Dishwasher FAQ

Never clean the appliance using abrasive cloths or aggressive detergents such as bleach, ammonia or alcohol, as this could leave permanent marks on the surface.  Use only soft, clean cloths, and non-abrasive cleaning fluids, specifically meant for the surface that you are cleaning, like stainless steel cleaning fluid.

Never clean the appliance using abrasive cloths or aggressive detergents such as bleach, ammonia or alcohol, as this could leave permanent marks on the surface.  Use only soft, clean cloths, and non-abrasive cleaning fluids, specifically meant for the surface that you are cleaning, like glass cleaning fluid.

As well as the addition of a third basket specifically for cutlery, some models also include a removable cutlery holder in the bottom basket.

This depends on the height of the dishwasher:

• In the "MAXI" models, whose height is 86cm / 33 7/8", the bottom basket can take large plates with a maximum diameter of 14" when the top basket is pushed all the way up to the top
• In the European-size models, whose height is 82cm / 32", the bottom basket can take plates with a maximum diameter of 12"

The top basket of SMEG dishwashers (or middle basket, if there is an upper cutlery basket, as well) can take plates with a diameter of 6" - 7.3", depending on how it is positioned.

The top basket of SMEG dishwashers (or middle basket, if you take into account the cutlery basket) has a 2-or-3-level height adjustment ability (depending on the model), even at full-load.

The EasyGlide system makes pulling out the baskets easy.

Pots and pans should always be placed upside-down (bottom-up) to allow the Orbital Wash System spray arms to do their job better, and should be slanted for best drying results.

Several SMEG dishwashers feature a 100°F Quick Cycle, which washes slightly-soiled dishes in 27 minutes.

Various SMEG dishwashers feature either the individual UltraClean program, which is selected in combination with a regular cycle.  In this case, the dishwasher performs an additional rinse at 160°F, a temperature at which virtually all bacteria are killed.  This is ideal for baby bottles, chopping boards, and other kitchen items, that must be extremely clean.

A feature of several SMEG dishwashers, the UltraClean Cycle performs a final 10-minute rinse at 160°F, killing virtually all bacteria in the process.

A feature of most SMEG dishwashers, "Aquatest" is the name given to an electronic sensor which measures the clarity of the water at the end of the first stage of an automatic program.  The sensor then sets the most-suitable program, based on the recorded data, to ensure optimum wash results, and minimum water consumption.

The Total Aquastop System prevents flooding as a result of water leakage.  The system consists of a device fitted under the drum, which automatically cuts off water intake to the dishwasher if it detects a leak.  Moreover, an electronic device attached to the water hose detects leaks, and switches water supply off immediately.  This is a further safety guarantee to give you peace-of-mind.

Certain dishwasher models have been fitted with the ActiveLight system.  This consists of a red LED light which projects a red spot onto the floor beneath the dishwasher door when the appliance is in-use, meaning you don't have to open the door to check that it is running.  The light goes out when the wash concludes.

We recommend reading the instructions supplied with all-in-one dishwasher tablets to check whether they can be used or not.  If the water hardness level is lower than 38°fH (French degrees), tablets containing salt and rinse aid may be used. However, if the water hardness level is above 38°fH, then traditional powder, salt, and rinse aid products should be used separately for optimum wash results.

You only need to add salt if if the water hardness level is above 38°fH (French degrees), as the resin-based water softener needs salt to maintain its efficiency.  If you have one, we also recommend checking and cleaning the central softener for the household water supply.

Resin-based water softeners use salt to maintain their efficiency, and prevent the build-up of limescale.  The softener can be set according to the hardness of your water supply.  Please consult the manual for further information on how to do this.

You should only ever use special dishwasher salt, as it is very pure.  Table, cooking, rock, and sea salts may contain additives that can actually increase water hardness.  Also, the fine consistency of some of these salts mean they are likely to clog when wet, which could lead to various technical problems.

A rinse aid is added before the rinse cycle, and ensures that the water dries away properly and evenly to avoid leaving smears.

The rinse aid dispenser is especially designed for rinse aids, a slightly viscous substance.  Since vinegar is not as thick, certain technical problems may occur as a result.  If, however, you need to wash plates which are covered in fish or egg residue, you can add a spoonful to the tub before the wash cycle starts to get rid of the grease  and strong odors.

You can do this using kits available from reputable plumbing equipment suppliers.  These kits normally contain a special liquid, which, when added to water, will change color depending on the water hardness level.  You can also buy indicator tabs which just have to be placed in a glass of tap water for a few seconds.  These also work according to the color coding principle.

Not necessarily, although you would need to check that the water hardness level is at least 25°fH (French degrees) first. However, we recommend adding salt every time you use the dishwasher, as it helps the softener maintain its efficiency, and prevents marks from being left on your dishes.

You first have to check whether the items in question are dishwasher-safe, otherwise, they could become warped or bent out-of-shape.  If they are dishwasher-safe, plastic crockery and cutlery items should be placed in the top basket.  Please bear-in-mind that dryness levels may vary depending on the materials used in the products' manufacture.

All SMEG dishwashers are hot water-ready (max. 140°F) for further time and energy savings.

The Orbital Wash System, a feature of 24" SMEG dishwashers, consists of a double spray arm with contra-action rotation which distributes water evenly throughout the cavity.  This ensures excellent wash quality, and a greatly-reduced noise level.

Since SMEG 18" 10-place-setting dishwashers are more-rectangular rather than square in-shape, the normal circular spray arm does not adequately cover the front and back of the cavity.  The Shuttle System patented by SMEG overcomes this problem by shuttling the lower spray arm from front to back on a secondary supporting arm, ensuring optimum water distribution throughout the cavity, to deliver excellent wash results while maintaining low consumption of water and energy.

No, the latest SMEG dishwashers wash dirty dishes, pots, and cutlery extremely well thanks to programs which can reach 158°F, and advancements in washing powders.  However, it's always a good idea to scrape off food leftovers, such as bones, which can block the filter, and remove fatty residue from substances like cheese and sauces.  Rinsing your plates before putting them in the dishwasher is actually a waste of water.

Various SMEG models feature the Crystal Cycle, a light-but-effective program that runs at 113°F for delicate items.

SMEG dishwashers that have the Delay Function also have a cold Pre-Wash Function which starts automatically once the door has been closed.  The machine will stop and only restart at the pre-set time when this cycle is over.  This feature is exclusive to SMEG, and is particularly-helpful in that your dishes are rinsed before the full wash program, preventing food residue from drying on, and making washing more-difficult than it needs to be.

After several washes, we recommend placing a small amount of liquid detergent in the cutlery basket, and setting an Empty Load 149°F program.  When the wash is over, the tub and internal components will be sparkling clean.

This is not uncommon, and depends on the type of tablet used.  The latest 4"x1" or 5"x1" dishwasher tablets often leave residue, for instance. If you set a higher temperature (at least 140°F), then the tablets will dissolve better.