented the machine because her kitchen maids were constantly breaking her fine china. In the 1920s dishwashers became permanently plumbed into homes and by the 1940’s electric heating elements were added for drying as well as washing.
Originally these dishwashers were awkward and had to be beside a sink and a water heater. By the 1970s they were become a common appliance for many kitchens. Convenient under counter and a variety of designs has made them only more popular today.
Dishwashers work by spraying dishes with hot water and detergent mix. The water circulates through the machine by being pumped through rotating arms, which sprays the water onto the dishes. Using the power of water pressure, heat and soap, the dishwasher sprays the items until they are clean. After the cleaning cycle, the dishwasher pumps the dirty water out before pumping in more hot water for the rinse cycle. After this hot water is drained, the heating elements at the bottom of the machine heat the air inside to dry the dishes.
Over the last decade dishwasher have seen many designs changes, some dishwashers now offer custom panel kits, hard food disposal unit and stainless steel tubs. Some models even have features that can eliminate the need to pre scrub pots and pans. Many also now have adjustable racks, to help when washing items that are irregular sizes and shapes.
To help increase the life of your dishwasher, consider occasionally using a specifically formulated cleaning product through your machine, to help prevent lime-scale or mineral deposits from building up. Another thing that can help is regularly cleaning the filter to ensure it’s working efficiently.
Dishwashers are a staple in many households and truly a time saving device for a busy home, which is why when parts break or wear out you want them replaced as quickly and painlessly as possible!