If you have read the entire article up to this point, then you should have likely already covered most of the indicators in the above diagram. Every six months when you run an empty and hot wash, it's worth considering whether you want to use a dishwasher cleaner, too.

A dishwasher rinse aid is a surfactant, or a chemical that breaks apart water molecules to make the water “sheet” across the dishes rather than resting on them. Rinse aids contain many ingredients that work together to make this dishwashing magic happen, and most of these ingredients are impossible to pronounce.Whether to use a liquid or a powder rinse aid comes down to personal preference, but each type has its pros and cons. The liquid versions, which might also be called gels, are easy to squirt into the dishwasher’s rinse aid compartment (this compartment is usually found in the door, next to the compartment for the dishwasher detergent). The gel dissolves completely in the water and rinses away at the end of the cycle.

Finally, natural rinse aids are easy to find and very effective. These contain biodegradable and natural ingredients and are just as effective as those containing chemicals. Cleaning Power Dishwasher rinse aids often contain a range of chemicals to help give a brilliant shine to your dishes and glassware. Some contain specific ingredients for a certain type of water. This function can reduce the running time by approx. 20% to 50% depending on the selected rinse programme.The specific indicator symbols may vary depending on the brand of your dishwasher, so it is recommended to refer to the appliance manual for more details.

Intensive symbol: This function increases the pressure and temperature to help remove stubborn food remnants. The setting you arrive at for that will depend on the water conditions for your area, and is usually reached through trial and error. No matter how high-quality a dishwasher might be, the manufacturer usually recommends using a rinse aid. The best dishwasher rinse aid works by breaking the bond between the water molecules and the dishes, thus making the water “sheet” off dishware. The result is a cleaner and faster dishwashing cycle that leaves fewer spots and streaks. The Indesit DIF 04B1 is an integrated dishwasher with a minimal control panel display. A diagram of the Indesit DIF 04B1 control panel. Never put salt into other spots marked for normal detergent, dishwasher cleaner or rinse aid, as this could easily break your appliance. How to use rinse aidRinse aid helps your dishes dry evenly after the rinse cycle and prevents streaks. Just fill the container and your dishwasher will do the rest. If the salt you use doesn't have anti-caking agents, such as calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate, then you can use it. Although there would be little benefit as it would likely be more expensive than regular dishwasher salt. Filters are designed to clip out easily for regular cleaning. They just need rinsing under the tap once a week. A filter that's excessively dirty or damaged (or missing in the case of a second-hand machine) can be replaced with a new part that simply slots or clips into place.