DISHWASHER, ALWAYS PUT A SPONGE IN BEFORE STARTING IT: THE REASON

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Just like with any appliance, maintaining your dishwasher is key to keeping it running efficiently and prolonging its lifespan. By using a sponge in the wash cycle, you’re helping to reduce the buildup of residue, which means the machine will not need to work as hard to clean your dishes. A cleaner, more efficient dishwasher will last longer, save energy, and require fewer repairs over time.

Regularly using this trick can also help reduce the need for dishwasher cleaning products or the need to hire a professional for routine maintenance.

5. Helps with Drying Dishes

Have you ever noticed that sometimes your dishes aren’t as dry as you’d like when the cycle finishes? By adding a sponge to the dishwasher, you can actually improve the drying process. The sponge helps absorb extra moisture during the rinse cycle, which can result in cleaner, drier dishes at the end. While it won’t completely replace the need for proper drying, it’s a simple and effective step toward improving the outcome.

How to Use This Dishwasher Hack

If you’re intrigued by this tip and ready to give it a try, here’s how to incorporate a sponge into your regular dishwasher routine:

1. Place a Clean Sponge in the Bottom Rack: Just place a clean, damp sponge on the bottom rack of your dishwasher. It doesn’t need to be soaking wet—just damp enough to do its job.
2. Run a Normal Cycle: Start your dishwasher as usual, with the sponge in place. You can run it with your regular dishes in the dishwasher, as long as you don’t mind the sponge being slightly soiled by the end of the cycle.
3. Change the Sponge Regularly: To make sure the sponge stays effective, replace it every couple of weeks or as needed. If it starts looking too grimy or you notice it’s not absorbing as much moisture, swap it out for a fresh one.
4. Optional: Add Essential Oils: If you’re looking for an extra touch of freshness, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the sponge before placing it in the dishwasher. Lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus are great choices for a refreshing scent.

Additional Tips for Dishwasher Maintenance

While this sponge trick is a great way to keep your dishwasher running efficiently, there are a few other simple habits you can incorporate to ensure your appliance stays in top shape:

• Run Empty Cycles with Vinegar: Every month or so, run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar in the bottom. This helps clean out any remaining buildup inside the machine and refreshes the dishwasher.
• Use Dishwasher Cleaner: If your dishwasher is heavily soiled, use a commercial dishwasher cleaner once a month to prevent buildup.
• Clean the Filter Regularly: Check and clean the dishwasher’s filter every few weeks to ensure food debris and particles don’t clog the machine. A clean filter improves the dishwasher’s efficiency.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Putting a sponge in the dishwasher before starting it is a simple yet effective way to boost the cleaning power of your machine, prevent soap buildup, eliminate bad odors, and even help extend its life. It’s a small change with big benefits that will keep your dishwasher performing at its best and your dishes coming out cleaner than ever.

Give this hack a try and enjoy the added benefits of a fresher, more efficient dishwasher!