Best Dishwasher Safety Tips When You Have Kids at Home

1. Run Full Loads to Save Energy and Water

Children can create a lot of dirty dishes, from small snack plates to baby bottles and sippy cups. To maximize efficiency, only run the dishwasher when it is full. Not only does this save energy and water, but it also reduces the number of times you’ll need to unload and reload the machine throughout the day.

2. Use Child-Safe Detergents

Little hands often help around the kitchen, and it’s important to use non-toxic, child-safe dishwasher detergents. Look for detergents that are free of harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances. This ensures that any residual detergent on dishes won’t be harmful to your children.

3. Keep Dishwashers Locked

Dishwashers can pose a safety risk if curious toddlers try to open the door during a wash cycle or play with sharp utensils inside. Most modern dishwashers come with a child-lock feature to keep the machine secure. Always activate the child lock to prevent accidents and ensure that your little ones don’t access potentially dangerous items.

4. Avoid Placing Sharp Objects in Reach

When loading utensils, place sharp items like knives and forks with their handles up to avoid accidental cuts when unloading. For added safety, you can wait until your children are out of the kitchen before loading or unloading cutlery.

5. Utilize High-Temperature Settings for Sanitization

Kids’ dishes, especially baby bottles, benefit from an extra level of sanitization. Many dishwashers have a “sanitize” setting that uses high temperatures to kill bacteria and germs. This is especially useful when cleaning baby items or dishes that have come into contact with food remnants for long periods.

6. Teach Older Kids How to Load and Unload

Getting kids involved in simple chores like loading and unloading the dishwasher can be an excellent way to teach responsibility and teamwork. Make sure they know to handle dishes carefully, and always supervise younger children when they are helping.

7. Use Adjustable Racks for Larger Items

Kids’ items like baby bottles, water bottles, and sippy cups can take up a lot of space. Many dishwashers have adjustable racks to accommodate taller items. Use these settings to fit in all the different dish sizes your family uses daily.

8. Rinse Off Sticky Residues First

While dishwashers are powerful, they may not always remove stubborn food residues, especially after a busy kids’ meal. Make it a habit to scrape off excess food and give sticky dishes a quick rinse before loading them into the machine. This will help prevent food particles from clogging the dishwasher’s filter and keep your machine running efficiently.

9. Use Dishwasher-Safe Plastics

Not all plastic dishes are dishwasher safe, and many can warp in high heat. Be sure to check the labels of your kids’ dishes, cups, and utensils to make sure they are dishwasher safe. This will keep you from accidentally damaging items while ensuring they are properly cleaned.

10. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Your dishwasher is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen. With kids in the house, it’s likely to be used daily. Make sure your dishwasher is in top condition by scheduling regular maintenance checks. If you notice any performance issues such as leaks or improper cleaning, reach out to a professional appliance repair service like Major at Appliance Repair.

Conclusion

A dishwasher is an invaluable tool for keeping your kitchen organized and efficient when you have kids. By following these best practices, you’ll ensure the safety of your children, keep your dishes clean, and help your dishwasher run smoothly for years to come. If you ever experience any issues with your dishwasher, Major at Appliance Repair is here to help with quick and reliable service.

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