Although many homes have dishwashers in them, many people still don't know how to use a dishwasher effectively. If you just got a dishwasher for the first time or just upgraded to a new dishwasher, here are five tips that will help ensure that you use your new dishwasher correctly and effectively.

#1 Only Scrape Off Food

New dishwashers no longer require you to rinse off your dishes before you put the items in the dishwasher. In fact, they were specifically designed with a quick rinse setting to take away the extra step of rinsing off your dishes in the sink before putting them into your dishwasher. This setting is designed to save you time and reduce unnecessary water waste.

All you end to do is use your utensil to scrap all the large food scraps off your plate. It doesn't have to be squeaky clean to go inside of you dishwasher.

#2 Clean the Food Catch

New dishwashers and many old dishwashers have a food catch or filter at the bottom of the dishwasher. This is designed to stop all the food particles that are washed off your dishes from getting into the plumbing system and clogging up your plumbing that extends from your dishwasher.

Remove the filter and clean up all the food that it catches. You should do this every few weeks. Doing this will help ensure that water is able to drain effectively from your dishwasher and it will also help ensure that your dishwasher smells great and doesn't develop a strange unpleasant odor.

#3 Put Glasses and Bowls on the Top

Glassware should be put on the top shelf of your dishwasher. Generally, the top shelf is not as tall as the bottom shelf, making it idea for items such as cups and bowls. Additionally, when cups and bowls are put on the bottom shelf of your dishwasher, they tend to block the water and prevent it from reaching the top shelf and getting everything clean. Your items will clean better if you put your bowls and glasses on the top shelf.

#4 Mix Up Your Utensils

You shouldn't put all of your spoons in one opening of the utensil caddy and all the forks in another opening. When you put similar types of silverware together, they tend to group together and even nest against one another like they do in your utensil drawer, which prevents them from getting clean.

Instead, mix up different types of silverware in your utensil caddy. This will help all of your utensils come out of your dishwasher clean.

#5 Let Your Dishwasher Cool Off

Don't open your dishwasher as soon as the load is done running. If you do this you are most likely going to be hit with a lot of steam, which could burn you and at the very least is uncomfortable.

Instead, allow your dishwasher to cool off and allow your items to air dry inside of the dishwasher. The steam will natural dissipate when you allow your dishwasher to air dry.

#5 Start Unloading Your Dishwasher on the Bottom

When it is time to unload your dishwasher, start by pulling out the bottom shelf and unload that one first, then move on to the top shelf.

Oftentimes, water can pool in the glasses and bowls that are on the top shelf, and spill onto the clean and dry items on the bottom of the shelf. Unloading the top shelf last will ensure that your other dishes stay dry.