is it OK to always use the rapid cycle on a dishwasher ?

WLM21

We have recently got a dishwasher for the first time and initially used the ECO program, which turned out to be taking about 4 hours. This program used the least water and the least energy .. so we assumed all was good.

After looking online for the exact dishwasher, a YT'er stated that he only ever uses the RAPID cycle, which is actually using only about 1 litre extra of water and about the same energy, so all seems good. No dier mode, but who cares ?

I know with our washing machine, it is recommended to do a hot wash every 2-3 months to clean pipes etc, which we do .. Now, is there anything we should be doing similarly with the dishwasher.

thanks 

TadleyBaggie

We use the Quick setting 90% of the time, often do a Normal cycle on a Sunday after the Sunday roast. Not had an issue.

[Deleted User]

I use a program that takes around 1:40 however use a program that gets heat into the machine at least once per week.

debitcardmayhem

Why ? are you trying to save money, the environment or both. Dishwashers generally only take in a cold feed, cf Washing Machine often have hot and cold, which of course is ok unless the hot feed is about xx litres of cold/room temp water in them until it gets to the m/c. Both m/cs use electric, and water but conversely both use tablets/powders etc. ECO modes mean diddly squat in the overall scheme of things. Yes I realise I am not helping the thread per se, just tongue cheek generating discussion. Machiines for washing anything only save you time they all use energy that may or may not be "renewable".   

[Deleted User]

Personally I'm never happy with rapid or eco washes because of the hygiene aspect.

You need 65C minimum to be killing most bacteria**. Some bacteria will thrive at 45C so the typical eco wash at 50C doesn't feel adequate and some rapid washes only hit 35C depending on the model. Also the lack of drying on a rapid wash is equally an issue, leaving damp dishes in a warm humid environment is a breeding ground for bacteria.

Might not seem to be eco friendly but I always use the intensive 70C wash cycle on my dishwasher. It never clogs the filter or smells, my current Bosch is 10 years old and washes perfectly. 

Although not scientific research, all my friends report failed dishwashers much sooner than that, when I ask how they use it they all say eco/rapid and never use salt or rinse aid.


** https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/Boiling_water_01_15.pdf

getmore4less

We find the low temp dishwasher cycles don't manage tea stains.

flaneurs_lobster

When using the dishwasher to prepare jars for jam you are told to use a cycle that heats to at least 65C to ensure sterilisation of the glassware. Seems a good reason to use that cycle on all your other dirty stuff.  

Eight year old Bosch here used almost never on anything other than full blast. No problems so far.

IvanOpinion

My dishwasher has no ECO setting - I have to take her out to dinner at least once a week.

EssexExile

The Eco setting is only there to get the machine a A+++++++ rating, very few people actually use it. I use the 2hr wash because that works, neither the Eco program nor the quick program get really dirty things clean. You won't harm the dishwasher just using the quick wash.

Jenni_D

IvanOpinion said:

My dishwasher has no ECO setting - I have to take her out to dinner at least once a week.

Badoom, Tish  

mgfvvc

EssexExile said:

The Eco setting is only there to get the machine a A+++++++ rating, very few people actually use it. I use the 2hr wash because that works, neither the Eco program nor the quick program get really dirty things clean. You won't harm the dishwasher just using the quick wash.

The eco program on my Beko gets most things clean. I use the intensive for burnt on dirt, but even the intensive doesn't get the tea stains off the cups.