How to use a Hotpoint Ariston dishwasher

Many homeowners try using their Hotpoint Ariston dishwasher without first reading the instructions. This is not recommended. Incorrect operation can have serious consequences for both the appliance and the dishes inside. Therefore, before using it for the first time, be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations and only then initiate the cycle.

First start and normal wash

It's best to entrust the dishwasher's connection to a professional. The technician will install the appliance, connect it to the water and sewer lines, and adjust its height. After that, the user is faced with the task of turning on the dishwasher for the first time, but how do you do this?

The first cycle of the dishwasher should be carried out empty, without dishes in the working chamber.

The new machine needs to be washed from the inside. To use the dishwasher for the first time, you will need salt and detergent (tablet or powder). Some dishwashers come with a starter kit. If not, purchase household cleaning supplies at the store.

Your dishwasher has a salt compartment. It needs to be filled first. To do this:

• open the dishwasher door and remove the lower basket from the working chamber;
• At the bottom of the dishwasher, find the lid that covers the salt compartment;
• unscrew the cap and pour water into the container (this is done only once, before the first start);
• Using a funnel, pour salt into the compartment with water;
• wipe away any water that will spill out of the compartment under pressure onto the bottom of the chamber;
• close the lid of the salt reservoir;
• Set up your PMM softener (based on the hardness level of your tap water in your area).

A description of how to set up the ion exchanger is included in the dishwasher's instructions. You can measure the hardness of your tap water using special test strips. It's important to set the optimal salt flow rate, as this will determine granule consumption and dishwashing performance.

As you continue using the dishwasher, add salt to the container as needed. Many modern dishwashers are equipped with a special indicator that lights up when the salt granules are low. Without this indicator, you'll have to monitor the salt crystals yourself.

The next step is loading the detergent into the machine. All dishwashers have a dispenser for detergent and tablets located on the top of the door, on the inside. Once the dispenser is filled, close the lid.

Once you've added salt and detergent, you're ready to start the dishwasher. Make sure the water supply to the dishwasher is open and the appliance is plugged in. Locate the "On" button on the control panel and turn on the dishwasher.

In stationary dishwashers, the control panel is located on the front, while in built-in dishwashers it is located on the end of the door, in the upper part.

You can select any mode, but it's best to run a long, high-temperature cycle, such as "Intensive." The exact designations for different programs depend on the dishwasher model.

During the test cycle, observe the machine's operation. Check if the water is heating up and if there are any leaks. If you detect a serious problem, turn the dishwasher off immediately.

How to arrange items in baskets?

A very important detail is how to arrange the dishes in the baskets. If you do it incorrectly, the cutlery won't wash. The user manual contains illustrated recommendations on this matter.

The placement of standard dishes, such as plates and mugs, is straightforward. Users encounter the most difficulties when arranging larger items, such as baking sheets, pots, pans, and so on. Therefore, it's important to understand how to arrange items correctly.

Basic recommendations for loading dishes into the washing machine:

• Place large items in the bottom basket first, then in the top basket;
• Place the plates in the holders so that there is a gap between them, otherwise they will not be washed, especially deep bowls;
• the dishes are placed with the inner side towards the center of the basket, large plates are placed at the edges, small ones closer to the middle;
• pans and baking trays should be placed on their sides so as not to disrupt the circulation of water in the washing chamber;
• pots should be placed upside down;
• It is advisable to wash pots, saucepans and frying pans separately from plates, mugs and glasses;
• do not overload the machine, otherwise the dishes will not be washed;
• mugs, glasses, and goblets are placed upside down on the last level;
• A special pull-out tray is provided for spoons, forks, and knives. It is located on top of the washing chamber;
• ladles and spatulas are placed horizontally in the upper basket;
• Dishes should be placed so that they do not interfere with the free rotation of the spray arms in the washing chamber.

Particular attention should be paid to the preparation of cutlery. Before loading the dishes into the dishwasher, they must be cleaned of any food residue. It is not necessary to rinse the plates; it is enough to brush off pieces of food, napkins, and bones from them.

It's important to remember that not all cutlery is dishwasher-safe. Some items are simply not dishwasher-safe, such as wooden or cast-iron items or delicate crystal.

What will we use to wash the items?

Choosing a detergent is a difficult task for most users. The range of household cleaning products for dishwashers is overwhelming. Choosing a specific brand requires reading numerous reviews and reaching your own conclusion through trial and error.

Many housewives prefer dishwasher tablets. These capsules typically contain salt and rinse aid in addition to detergent particles. This means they perform three functions at once.

However, if the water in your region is hard, the salt crystals contained in 3-in-1 tablets won't be enough to soften the water. You'll need to purchase additional dishwasher salt. This isn't the most cost-effective option.

Dishwasher powder is cheaper than tablets. Its downside is its inconvenience. The granules are difficult to pour into the dishwasher container; you need to use a measuring spoon.

Experts still recommend using all products separately: powder, salt, and rinse aid, rather than 3-in-1 tablets. There are several reasons for this:

• This will be cheaper because dishwasher capsules are expensive;
• You'll be able to dose the detergent yourself, based on how full your dishwasher is and how dirty your dishes are. Tablets can't be divided, which is inconvenient;
• Dishwashing powder or gel dissolves faster than tablets, so they are better suited for short cycles;
• The ion exchanger won't suffer from a salt deficiency. The capsules contain only a small amount of salt crystals, which won't soften hard water. Therefore, the granules must be added separately in any case.

Each user decides for themselves which manufacturer to choose. The key is to not rely solely on advertising, but to examine the ingredients. It is better to buy environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, biodegradable detergents. Fortunately, there are plenty of these on the market today.

What programs are available on Hotpoint Ariston dishwashers?

While the first cycle can be performed on any setting, the subsequent program should be selected based on the dishes loaded in the chamber. This will determine the effectiveness of the cutlery wash. When choosing the algorithm, consider the following:

• degree of contamination of dishes;
• the material from which the cutlery is made.

The following modes are available on Hotpoint Ariston dishwashers:

• “Standard” – for cleaning any dishes with medium dirt, water is heated to a temperature of 50-60 degrees;
• "Economy" – water is also heated to 50°C, but this mode uses less water and kilowatts. Suitable for lightly soiled dishes of any type;
• "Intensive." This program is designed for cleaning very dirty items, such as pots, pans, and baking sheets. Water is heated to 70 degrees Celsius, allowing you to remove burnt-on food, carbon deposits, and grease.
• "Delicate." An algorithm designed specifically for caring for fragile tableware made of crystal, thin glass, and plastic.
• "Automatic." This mode is featured in modern Hotpoint Ariston dishwashers. The machine automatically determines the cycle parameters based on the degree of soiling of the dishes and the load in the wash chamber.

Hotpoint Ariston washing machine wash times can vary from 45 minutes to three hours. Cycle length is also affected by the additional features available:

• "Half Load." This option allows you to reduce water consumption when loading less dishes than the machine's capacity allows.
• "Hygiene." This function disinfects cutting boards, baby bottles, jars, and other items.

Avoid washing pans and baking sheets on the delicate cycle. The intensive cycle is also not suitable for delicate items. It's important to choose the right cycle based on the type of cookware and how dirty it is.

When will PMM complete the program?

Once the machine has completed its cycle, remove the dishes and put them back in their proper places. Simply leaving the dishwasher slightly open isn't enough—it needs to be cleaned after each use.

At the end of the cycle, rinse the mesh filters located at the bottom of the dishwasher.

After emptying the baskets, remove the mesh filter from the bottom of the washing chamber. Food debris accumulates on it. Rinse it under the tap and replace it.

Then wipe the walls of the dishwasher dry. If you find any food particles under the door or rubber seal, remove them. Afterwards, leave the dishwasher slightly open for ventilation.

With these simple steps, you can always keep your dishwasher in good condition. We recommend descaling and degreasing it every six months using specialized products. This will allow you to clean all the hoses and pipes inside the dishwasher.

   

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