What do you need for your dishwasher when you first start it up?

The first cycle is crucial for any dishwasher, as it's an opportunity not only to test your brand-new "home assistant" but also to prepare the appliance for a long period of use. If you don't follow the instructions, the appliance may fail later or simply disappoint with its dishwashing performance. To prevent this from happening, we've prepared a detailed article on what you need to do before starting your dishwasher for the first time.

Starter kit and its composition

For the first cycle, experts recommend purchasing a special starter kit to help gently prepare the machine for use. The contents of these kits vary from company to company, both in terms of contents and the quality of the cleaning chemicals, so we've compiled a short list of the best kits to help you choose the best product for your dishwasher.

1. Bioretto Starter Kit. It's not only one of the most popular kits on Yandex.Market, but also one of the highest-rated—it received a whopping 4.9 out of 5 stars based on seven reviews. This kit includes 1 kilogram of high-quality granulated salt specifically for dishwashers, 32 eco-friendly tablets, and 0.5 liters of rinse aid. This means that one set, at a great price, includes all the necessary household chemicals, which will last for more than a month even with daily dishwasher use. The set is currently priced at $12.90.
2. Topperr Starter Set. Another equally popular product, its rating is only slightly lower than the previous one, with an average of 4.8 stars based on 12 reviews. It contains the same amount of rinse aid – 0.5 liters – and even more salt – a whopping 1.5 kilograms, but exactly half as many tablets – 16. However, these tablets feature a special 10-in-1 formula, which is extremely effective in cleaning even the dirtiest dishes. The price for such a great set is also pleasing – just $10.99.
3. Synergetic Large Dishwasher Set. This enormous set rounds out the top three thanks to its impressive size – it holds 55 eco-friendly, biodegradable all-in-one tablets, as well as 1.5 kilograms of highly purified natural coarse-grained salt. Thanks to its natural ingredients, this brand's products are perfect for washing even baby dishes. The only drawback is the lack of rinse aid. Yandex users rated the set 4.6 stars. It can be purchased for $10.49.
4. Elibest Starter Kit. Another attractive option, recently launched on Yandex.Market and therefore hasn't yet received a review. This large package of household cleaning products includes 0.5 kilograms of washing powder, 0.5 liters of rinse aid, and 0.5 kilograms of salt. The manufacturer estimates that this amount of detergent is enough for 32 washing cycles, making the price of $8.45 a fair value for this kit.
5. BREZO Starter Kit. Another new addition to the service, it's the most expensive in today's selection, but comes in the most comprehensive and cost-effective package. The kit includes 1.5 kilograms of special salt, 0.5 liters of rinse aid, 20 all-in-one tablets, and a special first-use dishwasher cleaner that will clean any factory-installed dirt, remove odors, and disinfect all components. The kit retails for $13.11.

Any home appliance store offers dozens of different dishwasher kits, so the list could certainly be expanded. However, of the current offerings, these options are the most attractive dishwasher starter kits. While positions 4 and 5 can be used for testing, the products in the first 3 places have already been tested by users and are recommended for use.

Commissioning of the PMM

Before starting the machine, carefully inspect it to ensure there is no damage to the body and that the wash chamber is free of manufacturer stickers, foam, or other debris. If everything is in order, you can connect the machine to all utilities, open the water valve, and follow the instructions.

• Make sure the dishwasher is level and not pinching any hoses or wires.
• Each hose must be securely connected and each joint must be sealed.
• Try rotating the sprayer inside the wash chamber – it should rotate freely.
• Unscrew the drain filter, rinse it with a strong stream of hot water from the tap, and then install it back into the dishwasher.
• If you're preparing to use the machine for the first time, first pour about a liter of water into the salt reservoir, then add about a kilogram of granulated salt. Any salt or solution spills should be wiped up with a cloth or using any wash program.

For use in a dishwasher, you should purchase salt and detergents specifically for dishwashers, as regular table salt and standard detergents can damage the dishwasher.

• Then, set the water hardness mode on the control panel to adjust the salt consumption. This setting should be adjusted according to the hardness of your tap water. You can obtain information about your water quality either using test strips or on the official website of your local water utility.
• Add a little rinse aid, which is necessary in the device to give the dishes a shine after washing.
• Set the highest water temperature and the longest wash cycle. These cycles typically correspond to an intensive wash program.

Never load dirty dishes into the machine, as the test wash should be done without any dishes.

• Close the dishwasher door to start the dishwasher.

During a dry cycle, check the machine periodically to ensure it's functioning properly, there are no leaks, and that water drains properly. After the cycle is complete, be sure to leave the dishwasher door open for a few hours to allow the wash chamber to dry and prevent mold and odor from forming.

   

Readers' comments