Low-temp cycles in modern dishwashers

[logixx]

Our Siemens has one of these low-temp cycles that washes at only 45C (113F). Bosch/Siemens/HomeAppliances "recommend" to use this cycle with Finish Quantum as its designed to work in cooler water. But I went ahead and used my Aldi powder, which costs about 1/4 of the Quantum.

Results below:

 

[washer111]

Good!

Although, the manual for our DishDrawer recommends not using tablets at a temperature below 50º, or on anything but the Normal, Heavy and Heavy Eco cycles, to ensure the detergent dissolves. Normal washes at 50º, final rinsing at 60º. 

 

If using a tablet on the Normal Eco cycle, I would use those Eco tablets, as that programme washes and rinses at 40º (I'm thinking right now, "Beat that!"), although the performance is still good, the wash time is about 1-2 minutes shorter, but I prefer Heavy/Eco, Delicate/Eco to ensure I get three rinses after the Main-Wash, to really clear out suds and deliver a better shine. 

 

[haxisfan]

I use it too... occasionally...

I just don't notice any difference in results with the other cycles and I don't bother to use a specific detergent for this programme. I use W5 tablets... maybe they are German... or are they? I get them from a German store (Lidl) anyway.

This cycle in my dishwasher (Hoover) foresees a very long cold prewash (I guess also in the Siemens)... I think that helps to soak some of those encrusted pans (like the ones you showed in the video) especially if you omit to soak them beforehand ;-)

 

[frigilux]

Congratulations on your new Siemens dishwasher. It seems these lower wash temperatures are becoming more common.

The new line of LG dishwashers in the United States have manual-clean filters and a wash temperature of 88-112 degrees (Fahrenheit) on the Normal cycle. The water heats to about 158 degrees in the final rinse. All of them are scoring lower for cleaning ability in tests by Consumer Reports compared to previous models.

My LG model 9810 (purchased in 2010) heats to 140 degrees in the Normal cycle. It also has a self-cleaning filter.

I have had my eye on the new model 9962, which is rated 3 decibels quieter than mine, but I don't want to risk losing the excellent cleaning ability.[this post was last edited: 1/22/2013-19:31]

 

[glenfieldmathk1]

The machine washes at 45C yes, but the final rinse is at 70C anyway. The final; rinse is what makes a difference in cleaning. I opened the door to my Neff before the final rinse, and some items were still pretty greasy however after the final rinse which is hotter the items were no longer greasy, which is why I think it doesn't matter what cycle is used for the wash, as that final heated rinse is the main cleaning part.

 

[logixx]

The prewash on the Siemens is always heated on all cycles besides Eco, I suppose. Think to 40C/105F and takes around 15 minutes. Will have to check next time I run this cycle to see how clean dishes are before the 69C final rinse.

 

[chris74]

I don't use...

...automatic 40°C-55°C on our Bauknecht because I feel very unsure about the cleaning performance and hygiene in that programme. I always use the auto 60°C-70°C cycle. Maybe a waste of energy and time but I never had issues with undissolved tablets.

 

[optima]

Low temp cycles

The only programme i ever need to use on my Indesit DI450 dishwasher is the Economy wash programme which starts with a cold pre-wash , long wash @ 48C & a final rinse heated to 60C. Total cycle duration is 2:25, perfect results every time using any brand of detergent.

 

[rolls_rapide]

Quantum

Finish Quantum is a actually a conglomeration of powders and gel, separately encapsulated within a water soluble package.

In that case, powders and Fairy / Cascade / Yes pouches should also work well.

Some of the other solid tablets can be broken up within their wrapper, thus acting as a fine powder detergent.

Yet other tablets remain solid blocks. Much depends on the manufacturer. One of the hardest tablets (i.e. unbreakable), was "Astonish 5-in-1" tablets. They seemed to wash well, dissolved fine, but could not be broken in half within their wrapper.