Opinions on Dishwasher High Temp Wash/Sanitize

[littlegreeny]

My Whirlpool dishwasher has a filter that needs to be periodically cleaned. I was using the sensor cycle with the high temp option enabled up until recently. Everything was getting cleaned perfectly fine when I used the high temp option. I recently stopped using the high temp option and noticed the dishwasher does fewer purge cycles and the filter is much more gunky. I think it's dirtier because of the lower wash temps but what is everyones opinion on using the high temp or sanitize options? Do you find find your dishwasher remains cleaner and your filter needs less maintenance? I used the sanitize option yesterday and I really liked how hot and steamy it was when the cycle was complete. Wondering if I should just leave that on?

 

[eurekastar]

When I owned a Whirlpool made Kenmore Elite, I noticed that slimy gunk would collect on the filter very quickly if I didn't consistently use the sanitize option.  I used the sanitize option consistently, it need cleaning with less frequency. 

 

[foraloysius]

The formula chemicals x mechanical action x temperature x time not only applies to laundry but also doing dishes. If your filter isn't clean you should adjust one of the factors. Using the sanitize option is one, using more detergent is another. When your filter isn't clean, your dishes aren't either.

 

[appnut]

I have been using the sanitize rinse option on my Bosch for the last two months, I checked the filter yesterday for the firsst time in 2 to 3 months and it was virtually clean.

 

[henene4]

Sanitize and high temp of course increase usage significantly.

Don't think not having to clean the filter is worth that additional usage each time I would run a cycle.
But if it is worth to you, sure, go ahead!

I don't think it's a hygienic risk though if you don't use it.
The filter is constantly submerged in detergent water.
There have been several studies showing that household dishwashers do a very good job removing most if not all common germs even in economy cycles.
Dishwasher detergent is just to high pH and cycle times are just to long that much can survive.

Of course there are certain exclusions. Certain fungi and certain contagious pathogens do require more input.
But most household stuff isn't in that category.

Of course you should clean your filter regularly either way and more often so if you run more low temp cycles.
I have my Miele set for its automatic self-sanitize option so it periodically raises the final rinse temp on its own to keep the machine clean.
It also reminds me every so often to check the filter.

 

[lakewebsterkid]

Hi-Temp/Sani

In our Bosch the filter was always significantly more clean using either Heavy or Auto versus Normal. Even when using Sanitize option, the Normal cycle just does not use enough heat to break down gunk with detergent present, nor flush it out.

In the newer Whirlpool machines I have used, the Normal and Sensor cycles always do 2 low level purge type rinses followed by the deep final rinse. I am not a fan of that, plus I don't feel it cleans the filter well enough. Heavy cycle actually does a great job of keeping the filter clean. In these machines, I highly recommend Sanitize rinse without heated dry.

Though I will say, either of these filter machines are better than the Samsung dishwasher we are currently forced to use in our rental. Despite having a 'food disposal' this machine is absolute trash and does not remove food particles. The machine will actually smell after sitting for a few days. Agreed with the statement that there is no way dishes are clean despite using Fryer Boil Out. Horrible.

 

[parunner58]

We have a Bosch 800 series DW it's about 5 years old and I do not pre-rinse. I use only Finish Quantum Max pods and Jet Dry. Since we got it, I only use the Auto cycle and sanitize. We always have clean and dry dishes when it beeps. I usually check and rinse off the filter twice a year and there is nothing on it to clean off.

 

[eriksp]

I have noticed that the filter requires more frequent cleaning when using the Eco 50 cycle on my machine than when I use the 70 degree celcius one, but I always check and wash the filter once a week anyway, so it's not really a worry. I use the 50 degree wash for most things, but am wont to turn it up to 70 if I am washing glasses for jam or other long term food storage, and also if I have extremely grimy and hardened residue on my pots and pans.

 

[jerrod_six]

High temp wash

When you add this as an option to a cycle, what temp is used?

 

[launderess]

What dw detergent are you using OP?

Is it gel? Liquid? Powder/tabs?

 

[littlegreeny]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far!

Jerrod, the high temp wash option boosts the main wash temp to 135F. When you use the sanitize option, the main wash is also boosted to 135F and the final rinse to 156F.

I wish WP would put the wash and rinse temps in the owner's manual like other manufacturers do. Anyone know what the standard temps are? I believe the final rinse is at least 130F without any options selected.

Launderess, I use Seventh Generation powder and Lemi Shine rinse aid.[this post was last edited: 9/13/2021-23:58]

 

[mielerod69]

Miele G 7000 new filter design

I have the new Miele G 7000 series and have to say that the new filter design stays cleaner for longer. The machine will remind you to check and clean the filter after 50 cycles and there is hardly anything on there.
I normally use the Auto program with Express and Extra Clean option and everything comes out spotlessly clean, even baked-on casserole dishes. The dishwasher heats to about 60 degrees celcius,(140 F) in the main wash and the same in the final rinse. The machine is connected to a hot water supply and it takes 2 hours 20 minutes to complete, without the Express option it would take 2 hours 45 minutes.

 

[whirlykenmore78]

Sanitize option:

I always use it on my 2001 Whirlpool Powerclean DW. This Guarantees a 140f(60c) wash and 155f(68c) final rinse on any cycle it is available on. If Heavy or Pots and Pans is selected the prewash is also 140f. While my machine does not have a manual filter (it has a self cleaning soil separator) Performance in the Low Energy cycle is much enhanced by this option which allows me to use it for most loads. I do not pre rinse.
WK78

 

[mrboilwash]

About 25 years ago my brother called me to help him change a thermostat on their dishwasher because there was much less steam coming out at the end of a cycle and dishes were not as dry as usually anymore.
Problem has been going on for several weeks at least.
I asked about a decline in cleaning performance and my in law said it cleans as good as always.

What we found was not only a shot thermostat but also a filter and sump area covered in a thick coat of grey slime and black mold like you`d expect in a very dirty sewer line.

The DW still had a mechanical timer and only two thermostats for 55 °C and 65 °C, the 65 one which also controlled the last rinse was damaged and this was their preferred temp setting.
Don`t know exactly how hot the DW still got, but can tell for sure it was much warmer than tap cold. Otherwise there would have been no clean dishes and no steam at all at the end of a cycle.
They used tabs which were full of phosphates back then and had TAED activated oxygen bleach which in theory gives off germ killing peracetic acid.

Personally I use the 50 °C ECO cycle a lot but it still gives a very hot last rinse on my old Bosch and at least once a month I choose a hotter cycle to be on the save side. Wouldn`t want to rely on chemicals only after this kind of experience.

 

[chachp]

Slime and a dirty filter

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">As long as I can remember, I have always used the Sanitize option.  I can't say I used it because I thought it cleaned better but I thought it was just one more thing I could do to help keep us well.  Maybe its a false sense of security but my husband is a bit of a germaphobe so I think it also makes him feel a little better.  I have never noticed any kind of slime or anything close to mold on any machine I've had.  Never.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Now as far as the filter is concerned.  We bought our Bosch dishwasher in 2018.  I was using the Cascade pods initially and they foamed way too much.  So I switched to Finish tabs.  Using both of these detergents I found I had to clean the filter at least every two weeks or so and it would be gross.  And within no time at all the dishwasher would smell until I cleaned the filter.  It was so bad I was considering changing the dishwasher.  As a matter of fact I did a post some time ago on the filter and how it got so bad so quickly because we do not pretense.</span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">A friend suggested I try the Miele tabs and that was a game changer.  I check the filter maybe about once a month and there is practically nothing there to clean off.  No other habits have changed, just the detergent.  I generally cut the tabs in half because we have soft water and find I get great results with only half a tab.  I stock up when Milele has a sale (they just had a 25% off sale) so I don't feel like I am spending a whole lot more on these tabs than the others. </span>

 

<span style="font-family: helvetica;">So while the water temp will certainly affect all this, the detergent seems to be a factor too.</span>

 

[pierreandreply4]

i have a kitchenaid dishwasher

i have a kitchenaid dishwasher and with using high temp wash and sanitize rinse even if i check if the mesh filter needs cleaning its not very dirty

 

[re563]

yup

I have a whirlpool WDF520P. When I just use Normal with heated dry, everything gets clean, but on my table knives, the will bet brown spots which wipe right off. But when I use Sani rinse, no spots. I would really love to replace this dishwasher with a Bosch. Never had any problems when I had one in Florida. I know the water chemistry is different here in Texas, but Have a friend who had a Kenmore whirlpool made with power wash module. She was having the same problem and then the machine died. She sent me to the store to buy her a new one and told me to get what I would get for myself. Got her a Bosch and she hasn't had a problem with those spots since.

 

[egress]

i think those samsungs use a knockoff of whirlpools point voyager design. have you tried taking the filter and screen off and checking the disposal mechanism for a blockage? if they're still using the same pump intake design its not uncommon to see most of the holes blocked with seeds or other solid debris.

 

[lakewebsterkid]

Egress

The machine is as clean as I can make it! Only thing I can imagine being bad is the drain check valve, which I have ordered.