Steamy dishwasher

Steamy dishwasher Jenn-Air has introduced the SteamClean Option dishwasher designed to provide steam-enhanced soil and spot cleaning.

Similar to an extra-rinse or sanitize option, the SteamClean option enhances existing wash cycles, such as the china/crystal cycle. A flexible rack system with stem lock and tall-tub design allows more room and loading options for fine china and crystal. The model also is designed for quiet operation.

Available in stainless steel, black or white finishes, the dishwasher features an integrated, electronic-touch control panel, stainless-steel interior and start/delay options.

Cost starts at $899.

Details: www.Jenn-Air.com.

MARTHA PHIFER, Orlando Sentinel

Dishwasher tips Your dishwasher will serve you best if you use it right. ShopSmart magazine has these tips:

• Leave some things out of the dishwasher. Those include fragile glassware, hand-painted china, sterling silver, wood, cast-iron cookware, tin cups and plastic that's not dishwasher-safe.

• Dishwashing liquid meant for cleaning dishes by hand should not be used in a dishwasher. It will make an overabundance of suds and a big mess.

• Put plastics on top, away from the heat source, to prevent warping or melting.

• Don't bother with the prerinse cycle. It's unnecessary and can waste nearly 20 gallons of water per load.

• Position dishes so the dirty side faces center, where the water source is. Pots and bowls should face down.

• Mix up the types of utensils in the cutlery basket so like items don't nest together. Put some utensils right side up and others upside down.

• If you have a lot of dishes to clean, wash the least dirty dishes in one load so you can use a shorter cycle.

MARY BETH BRECKENRIDGE, Akron Beacon Journal

Keen on green Nowadays, we want our appliances to perform well and conserve resources. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for, and using, a dishwasher:

Most dishwashers' electricity goes to heat the water they use.

• Use the air-dry instead of the heat-dry feature.

• Avoid the rinse-hold and prerinse options.

• Choose a light or energy-saving wash cycle for dishes that are only lightly soiled.

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