How does a dishwasher work on the inside?
During a wash cycle, a dishwasher uses a combination of wash systems, heat and detergent to help clean your dishes, cookware and utensils. If you’ve been wondering what happens inside a dishwasher, this guide can show you how your dishwasher runs through a typical wash and dry cycle.
How a dishwasher works step-by-step
Most dishwasher cycle times can last anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on the cycle. Read on to learn how a dishwasher works during a typical wash and dry cycle. Keep in mind that knowing the parts of a dishwasher may help in understanding the process.
If you have a portable dishwasher, it works similarly to a standard dishwasher with the exception that you’ll attach a hose connector to your kitchen faucet. The connector has two hoses: one for drawing hot water into your dishwasher and the other for draining the dirty water out.
1. Water flows into the dishwasher tub
At the beginning of a dishwasher cycle, the water inlet valve on the inside of the dishwasher opens to allow water to flow into the bottom tub. It will fill until the overfill protection float detects that the desired water level has been reached and then signals the inlet valve to close. The dishwasher only fills with water at the bottom of the tub.
Learn what to do if your dishwasher is not filling with water.
2. Water temperature heats up
Depending on the model, your dishwasher will heat the water with the heating element at the base of the dishwasher tub or it may source hot water from your faucet. For a typical wash cycle, the water is usually heated to 130–140°F.
3. Dispenser releases detergent
When the water reaches the ideal temperature for your cycle, the dispenser releases the detergent into the water in the tub. The hot water dissolves and activates the enzymes in the detergent to help clean your dishes. It’s important to use detergent specific to your dishwasher and never dish soap.
4. Spray arms circulate water
The spray arms, usually located below the bottom rack, upper rack and, on some models, the ceiling of a dishwasher, are activated when the circulation pump pushes water into the arms. The water sprays in a steady stream throughout the interior of your dishwasher as it washes away food particles and debris from dishware.
5. Dirty water drains
Once the wash cycle has finished, the dirty water and debris are filtered out through the bottom of your dishwasher tub. It will drain into your garbage disposal and/or your home’s waste system.
6. Rinse water circulates
The rinse cycle sprays clean water throughout your dishwasher to rinse away any detergent residue. The water is then drained out again through a hose.
7. Heat dries the dishware
After the rinse water has been drained, the heating element raises the temperature of the air to dry your dishware and evaporate any leftover water, if your dishwasher is equipped with a Heated Dry cycle. Some dishwashers feature fan-dry settings, while others may require you to open the door and allow dishes to air dry.
How does a dishwasher drain?
After each wash and rinse cycle, water is filtered and drained out of most standard dishwashers through a hose and into a garbage disposal and/or your home’s waste system. The filter, usually located underneath the lower rack, helps protect the circulation pump from the accumulation of food particles.
If your dishwasher isn’t draining properly, it may be clogged or you may need to clean your filter. Keep in mind that portable dishwashers use two hoses that are attached to the faucet with a hose connector. One is used for taking water in, and the other is used to drain.
How does the soap dispenser in a dishwasher work?
The soap dispenser can typically be found on the door inside your dishwasher. It’s usually a small, rectangular-shaped container that has a latch. The latch will automatically release the detergent to mix with the hot water at the base of your tub after the initial pre-wash cycle.
How much water does a dishwasher use?
Water usage may depend on your dishwasher model, so it’s best to check your product manual. In general, a standard dishwasher may use around 3–4 gallons of water per wash cycle. However, handwashing dishes can use as much as 27 gallons of water.
Explore Whirlpool® dishwashers
With innovative features on select models like Sensor Cycles and Triple Wash Spraying power to help make kitchen cleanup more manageable, Whirlpool® dishwashers have a wide range of options designed to clean your dishware properly. Explore the entire Whirlpool brand collection to find a dishwasher that’s the right size, color and finish for your kitchen.
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