Mixing cold and hot water in a dishwasher typically should not cause damage to the machine over time. Modern dishwashers are designed to handle both hot and cold water efficiently. They have built-in mechanisms to adjust the water temperature to the appropriate level for the selected wash cycle.
When you start a dishwasher cycle, it usually begins with a pre-rinse or pre-wash phase, during which cold water is used to remove loose debris and food particles from the dishes. After this initial phase, the dishwasher will heat the water to the required temperature for the main wash cycle, which is usually around 120-140°F (49-60°C). The heating element inside the dishwasher helps raise the water temperature to the desired level.
Using a mixture of hot and cold water from your home's supply should not pose any problems for the dishwasher. In fact, using hot water for the pre-rinse phase may even help to loosen and remove stubborn stains and food residues more effectively.
However, there are a few points to keep in mind to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency:
Check the water heater temperature: It's good practice to set your water heater to a temperature between 120-140°F (49-60°C) for the dishwasher to work optimally. Extremely high temperatures can damage the dishwasher's components and waste energy.
Avoid running the dishwasher with cold water only: While modern dishwashers can handle a mix of hot and cold water, using cold water alone might not be as effective in cleaning the dishes and could result in less efficient washing.
Use dishwasher detergent: Dishwasher detergents are designed to work effectively at the higher temperatures used in dishwashers. Using regular dish soap or handwashing liquid in a dishwasher can create excessive suds and may cause damage.
Regular maintenance: To ensure your dishwasher continues to function well, perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filter, checking for clogs, and running cleaning cycles when needed.
As long as you follow these guidelines and use your dishwasher as intended, mixing cold and hot water should not cause any damage to the machine over time.