Dishwasher

Ever wondered how a dishwasher works?

A dishwasher is a mechanical device for cleaning eating utensils. The mechanical dishwasher cleans by spraying hot water, typically between 55 to 75 °C at the dishes, followed by clean water to remove the detergent. The heat inside the dishwasher dries the contents after the final hot rinse. Some dishwashers incorporate a fan to improve drying.

Video of dishwasher at work.

Items soiled by wax, cigarette ash or anything which might contaminate the rest of the wash load (such as poisons or mineral oils) should not be put in a dishwasher. Objects contaminated by solvents like thinner may explode in a dishwasher. Glued items, such as some cutlery handles or wooden cutting boards, may be melted or softened if dishwashed.

An interesting piece of history:
The modern dishwasher is a descendent from a mechanical dishwasher invented by Josephine Cochrane, which was first introduced to the world in the 1893 Chicago World Fair. She never washed dishes herself and only invented the dishwasher because her servants were chipping her fine china.

Trivia:
Dishwashers can also be used in cooking some foods, particularly salmon (as posted on some recipe websites). It's very important that all foods are completely sealed in a wrap such as aluminum foil to avoid contamination with soaps or rinse aids.