Most people take their dishwasher for granted and figure this appliance is a simple cleaning device. However, there’s amazing science behind this machine and the way it performs. If you think you can do a better job washing the dishes by hand, you’d be mistaken because nothing can beat the potency and productivity of the dishwasher.
This appliance was invented by an American woman named Josephine Cochrane who patented the machine in 1886. Her dishwasher was the first unit of its type to run on power and water pressure, using the same method that modern dishwashers use today.
Extremely Hot Water
Water heated from 120°F to 160°F is one of the main components for uber-cleaning dishes and utensils. Add in powerful jet sprays that can effectively break down stubborn grease and food particles with strong detergent formulas, and every dish and item comes out sparkling clean! Even the racks have been strategically designed to ensure that no dirty dish is left behind.
Magical Mechanical Arms
A dishwasher features impressive mechanical action inside the appliance that the homeowner never sees at work. You may hear the rotating arms that make sure water gets into every nook and cranny. The arms are responsible for determining water pressure, coverage patterns, and whether those covered messes get blasted off or baked on even harder. Most dishwashers are equipped with two rotating arms, one under the upper rack and the other beneath the bottom rack.
Perfect Dishwasher Drying
The drying cycle is another key to the magic and convenience of dishwashers. Most appliances these days feature a built-in heating element or condensation drying method. This factor ensures that the machine’s dishes are ready to put away immediately. Some dishwashers even include smart sensors that adjust the wash cycle based on how dirty your dishes and utensils are.
Clean and Sterile Results
Washing by hand can yield a batch of clean dishes and utensils, but it uses more water and cannot rival the efficiency of a modern dishwasher. Research has shown that these kitchen appliances are excellent at killing bacteria, thanks to the high water temperatures and the machine’s engineering setup.
One study found that items washed by hand had bacterial counts, as measured in colony-forming units (CFUs), from 1 to 6,000 CFU, while items washed in a dishwasher had values below 100 CFU. There’s no way an individual could use such hot water to manually wash the dishes because they’d burn their hands.
Next time you load up and are ready to press the “Start” button, know that this kitchen appliance works extra hard so that you don’t have to. Maybe that’s why 75% of American homes have dishwashers. If you live in Eugene, OR or a surrounding area and need dishwasher services, make your first call to Polished Appliance Repair.
