Last Updated on April 12, 2022 by
Best Dishwasher for Grease Removal
If your dishes are suddenly coming out with greasy residue, you need a good dishwasher for grease removal. Degrease means having to wash the dishes again by hand, which defeats the purpose of having your machine.
The best dishwasher for grease removal typically features good spray arms and can heat water to temperatures capable of generating dishes irrespective of the load. Reasonable maintenance culture is also important to optimize the performance of a degreasing dishwasher.
Most of the time, the water is not hot enough or the dishwasher is not spraying the water correctly. There are other possible problems, of course, which this article covers. And if you have to get a replacement, we have some recommendations for you.
Why is my dishwasher making my dishes greasy?
The first thing is to know why a dishwasher will not eliminate grease. If you already have a dishwasher or never used one, possible causes include the following:
Blocked dispenser
Not loading the dishwasher correctly will block the dispenser from flipping open. Make sure to clean the dispenser hole and the cap or door using a damp fabric.
Unclog the dispenser, making sure it is completely free of gunk. Replace the cap or door and perform a test wash.
This fix removes any detergent buildup that clogged the dispenser.
Loading food-covered dishes
If you put dishes covered with food, the machine will not optimally wash. Remove heavy food remains before loading the dishes.
Clean the seal
Dishwasher seal keeps the water inside your dishwasher from spilling all over the floor. Clean it monthly using warm water. Wipe down the seal with a clean, dry fabric.
Clogged spray arms
Dishwasher spray arms can be the culprit. Clean the spray arms every 6 months or so. You could use a toothpick to pry food remains from the sprayer holes to increase the amount of water coming out, thus, maximizing cleaning power.
Dead thermostat
If the thermostat is dead, order a replacement from Amazon. This could be the culprit but only if the technician confirms so.
Low salt
Dishwasher salt helps for optimal cleaning results. It softens the water entering the dishwasher, especially if you live in a hard water area.
Meanwhile, according to Bosch, water hardness above 9 °E must be softened to avoid damaging your dishwasher.
The lime in hard water is the reason it is difficult for the detergent to dissolve, which results in greasy cleaning results.
Low-quality detergent
If your detergent is not powerful enough for grease removal, you would be getting greasy plates.
A good detergent helps to maintain a years-long running dishwasher in great condition. Ensure to buy budget-priced pods as well as generic liquid or solid detergent, as recommended for your dishwasher.
The water
Either the hot water in the dishwasher or the hot water tank is not hot enough. The heating element of the dishwasher could also be the culprit.
Water entering the dishwasher should be at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 49 degrees Celsius. If this is not the case, the heating element is bad. Water will not come heated as required, leaving greasy dishes after the wash cycle.
Clogged filter
CNET suggests cleaning your dishwasher filter. Inspect the filter at the bottom of the tub for clogging.
Stopping greasy dishes in your dishwasher
A dishwasher may not be as effective in some ways as handwashing. However, it ensures convenience, efficiency, and, sometimes, perfection.
There is this joke about women cleaning their dishes before loading them in the dishwasher. This may seem redundant but rinsing the majority of the food off the dishes helps to maximize performance during a wash cycle.
Scrape excess food into the trash using running water and a soapy sponge.
How you load the dishes is another thing, and also determines if the dishes come out greasy or not.
For instance, a large pot in a portable dishwasher may block the machine from cleaning well on the top rack. You simply put them after the first wash cycle.
If the utensils are still greasy, you want to check the soap dispenser. If the dispenser is not the problem, you call a repairman to diagnose the problem.
Otherwise, you inform the manufacturer to cover any repairs if your warranty coverage is still valid. If your dishwasher has aged, getting a replacement dishwasher for grease removal is your final resort.
Best dishwasher for grease removal
This section of the publication recommends the dishwashers you need for grease removal. Cheapies will save you more money but investing a bit more ensures reliability.
FRIGIDAIRE FFBD1831US Dishwasher, 18 inches, Stainless Steel
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FRIGIDAIRE FFBD1831US is an 18-inch dishwasher you want for tough grease removal on your dishes and glassware.
Apart from its grease-removing specialty, it offers the following:
Spray system
This is a dual spray arm machine for the most squeaky clean wash. The bottom and top racks use a dual spray arm system that ensures not just thorough cleaning but a hygienic result for your healthy well-being.
Capacity
This dishwasher packs up to 8 place settings that clean in one wash. This is more than most dishwashers designed for grease removal.
Heated dry option
If you need your dishes dried immediately after a wash cycle, the FFBD1831US is your solution. You no longer have to rely on air dry, which typically takes longer. Whereas, FFBD1831US produces heated air to quickly dry your wet dishes.
Sanitize cycle
With the sanitize cycle, your dishes are healthily cleaned, safe for both babies and adults. This machine is also certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
Cleaning options
Up to 6 powerful cleaning options. User-friendly and smart. Each of the cleaning cycle options efficiently consumes energy to save cost.
Noise
Not the quietest but you can expect quietness at 52 dBA. This dishwasher runs quiet enough irrespective of the loads you throw at it.
ADA compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act has certified this one for you. It also meets the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guideline for a dishwasher.
Pros:
Energy efficiency
This is an Energy Star-rated machine designed to optimize your energy and money savings. Basically, you are spending less for more due to its efficiency.
Capacity
With up to 8 place settings, you can throw your most dishes at it.
Certifications
As mentioned earlier, this is an Energy Star, NSF, and ADA compliant machine.
Cons:
Like any dishwasher, this has its downside:
No adapter hose
It does not arrive with the adapter hose your plumber needs.
Food grinder
There is no food grinder in this machine.
No fingerprint resistance
The body is not coated to resist your touch stains.
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Kalamera Built-in Dishwasher, 24-inch Dishwasher with 12/14 Place Settings, 6 Wash Cycles, and 4 Temperature + Sanitize Option, Energy Save with Low Water Consumption and Quiet Operation
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There is a lot about Kalamera you need to know. This dishwasher offers the following:
Capacity
Up to 24 in. height, and designed for cleaning multiple dishes at the same time. It accommodates all kinds of plates, cutlery, and other cookware in the upper and lower racks.
Wash cycles
With its 6 wash cycles, including auto, normal, express, heavy, and more, you get the squeaky clean dishes you long for from a dishwasher.
Heated dry
No need to manually open your dishwasher door for air drying. The heated dry feature is designed to heat and sanitize at the same time, so this is baby-safe.
User interface
This is a user-friendly machine with a touch-sensitive interface for effortless operation. It is thoughtfully designed to save your time.
Noise
At 45 dB, you can say that the sound is smooth enough for your dishwasher. You can have it run at night without disturbing the serenity of your apartment. Thanks to its pre-installed sound insulating pads.
Warranty
1 year limited warranty. Not the lengthiest but worth it for a dishwasher that will serve you reliably for years.
Pros:
Ultra-quiet
At a sound level of 45 dB, you can say it is quiet.
Ample space
This dishwasher measures 23.9 x 25.6 x 33.7 inches but can hold 12/14 place settings
Material
This is designed with stainless steel, not plastic.
Drying cycle
This unit features a heated drying cycle for your quickest drying of wet dishes and other cookware.
Cons:
It also has its downside for a dishwasher:
Power cord
No power cord is included, so you need to purchase it separately. Not the toughest thing you have to do.
Plastic tub
This machine uses a plastic tub and not stainless steel. However, Kalamera has stainless steel versions, perhaps, which would be available in the future as they promised.
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What is a good degreaser for a dishwasher?
A dishwasher is not the only culprit here, detergents can as well be, so you need to buy only reliable detergent to maximize the machine’s operation.
Consider the dishwasher detergents below:
Finish – Quantum with Activblu technology – 37 ct – Dishwasher Detergent – Powerball – Ultimate Clean and Shine – Dishwashing Tablets – Dish Tabs
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The finish is a top name in the industry that understands what your dishwasher needs to get rid of grease in the dishes. It is built with the following:
Activblu technology
This Finish detergent contains the unique Activblu technology that triggers the next level of clean. The result is always superior clean and shine.
Dissolving chambers
The Finish Quantum uses 3 separate fast-dissolving chambers designed to break down and eliminate stubborn grease from your dishes to boost shine.
Powder
Uses an advanced powder with bleach for eliminating grease from dishes. You do not have to pre-soak or pre-rinse for this formula to clean, even in short cycles.
Chamber tab
Its 3 separate chamber tabs work together to handle greasy dishes if you decide to load dishes overnight.
Powerball
Uses liquid powerball for power actions that deliver a finishing boost of shine.
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Cascade Free & Clear Dishwasher Detergent ActionPacs, Lemon Essence, 37 Count
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Cascade is offering this 37 count dishwasher detergent with the following grease-cleaning features:
Biobased formula
Each unique formula tackles greasy dishes like they are the softest stains on dishes. Thanks to its biobased and other thoughtfully selected ingredients.
It does not contain phosphates, bleach, or heavy perfumes.
Dissolvent
Can fight and dissolve grease faster than most dishwasher detergents.
Convenience
Its actionpac is simple and not finicky.
Efficiency
With this detergent, you can save up to 15 gallons of water in every dishwasher load. Do not worry, grease is eliminated perfectly still.
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How do you fix a greasy dishwasher?
Getting non-greasy dishes is not only a matter of buying a replacement dishwasher. The simple maintenance tips below could also significantly degrease dishes:
- Prepare the cleaning supplies. The needed dishwasher cleaning supplies include distilled white vinegar, warm water, toothpick, microfiber fabric, toothbrush, baking soda, and rubber gloves.
- Remove the utensil holders, filter, and racks. Start by taking down the utensil holders, filter, and dishwasher racks. Some filters require screwdrivers to remove them. Store the components in a bucket of warm water with 1 cup of white distilled vinegar and allow to soak for up to 30 minutes.
- Clean the gunk/grease. With a clear line of sight of the dishwasher, look for debris and dirt stuck in it. Carefully clean the sidewalls and spray arms, focusing on the top and bottom corners.
- Clean the filter and dispenser. Use a toothpick and toothbrush to lift dirt off the tiny holes and slots where water sprays out.
- Start a hot water cycle in the dishwasher. You also need to add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to the bottom of your dishwasher. Let the machine run on a hot water cycle so that vinegar breaks down tiny bits of food remains, soap scum, grime, grease, etc., responsible for greasy dishes.
- Start another short wash cycle using baking soda. After the hot water cycle, take out the bowl and sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda at the bottom of the dishwasher and start a short cycle. Baking soda will freshen the dishwasher, eliminating grease and other debris.
Refer to your owner’s manual for additional guidelines to fix a greasy dishwasher. You would also be able to troubleshoot other basic problems you can DIY without inviting a repairman.
Note that most dishwasher manufacturers provide online resources you can refer to if you misplace your manual. Simply search the model of your dishwasher on the manufacturer’s website.
