A dishwasher cleans the greasy surface of dishes through a combination of mechanical action, hot water, and detergent. Here's a general overview of how a dishwasher attempts to clean greasy dishes:
Pre-rinse: Before placing the dishes in the dishwasher, it is often recommended to pre-rinse them to remove any large food particles. This step helps prevent clogs in the dishwasher's filters and ensures better cleaning results.
Loading: The dishes are arranged in the dishwasher's racks, ensuring that they are spaced apart and not blocking the spray arms. It's important to avoid overcrowding to allow water and detergent to reach all the surfaces effectively.
Detergent application: Dishwashers use special dishwasher detergent that contains enzymes, surfactants, and other cleaning agents. When the dishwasher is started, water fills the machine, and the detergent is released into the water.
Hot water spray: Once the detergent is added, the dishwasher's pump circulates hot water around the interior. The water is typically heated to high temperatures, usually between 120-150°F (49-66°C), which helps to dissolve and loosen greasy residues.
Mechanical action: Dishwashers have spray arms, which are located on the top and bottom of the machine. These arms rotate and spray high-pressure water onto the dishes, providing mechanical action that dislodges and removes food particles and grease from the surfaces.
Detergent action: The detergent's enzymes and surfactants work to break down and emulsify greasy residues. Enzymes help to break down proteins, starches, and fats, while surfactants reduce the surface tension of water, allowing it to penetrate and lift away the greasy residues from the dishes.
Rinse cycles: The dishwasher typically goes through several rinse cycles to remove the loosened food particles, grease, and detergent residues from the dishes. Clean water is sprayed onto the dishes, and any remaining debris is drained away.
Drying: After the rinse cycles, some dishwashers use a heated drying cycle or a fan to dry the dishes. The heat helps evaporate the remaining moisture, leaving the dishes dry and ready for use.
It's worth noting that the effectiveness of a dishwasher's cleaning process can vary based on factors such as the dishwasher's design, water temperature, water hardness, detergent quality, and the condition of the dishes being washed.