How to protect countertops from dishwasher steam?

The most humid room in the house is the bathroom. The kitchen ranks a respectable second. Excess moisture buildup here is not only caused by the stove and electric kettle, but also by the dishwasher. And if you install a range hood over the stove, what should you do with the dishwasher?

Experts recommend protecting countertops from dishwasher steam. We'll explain how to prevent excess moisture from getting on your furniture and discuss other dishwasher installation considerations.

How to cover a table top?

Surely everyone has noticed that when you open the dishwasher door, clouds of steam are released. Drops of water settle on the countertop edge, doing no good to your furniture. How can you create a vapor barrier to prevent wood or chipboard from swelling?

Of course, the countertop will not swell immediately. If you wipe dry furniture located in close proximity to the dishwasher, the set will not deteriorate even after 5-7 years. However, many users forget to wipe away water drops from furniture, thereby accelerating its wear and tear.

You can protect the countertop by applying a special moisture-resistant film, which comes with the dishwasher.

Equipment manufacturers have found a solution. Dishwashers now come with special foil or vapor barrier film designed for covering the countertop above the dishwasher. By covering a portion of the cabinet, you can rest assured it will be protected.

Sometimes, instead of a vapor barrier film, a plastic countertop edge protector is included. This option is just as effective. It's important not to neglect protective measures and, when connecting the dishwasher, to take care of the cabinetry immediately.

Protecting your countertop is very simple. The steps for applying the film are as follows:

• measure the niche and cut a piece of vapor barrier to the appropriate size;
• stick the sticky layer on the inside of the cabinet;
• Smooth out the film with your free hand so that there are no bubbles left.

This will help protect your furniture from damaging moisture. Therefore, after purchasing your dishwasher, be sure to check if the film is included. If not, purchase a vapor barrier separately, but don't neglect to cover the cabinets.

Where should you not install a dishwasher?

Taking care of your kitchen cabinets is a good thing, but if your dishwasher is installed in the wrong place to begin with, a bulging countertop can be the least of your worries. The correct placement of the dishwasher determines not only its service life, but also the safety of family members.

Read the instructions for your dishwasher – the manufacturer provides basic installation instructions.

Generally speaking, a dishwasher should be:

• away from the stove or hob;
• at least 30 cm away from the oven walls;
• Not near a washing machine. The machine vibrates heavily during the spin cycle, which is unsafe for any surrounding appliances;
• away from the microwave oven (it also tends to heat up);
• Between kitchen units. Built-in dishwashers are not recommended for installation in the outer drawer of a cabinet. A suitable placement is between the cabinet and the wall.
• close to the water supply and sewerage systems. This will simplify the installation of equipment;
• in close proximity to a power outlet.

Heat sources and strong vibrations can affect the dishwasher's electronics. Therefore, avoid placing the dishwasher near a stove, oven, or washing machine. It's also important to ensure that the cords and hoses are properly positioned, without any pinching or kinking. All these recommendations are provided in the user manual, so be sure to read it carefully.

Where can I get a socket for my dishwasher?

When planning a dishwasher installation, it's crucial to provide a high-quality electrical outlet. If it's not possible to create a dedicated outlet for the appliance, be sure to check the reliability of the socket where you plan to plug it in. It may need replacing.

It's advisable to install a separate power point for the dishwasher. The power line is run from the electrical panel and has its own circuit breaker. Experts recommend purchasing a socket with the highest level of moisture protection.

When organizing a socket, you need to take into account the following recommendations:

• place the socket at a distance of at least 10 cm from the floor level, maximum – 50 cm;
• It's best to hide the outlet behind the kitchen units. The dishwasher is always plugged in, so you won't have to constantly pull the cord;
• Consider the length of the dishwasher's power cord - it should easily reach the socket without being pulled too far.

Do not connect dishwashers and other kitchen appliances through extension cords or adapters – this is unsafe.

If you're unsure how to install a dishwasher outlet, it's best to call an electrician. It's important to follow the Electrical Installation Code (PUE) and GOST standards during installation. Failure to follow these standards and connection regulations can lead to equipment failure, fire, and other problems.

   

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