Is It Safe to Run Dishwasher When Not Home?

It is normal for today’s dishwasher to run anywhere from 3-4 hours. Factors that affect the running time of the dishwasher include water temperature and the cycle option. 

Dishwashers require a minimum of 120F incoming water temperature. This will keep the cycle time at a minimum.

Otherwise, the dishwasher will take a longer time to heat the water. It takes approximately one minute to heat the water one degree.

Always ensure the water is hot before running the dishwasher. Run the faucet closest to the dishwasher to clear the cold water in the pipeline.

The dishwasher comes in two parts. Top and bottom. Anything going into the dishwasher should not be hitting the little water arm spinning around.

On the top rack, put glasses, cups, and small bowls. Avoid overcrowding so that water may hit all the areas of the dishes. Hence not end up pulling out dirty dishes.

Plates and pots go into the bottom rack. While placing them, ensure the spinning water jet does a full rotation without being interrupted by the utensils.

Mix the small plates with the big ones. This will allow the water to penetrate in between adequately. Thus, leaving the dishes cleaner.

While loading the dishes, especially the plates. Load half up facing the middle point. Then the other half the same way. This prevents food from flipping off the side, which can get stuck there.

A good rule is never leaving an appliance with a heating element unattended. The drying cycle of dishwater produces enough heat to start a fire, which is another risk besides the water damage.

Leakage from the dishwasher can cause floor damage over time. Moreover, in case of an electrical or plumbing malfunction, you want to be on the scene to manage it.

Can you leave the dishwasher overnight? Yes. They are made to turn off themselves when the cycle is complete. You might avoid doing so mainly when the dishwasher is leaking.

However, opening the dishwasher is advisable as soon as the dry cycle is complete. This way, you will let a lot of steam come out. You can also roll out the dish racks to let the dishes cool down to your touch.

Unless you expect company for dinner, lunch, or breakfast, it does not matter how long you leave them. But putting them away will create room for the dirty dishes.

If you are not the type of person, who leaves the door ajar when the machine is finished. You should wait at least 30 minutes after the dishwasher is done. To ensure thorough drying of the dishes.

On the other hand, when the dishes are dirty. Don’t leave them for more than four hours in the dishwasher. Bacteria will start to grow, which might cause health problems. It also fouls the interior surfaces and pipework.

In case you are not planning to turn on the appliance immediately. At least scrape off the remaining food on the plate with a little water.

The only time a dishwasher would stay on all night is if there is a problem with it. Dishwashers are the last thing you would think would cause a fire hazard. However, they do cause damage to homes as well as claim lives.

Keep in mind that they combine electronics and heating elements with water, which is the perfect environment for electric fires to begin. There are approximately 460 fires a year caused by dishwashers.

Almost all dishwasher fires are a result of a faulty appliance rather than due to an error on the part of the user. 

Other factors that may cause fire from a dishwasher include; poor maintenance and improper usage.

How would you prevent dishwasher fires?

• Following the manufacturer’s instruction manual.
• Register the dishwasher at the manufacturer’s website to get relevant information.
• Supervising the dishwasher when it is operating.
• Doing repairs regularly on broken components.
• Plugging the dishwasher into a grounded wall socket.
• Cleaning the dishwasher regularly to prolong its life.

To conclude, the primary cause of fires is moisture contacting the wires. Therefore, dishwasher owners should make sure internal components don’t leak. Hence perform regular checkups.

It is strongly advised not to put the dishwasher on before bed. Or before leaving the house. Moreover, pay attention to letters that come from manufacturers warning you about a fault. Or the need for a recall.