A dishwasher is a kitchen fixture that is loaded and operated to automatically clean dishware and cutlery. Dishes within a dishwasher are first cleaned by mechanically spraying a mix of detergent and hot water (typically between 45 and 75° C/ 110 and 170° F) onto the dishes, with lower temperatures for more delicate items. This amalgam of water and detergent is then pumped to the rotating spray arms to cover the dishes with the cleaning mixture. Though common in domestic kitchens, commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants use industrial-grade dishwashers to clean larger amounts of dishes at higher temperatures between 65-71° C/ 149-160° F. In most residential kitchens, dishwashers are installed directly into standard kitchen cabinets.
After a person loads the dishes, adds detergent, and turns the dishwasher on to appropriate wash setting, the dishwasher adds and heats water while releasing the detergent from the dispenser. The water gets sprayed out through jets to thoroughly clean dishes and shoots more out to rinse them. The water is then drained and the air inside the washer is heated to dry the dishes off.
The life expectancy of a dishwasher ranges from seven to 12 years, while the last year that it is expected to work efficiently is considered to be 10. Factors that affect the lifespan of a dishwasher include: quality brand and design, maintenance, and amount of use.
To remove a dishwasher, open the door and detach it from the mounting bracket by removing the screws located underneath the countertop. The legs then need to be unscrewed so the dishwasher can be pulled out. Before all of this should be conducted, however, it is important to shut the water and power off.
