Running a dishwasher with no dishes inside, just water and detergent, is generally not recommended. While it may not immediately cause severe damage to the machine, it can have some consequences and potentially shorten its lifespan. Here are a few reasons why:
Inadequate water distribution: Dishwashers are designed to operate with a certain load of dishes. Without any dishes, the water jets may not distribute the water evenly, leading to poor cleaning performance and potential damage to the dishwasher's components.
Detergent concentration: Dishwasher detergents are formulated to be used in combination with the food particles and soils on the dishes. When you run the dishwasher without any dishes, the detergent can become concentrated in the water. This can lead to excessive sudsing, which may result in leaks, overflow, or damage to the dishwasher's pump or seals.
Overheating: Dishwashers have built-in sensors to detect the water temperature during the wash cycle. With no dishes to absorb heat, the water may become excessively hot, potentially causing damage to the dishwasher's heating element, thermostat, or other components.
Waste of resources: Running an empty dishwasher wastes water, electricity, and detergent. It is not an efficient use of resources and can increase your utility bills unnecessarily.
To maintain the longevity of your dishwasher and ensure its optimal performance, it's best to operate it with a full load of dishes. If you have a partial load, you can use the dishwasher's eco or half-load settings if available. This way, you can maximize the efficiency of the machine and conserve resources.