If you want perfectly clean dishes, choose the right dishwasher cycle – most people still use the wrong one

When it comes to household chores like washing dishes, many people switch to autopilot. We insert the container, press the first button that lights up, and hope for a miracle. But your Dishwasher is not just a shiny box of water and detergent – it's an engineering marvel with a whole range of programs waiting for you to discover.

Why would you care? Because choosing the right program means cleaner dishes, less energy used, and an end to endless manual scrubbing of still-greasy plates.

Here's your new guide to the most common and useful dishwasher programs—and one you can leave alone (unless you really love inefficiency).

1. Car (or sensor wash): let your smart dishwasher think for you

This is the program for those who like to live by the principle of “less thinking, more results”. The machine uses sensors to determine the temperature, duration and pressure based on how dirty your dishes are. Ideal for everyday mixed situations: a little pasta, a baked dish and a glass that had been filled with juice (or wine – no judgement).

If you're not sure which program to use – use this one. It's as reliable as a best friend who always knows when you need coffee.

2. Heavy Duty: when the grilled cheese decided not to give up

For all those heroic moments when you've baked lasagna, gratins and other masterpieces, then looked at the baking sheet and wondered if it was time for a new career – Heavy Duty is here for you. This program uses heat, power and time like a medieval torturer on dishes.

On some models (Miele, we’re looking at you), it’s called “Pots and Pans,” which means the machine processes the dishes in two pre-washes and then in a main hot attack. And yes, that’s what your burnt-on dishes deserve.

3. Eco: for those who love saving the planet but still hate washing dishes by hand

Your dishwasher also has an eco-friendly side. This program, sometimes labeled “Energy Saver” or “Eco Wash,” uses less water and operates at a lower temperature – meaning less impact on the environment and kinder bills.

The only catch? It takes longer because there's no heat offensive. Ideal for a dish that hasn't survived the war—that is, one that isn't covered in leftover carbonara or roast.

4. Rinse and Hold: perfect for people who like to procrastinate

Don't have enough dishes for a full cycle yet? No problem. "Rinse and Hold" (or "Rinse Only") is a little trick for those moments when you're waiting for the real action. It quickly rinses away food residue, prevents odors in the machine, and buys you time - like a kind of delay in the world of washing.

On newer models, it may need to be downloaded as an additional feature – which sounds almost as exotic as “dishwasher app”.

5. Drying Boost: because no one has time to wipe down plastic

If your dishes look like they just came out of the sauna after washing, it’s time for “Drying Boost.” This program extends the final phase with heat or time to thoroughly dry the dishes—especially those plastic cups that otherwise act like sponges.

It does use a little more energy, but if you're regularly faced with piles of wet plastic, it's an investment in your patience.

Program you can skip: Half Load (or Top/Bottom Only)

Sounds great in theory: only fill half the machine and save some water. In practice? You're better off waiting until the machine is full or using "Rinse & Hold."

Cleaning lab experts say it's better than "half-empty machine on full wash," but unless you're pressed for time (or laziness), it's often an unnecessary compromise. And let's face it - it's more efficient to run your machine when it's actually ready for action.

Final thought:

A dishwasher is not just a “turn it on and forget it” appliance. If you give it 10 seconds of extra attention, it will repay you with sparkling clean dishes, less energy consumption and less need for re-washing.

And if you've already switched to "Auto" without thinking today – don't worry. Tomorrow is a new day and a new cycle.