EP2756789A2

EP2756789A2 - Method of washing dishes

Info

Publication number: EP2756789A2
Application number: EP14156731.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Domenico Marini; Silvia Barus; Gianluca Benedetto
Original assignee: Indesit Co SpA
Current assignee: Whirlpool EMEA SpA
Priority date: 2012-12-28
Filing date: 2014-02-26
Publication date: 2014-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 2034-02-26
Also published as: EP2756789A3; EP2756789B1

Abstract

A method of washing dishes by means of a dishwasher, comprising a plurality of racks placed in a washing compartment and intended to support the dishes during the wash, said method being characterised in that the dishwasher implements a procedure comprising the steps of:
a) selecting the wash parameters according to at least:
- a first input concerning the type of cycle to be implemented, said first input being selectable from a discrete list;
- a second input concerning the rack on which the dishes to be washed are positioned;

b) performing the wash.

Description

The subject of the present invention is a method of washing dishes by means of a dishwasher.
A dishwasher is known comprising a plurality of racks positioned one above another and located in a washing compartment.
In order to perform the washing of the dishes the user arranges them by distributing them over the various racks. During washing the liquid on the bottom of the washing compartment is taken by a pump and made to travel through two rotating sprayers equipped with holes which direct the jets of water towards the dishes.
An object of the present invention is to make available to a user the possibility of carrying out specific washing cycles so as to permit better flexibility of use.
This object and others besides, which will more fully emerge during the course of the description which follows, are achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by a method of washing dishes having structural and functional characteristics in accordance with the accompanying independent claims, further embodiments of the invention being identified in the accompanying and corresponding dependent claims.
The invention is illustrated in greater detail below, with the aid of the drawings, which represent a purely exemplary and non-limiting embodiment thereof.
Figures 1-4 show examples of washing cycles according to the present invention and show a qualitative pattern of temperature as a function of time (expressed in minutes and shown on the horizontal axis).
The subject of the present invention is a method of washing dishes by means of a dishwasher. This dishwasher comprises a plurality of racks positioned in a washing compartment. These racks are designed to support the dishes during washing. Opportunely the dishwasher comprises a first and a second rack, the second rack being situated above the first rack. The first rack is the lowest rack of the dishwasher. The second rack is typically the second rack from the bottom. Opportunely the dishwasher also comprises a first and a second sprayer. The first sprayer is positioned below the first rack.
The second sprayer is positioned between the first and the second rack.
Opportunely there could be a third rack positioned above the second rack. Opportunely there could be a third sprayer positioned above the third rack (usually the third sprayer is shaped like a sprinkler).
The method provides for the dishwasher selecting the washing parameters according to at least:

a first input relating to the type of cycle to be implemented, said first input being selectable from a discrete list;
a second input relating to which is the rack in which are positioned the dishes to be washed (or at any rate on which it is intended to concentrate the washing action).

The method furthermore provides for performing the washing.
Selecting said second input makes the cycle identified by the first input more intensive or faster or more economical (in terms of washing liquid and energy consumption). By introducing the second input the cycle becomes faster or more economical or more intensive depending on the type of cycle selected with the first input.
At the base of the method according to the present invention is the fact that the dishes to be washed are positioned on a specific rack selected through the second input. In this way the cycle will be reparametrized to allow optimum washing of the dishes in the selected rack. The dishwasher will concentrate its resources on carrying out the washing of the dishes placed in the selected rack, neglecting the wash, however, in other areas of the washing compartment. In order to carry out this optimisation the second input preferably makes it possible to select one rack at a time. The second input therefore makes it possible to select one washing area inside the washing compartment. The step of performing the wash therefore provides for performing a wash wherein the dishes are positioned on only one of the racks of the dishwasher.
The first input can be selected from a predetermined list of washing cycles. This predetermined list can comprise one or more of the following cycles: fast cycle (in which speed of execution of the cycles is privileged), intensive cycle (which will have a longer duration than the fast cycle and which constitutes a vigorous cycle to optimise the cleaning of the dishes), and normal cycle (a cycle which allows a compromise between the two indicated above). The intensive cycle is the most vigorous selectable among those selectable in the predetermined list.
In an exemplary, but not limiting, solution the first input can be selectable using a first dedicated selector (for example a knob or keys).
The introduction of said second input in the case in which said fast cycle is selected as first input causes a shortening of the washing cycle (compared with the cycle in which the fast cycle is selected as first input and the second input is not selected).
The introduction of said second input, in the case in which said intensive cycle is chosen as first input, causes: an increase in the maximum temperature reached by the washing liquid and/or a lengthening of the washing cycle time and/or an increase in particular steps or sub-steps of the dispensing pressure to the sprayers (even in this case the variations are to be considered as referring to a similar cycle without the second input being specified).
Please refer to the cycle indicated in figure 1 which refers to a situation where the second input has been selected and in which the above-indicated "normal cycle" has been selected as first input.
In this case the step of performing the wash comprises in turn a plurality of steps.
A first step (indicated by the reference number 11 in figure 1) provides for performing a pre-wash comprising the sub-steps of:

loading into the washing compartment a washing liquid (see reference 11a; it is emphasised that in figures 1-4 the steps of loading and unloading have been schematised respectively as dashed lines and as down arrows; do not refer to the temperature values shown during the above steps);
spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment (see reference 11b);
unloading said washing liquid from the washing compartment (see reference 11c).

Opportunely the step of performing the pre-wash is carried out without performing a heating of the washing liquid; opportunely the pre-wash is carried out without the use of detergents in the washing liquid; opportunely during the pre-wash the duration of the step of spraying the dishes is comprised between 9 and 12 minutes.
A second step (see reference 12 in figure 1) provides for performing a removal of dirt from the dishes. This comprises the sub-steps of:

loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment (see reference 12a).
heating the washing liquid until a sensor detects a predetermined target temperature less than or equal to 51 C; the sensor is positioned in the washing compartment; opportunely this sub-step has a duration comprised between 15 and 17 minutes; said sub-step is at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the bottom of the washing compartment (see reference 12b);
performing temperature maintenance of the washing liquid in a predetermined range containing the predetermined target temperature; opportunely this sub-step has a duration comprised between 23 and 30 minutes; said sub-step is at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment (see reference 12c) ;
unloading the washing liquid (see reference 12d).

A third step provides for performing a first rinse of the dishes (see reference 13); opportunely this step provides for the use of network water, opportunely the network water used during the first rinse is not heated by the use of a heating element located in the washing compartment (as it enters the compartment which is still hot, it does however undergo heating nevertheless).
A fourth step provides for performing a second heating of the dishes (see reference 14) comprising the steps of:

loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment (see reference 14a);
heating the washing liquid until the sensor detects that a predetermined target temperature comprised between 65 °C and 70 °C, and preferably about 68 °C, has been reached; the duration of the heating sub-step is opportunely comprised between 18 and 20 minutes; opportunely during said heating sub-step, finisher is added to the washing liquid; said heating sub-step is at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes positioned in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment (see reference 14b);
unloading the washing liquid (see reference 14c).

The cycle of figure 1 is particularly effective when it is necessary to wash only a few dishes. In this way, without having to wait for the full load, it is possible to wash the cutlery and plates used for cooking for rapid reuse, avoiding the formation of bad odours.
In the above-indicated cycle (exemplified in figure 1), when the first (lower) rack is selected as second input, the dishes are sprayed for over 75% of the time by the first sprayer. The second sprayer is used only sporadically to dissolve the detergent better in the dispenser and to assist the washing of any cutlery positioned vertically in the first rack. When the second rack is selected as second input, spraying is carried out for most of the time by the second sprayer, possibly alternating with the third sprayer (which as described above is located above the second rack). The first sprayer is not used.
When the third rack is selected as second input, spraying is carried out by alternating between the second and the third sprayer. The first sprayer is not used.
Please refer now to the solution schematised in figure 2. It refers to a situation where the second input has been selected and in which the above-indicated "fast cycle" has been selected as first input.
The step of performing the wash comprises a plurality of steps as described below.
A first step (see reference 21) provides for removing the dirt from the dishes and this first step comprises the sub-steps of:

loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment (see reference 21a);
heating the washing liquid (see reference 21b) until a sensor detects that a predetermined target temperature comprised between 45 °C and 50 °C has been reached, said sensor being positioned in the washing compartment; the heating sub-step is at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment; sub-step 21b has a duration comprised between 14 and 16 minutes; the liquid used for spraying the dishes opportunely comprises water and detergent;
performing temperature maintenance (see reference 21c) of the washing liquid in a predetermined range containing the predetermined target temperature; said sub-step is at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes positioned in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment; sub-step 21c has a duration comprised between 1 and 3 minutes;
unloading the washing liquid (see reference 21d).

A second step (see reference 22) provides for rinsing the dishes and in turn comprises the sub-steps of:

loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment (see reference 22a);
heating the washing liquid (see reference 22b) until the sensor detects that a predetermined target temperature comprised between 60 °C and 65 °C, preferably about 62 °C, has been reached; said heating sub-step takes a time interval of less than 13 minutes; said sub-step is at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;

possibly performing temperature maintenance of the washing liquid in a predetermined range containing the predetermined target temperature (see reference 22c); the temperature maintenance sub-step is at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment; the temperature maintenance sub-step 22c has a duration of less than 1 minute;
unloading the washing liquid (see reference 22d).

The cycle of figure 2 allows a significant time saving when it is necessary to wash only a few dishes. In this way, without having to wait for the full load, it is possible to wash the cutlery and plates used for cooking for rapid reuse, avoiding the formation of bad odours.
Please refer now to the cycle described in figures 3 and 4.
The cycle of figure 3 is performed when the intensive cycle indicated above is selected as first input and the lower rack or the third rack (always assuming it is present) is selected as second input. The cycle of figure 4 is performed when the intensive cycle indicated above is selected as first input and the second rack from the bottom of the dishwasher is selected as second input.
Opportunely the selection of said second input causes a lengthening of the intensive cycle comprised between 10% and 50%.
The selection of said second input causes furthermore an increase in the maximum temperature of the washing cycle (preferably this increase is comprised between 3 °C and 7 °C). The cycles of figures 3 and 4 make it possible to obtain a vigorous treatment for eliminating with maximum efficiency even the incrustations which are hardest to defeat, such as dirt nestling in pans and certain cutlery, without carrying out a hand prewash.
The step of performing the wash comprises a plurality of steps described below.
A first step (see reference 31) provides for removing the dirt from the dishes and this first step comprises the sub-steps of:

loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment (see reference 31a);
performing a first heating of the washing liquid until a sensor detects a first target temperature greater than or equal to 45 C, said sensor being positioned in the washing compartment (see reference 31b); opportunely carrying out the first heating has a duration greater than or equal to 13 minutes;
performing a first maintenance of the temperature of the washing liquid in a first predetermined range containing the first target temperature, said first maintenance having a duration greater than or equal to 10 minutes (see reference 31c);
performing a second heating of the washing liquid until the sensor detects a first target temperature greater than or equal to 55 °C, said sensor being positioned in the washing compartment (see reference 31d);
performing a second maintenance of the temperature of the washing liquid in a second predetermined range containing the second target temperature, said second maintenance being greater than or equal to 12 minutes (see reference 31e);
performing a third heating of the washing liquid until a sensor detects a third target temperature greater than or equal to 70 °C, said sensor being positioned in the washing compartment (see reference 31f);
performing a third maintenance of the temperature of the washing liquid in a third predetermined range containing the third target temperature; said third maintenance having a duration greater than or equal to 22 minutes (see reference 31g);
at least partially unloading the washing liquid; said first, second and third heating and said first, second and third temperature maintenance being at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment (see reference 31h);

A second step (see reference 32) provides for performing a first rinse of the dishes comprising the steps of:

loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment (see reference 32a);
spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment (see reference 32b); opportunely the duration of this sub-step is comprised between 9 and 11 minutes;
unloading the washing liquid (see reference 32c).

A third step (see reference 33) provides for carrying out a second rinse of the dishes and in turn comprises the steps of:

loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment (see reference 33a);
spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment (see reference 33b); opportunely the duration of this sub-step is comprised between 7 and 9 minutes;
unloading the washing liquid (see reference 33c). With reference to the solution of figure 3, the step of performing a second rinse is followed by a step of performing a third rinse of the dishes, in turn comprising the sub-steps of:
loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment (see reference 34a);
heating the washing liquid until the sensor detects that a predetermined target temperature less than or equal to 71 °C is reached (see reference 34b); said sub-step is at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;
possibly (see reference 34c) performing temperature maintenance of the washing liquid in a predetermined range containing the predetermined target temperature; the maintenance sub-step is at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment; the temperature maintenance sub-step 34c has a duration of less than 1 minute;
unloading the washing liquid (see reference 34d).

With reference to figure 4 the step of removing the dirt from the dishes is preceded at least by the step of performing a pre-wash (see reference 36) in turn comprising:

loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment (see reference 36a);
spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment; said step being at least partially simultaneous with or subsequent to the step of heating the washing liquid by means of an electrical heating element (see reference 36b); the step of heating the washing liquid provides for increasing the temperature of the washing liquid (preferably up to about 45 °C), but also a step (see reference 36c) of maintaining a predetermined target temperature (during this maintenance step the heating element is connected/disconnected as commanded by the temperature sensor);
unloading said washing liquid from the washing compartment (see reference 36d).

Still with reference to figure 4, the step of performing the first rinse (see reference 32) provides for heating the washing liquid placed in the compartment until the sensor detects a predetermined target temperature greater than or equal to 60 °C (see reference 32b).
Possibly this heating is followed by a maintenance of the temperature of the washing liquid in a first predetermined range containing the predetermined target temperature (see reference 32d); opportunely said temperature maintenance has a duration comprised between 4 and 6 minutes.
Still with reference to figure 4, the step of performing the second rinse (see reference 33) provides for heating a washing liquid placed in the compartment at least until a sensor detects a predetermined target temperature comprised between 65 °C and 75 °C (see reference 33d).
Possibly this heating is followed by a maintenance of the temperature of the washing liquid in a predetermined range containing the predetermined target temperature (see reference 33e); opportunely said temperature maintenance has a duration of less than 1 minute; preferably it is about 30 seconds.
In the above-indicated cycle (exemplified in figure 3), when the first (lower) rack is selected as second input, the dishes are sprayed for over 75% of the time (preferably for 100%) by the first sprayer. The second sprayer, however, is not used. When the second rack is selected as second input, spraying is carried out for most of the time by the second sprayer, possibly alternating with the third sprayer (which as described above is located above the second rack). The first sprayer is not used.
When the third rack is selected as second input, spraying is carried out by performing an alternation between the second and the third sprayer. The first sprayer is not used.
The present invention enables many advantages to be achieved.
In the first place it makes it possible to concentrate the washing action on a specific rack, and this makes it possible to obtain an action aimed at the dirt, reducing wastes of time and energy.
The invention as conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept which characterises it. Furthermore all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all the materials used, as well as the dimensions, can be any according to requirements.
Please refer to figure 4.
A subject of the present invention is a method of removing dirt from dishes placed on a first rack of a dishwasher. Opportunely the first rack inside a washing compartment is located above a lower rack of the dishwasher. Dishwashers are in fact known comprising a plurality of racks: for example, besides the lower rack and the first rack there could also be an upper rack located above the first rack. Typically the dishwasher comprises:

a first sprayer located in the washing compartment below the lower rack;
a second sprayer located in the washing compartment between the first rack and the lower rack.

Possibly the dishwasher can comprise a sprinkler for spraying the washing compartment, which is located above the first rack (and usually also the upper rack). The method envisages that the dishwasher should implement a programme of dirt removal comprising the step of carrying out a wash (see reference 31) of the dishes.
The step of carrying out said wash in turn comprises the sub-step of:

loading into the washing compartment a washing liquid (see reference 31a; it is emphasised that in figure 4 the steps of loading and unloading have been schematised respectively as dashed lines and as down arrows; do not refer to the temperature values shown during the above steps);
performing a first heating of the washing liquid until a sensor detects a first target temperature, said sensor being positioned in the washing compartment (see reference 31b);
performing a first temperature maintenance of the washing liquid, during said first maintenance the temperature detected by the sensor being maintained within a first predetermined range containing the first target temperature (see reference 31c);
performing a second heating of the washing liquid until the sensor detects a second target temperature (see reference 31d);
performing a second temperature maintenance of the washing liquid, during said second maintenance the temperature detected by the sensor being maintained within a second predetermined range containing the second target temperature (see reference 31e);
performing a third heating of the washing liquid until the sensor detects a third target temperature (see reference 31f);
performing a third temperature maintenance of the washing liquid, during said third maintenance the temperature detected by the sensor being maintained within a third predetermined range containing the third target temperature (see reference 31g);
at least partially unloading the washing liquid (see reference 31h); said first, second and third heating and said first, second and third maintenance being at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the bottom of the washing compartment.

As exemplified in the accompanying drawing during the sub-step of performing the first heating (see reference 31b), said first target temperature is greater than or equal to 45 °C; Opportunely performing the first heating has a duration greater than or equal to 13 minutes.
The first maintenance (see reference 31c) has a duration greater than or equal to 10 minutes.
During the sub-step of performing the second heating (see reference 31d) said second target temperature is greater than or equal to 55 °C. The second heating has a duration greater than or equal to 5 minutes.
The second maintenance (see reference 31e) has a duration greater than or equal to 12 minutes.
During the sub-step of performing the third heating (see reference 31f) said third target temperature is greater than or equal to 70 °C. Opportunely the third heating has a duration greater than or equal to 7 minutes.
The third maintenance (see reference 31g) has a duration greater than or equal to 22 minutes.
The programme for removing dirt from the dishes comprises the step of performing a pre-wash. The pre-wash precedes said wash and in turn comprises the sub-steps of:

loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment (see reference 36a);
spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment (see reference 36b); this sub-step being at least partially simultaneous with or subsequent to a sub-step of heating the washing liquid by means of an electrical heating element (opportunely the spraying occurs during the entire pre-wash); the sub-step of heating 36b the washing liquid provides for increasing the temperature of the washing liquid (preferably up to about 45 °C), but also a sub-step (see reference 36c) of maintaining a target temperature (during this maintenance sub-step the heating element is connected/disconnected as commanded by the temperature sensor);
unloading said washing liquid from the washing compartment (see reference 36d).

Performing a pre-wash with a heated washing liquid is in fact very important for the dishes placed on the first rack. In fact the Applicant has verified that typically there are dishes placed on the first rack such a breakfast cups with residues of milk or coffee, or glasses with lipstick residues etc. In such cases in order to be able to carry out an effective wash it is very important to be able to carry out a hot pre-wash immediately, a cold pre-wash however proving ineffective and indeed counterproductive.
With reference to figure 4, the method comprises furthermore the step of performing a first rinse of the dishes (see reference 32), in turn comprising the sub-steps of:

loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment (see reference 32a);
spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;
unloading the washing liquid (see reference 32c).

The method comprises furthermore the step of performing a second heating of the dishes (see reference 33) comprising the sub-steps of:

loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment (see reference 33a);
spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;
unloading the washing liquid (see reference 33c).

The step of performing the first and/or the second rinse is subsequent to the step of performing said wash.
In more detail, the step of performing the first rinse provides for heating the washing liquid placed in the compartment until the sensor detects a target temperature greater than or equal to 60 °C (see reference 32b); Possibly this heating is followed by a maintenance of the temperature of the washing liquid in a first predetermined range containing the target temperature (see reference 32d); opportunely said temperature maintenance has a duration comprised between 4 and 6 minutes. The spraying of the dishes during the first rinse is at least in part simultaneous with the heating and/or temperature maintenance of the washing liquid.
The step of performing the second rinse provides for heating the washing liquid placed in the compartment until a sensor detects a target temperature comprised between 65 °C and 75 °C (see reference 33d). Possibly this heating is followed by a maintenance of the temperature of the washing liquid in a predetermined range containing the target temperature (see reference 33e); opportunely said temperature maintenance has a duration of less than 1 minute, preferably being about 30 seconds. The spraying of the dishes during the second rinse is at least in part simultaneous with the heating and/or temperature maintenance of the washing liquid.
The sub-step of spraying the dishes during said pre-wash and during said wash is performed for at least 75% of the time by means of the sprayer interposed between the first rack and the lower rack.
Preferably the sub-step of spraying the dishes during said washing is performed by alternating the spraying of the liquid by the first sprayer and by the sprinkler located above the first rack. In this way the dishes are successfully hit both from below and from above, thus improving the washing action.
In order to achieve the programme of dirt removal indicated above, the method comprises furthermore a step of selecting the parameters of said programme of dirt removal, said step of selection providing at least for:

selecting, as a first input, a prestored program from a discrete list of selectable programs (opportunely the most intensive available);
selecting as second input a command to concentrate the cleaning action on the dishes positioned in said first rack.

During the washing of the dishes, the dishes inside the washing compartment are in fact placed only on said first rack.
The dishes to be washed are in fact positioned on a specific rack selected through the second input. In this way the standard cleaning programme selected through the first input will be reparametrized to allow an optimal cleaning programme for the dishes in the selected rack (in the case of the cleaning programme of the present invention, this means the first rack). The dishwasher will concentrate its resources on carrying out the cleaning of the dishes placed in the selected rack, neglecting however the washing in other areas of the washing compartment.
The discrete list from which the first input is selectable can comprise for example one or more of the following cycles: fast cycle (in which speed of execution of the cycle is privileged), intensive cycle (which will have a longer duration than the fast cycle and which constitutes a vigorous cycle to optimise the cleaning of the dishes), and normal cycle (a cycle which allows a compromise between the two indicated above). The intensive cycle is the most vigorous program among those selectable in said list. In an exemplary, but not limiting, solution the first input can be selectable using a first dedicated selector (for example a knob or keys).
Opportunely the selection of said second input causes a lengthening of the intensive cycle comprised between 10% and 50%.
The selection of said second input causes furthermore an increase in the maximum temperature of the washing cycle (preferably this increase is comprised between 3 °C and 7 °C). The cleaning programme for the dishes of figure 4 makes it possible to obtain a vigorous treatment to eliminate with maximum efficacy even the incrustations which are hardest to defeat, such as dirt nestling in pans and certain cutlery, without carrying out a hand prewash.
The present invention enables many advantages to be achieved. In the first place it makes it possible to concentrate the washing action on a specific rack, and this makes it possible to obtain an action aimed at the dirt, reducing time wasting.
The invention as conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variants, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept which characterises it. Furthermore all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all the materials used, as well as the dimensions, can be any according to requirements. An object of the present invention is to make available to a user the possibility of performing a specific wash cycle so as to permit a more effective washing action for dishes placed in predetermined areas of the washing compartment.

Claims

A method of washing dishes by means of a dishwasher comprising a plurality of racks placed in a washing compartment and intended to support the dishes during the wash, said method being characterised in that the dishwasher implements a procedure comprising the steps of:
a) selecting the wash parameters according to at least:
- a first input concerning the type of cycle to be implemented, said first input being selectable from a discrete list;

- a second input concerning which is the rack on which the dishes to be washed are positioned;

b) performing the wash.
The method according to claim 1, characterised in that the indication of said second input makes the wash cycle identified by the first input more intensive, or quicker or more efficient in terms of washing liquid and energy consumption.
The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the step of performing the wash envisages performing a wash wherein the dishes are only positioned on one of the dishwasher racks.
The method according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterised in thatsaid first input can be selected from a predetermined list of wash cycles comprising a fast cycle and an intensive cycle; the introduction of said second input in the event in which as the first input said quick cycle is selected shortens the wash cycle; the introduction of said second input in the event in which as the first cycle said intensive cycle is chosen increases the maximum temperature reached by the washing liquid, lengthens the wash cycle and increases, at least at predetermined times of the wash cycle, the washing liquid dispensing pressure within the compartment.
The method according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that performing the wash step comprises the steps of:
a) performing a pre-wash comprising the sub-steps of:
- loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment;

- spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;

- unloading said washing liquid from the washing compartment;

b) performing the removal of the dirt from the dishes comprising the sub-steps of:
- loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment;

- heating the washing liquid until a sensor detects a predetermined target temperature less than or equal to 51 °C, said sensor being positioned in the washing compartment, said sub-step being at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the bottom of the washing compartment;

- performing temperature maintenance of the washing liquid in a predetermined range containing the predetermined target temperature, said sub-step being at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the bottom of the washing compartment;

- unloading the washing liquid;

c) performing a first rinse of the dishes;

d) performing a second rinse of the dishes comprising the steps of:
- loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment;

- heating the washing liquid until the sensor detects that a predetermined target temperature less than or equal to 70 °C is reached; said sub-step is at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;

- unloading the washing liquid.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that performing the wash step comprises the steps of:
a) performing the removal of the dirt from the dishes, comprising the sub-steps of:
- loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment;

- heating the washing liquid until a sensor detects a predetermined target temperature comprised between 45 and 50 °C, said sensor being positioned in the washing compartment, said sub-step being at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;

- performing temperature maintenance of the washing liquid in a predetermined range containing the predetermined target temperature; said maintenance taking place for a period comprised between 1 and 3 minutes, said sub-step being at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;

- unloading the washing liquid;

d) performing a rinse of the dishes comprising the sub-steps of:
- loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment;

- heating the washing liquid until the sensor detects that a predetermined target temperature comprised between 60 °C and 65 °C is reached; said step affecting a time interval of less than 13 minutes, said sub-step being at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;

- unloading the washing liquid.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that performing the wash step comprises the steps of:
a) performing the removal of the dirt from the dishes, comprising the sub-steps of:
- loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment;

- performing a first heating of the washing liquid until a sensor detects a first target temperature greater than or equal to 45 °C, said sensor being positioned in the washing compartment;

- performing a first maintenance of the temperature of the washing liquid in a first predetermined range containing the first target temperature, said first maintenance having a duration greater than or equal to 10 minutes;

- performing a second heating of the washing liquid until the sensor detects a second target temperature greater than or equal to 55 °C.

- performing a second maintenance of the temperature of the washing liquid in a second predetermined range containing the second target temperature, said second maintenance being greater than or equal to 12 minutes;

- performing a third heating of the washing liquid until the sensor detects a third target temperature greater than or equal to 70°C;

- performing a third maintenance of the temperature of the washing liquid in a third predetermined range containing the third target temperature; said third maintenance having a duration greater than or equal to 22 minutes;

- at least partially unloading the washing liquid; said first, second and third heating and said first, second and third maintenance being at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;

b) performing a first rinse of the dishes comprising the steps of:
- loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment;

- spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;

- unloading the washing liquid;

c) performing a second rinse of the dishes comprising the steps of:
- loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment;

- spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;

- unloading the washing liquid.
The method according to claim 7, characterised in that the step of performing a second rinse is followed by a step of performing a third rinse of the dishes, in turn comprising the steps of:
- loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment;

- spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;

- heating the washing liquid until the sensor detects that a predetermined target temperature less than or equal to 71 C has been reached;

- unloading the washing liquid.
Method according to claim 7, characterised in that the step of removing the dirt from the dishes is preceded at least by the step of performing a pre-wash in turn comprising:
- loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment;

- spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment, said step being at least partially simultaneous with or subsequent to the step of heating the washing liquid through an electrical heating element;

- unloading said washing liquid from the washing compartment.
The method according to claim 7 or 9, characterised in that:
- the step of performing the first rinse envisages heating the washing liquid placed in the compartment until the sensor detects a predetermined target temperature greater than or equal to 60 °C;

- the step of performing the second rinse envisages heating the washing liquid placed in the compartment until the sensor detects a predetermined target temperature comprised between 65 °C and 75 °C.
Method for removing dirt from dishes placed on a first rack of a dishwasher; said method envisaging that the dishwasher performs a dirt removal program comprising the step of performing a wash of the dishes, said wash comprising the sub-steps of:
- loading a washing liquid into a washing compartment;

- performing a first heating of the washing liquid until a sensor detects a first target temperature, said sensor being positioned in the washing compartment;

- performing a first temperature maintenance of the washing liquid, during said first maintenance the temperature detected by the sensor being maintained within a first predetermined range containing the first target temperature;

- performing a second heating of the washing liquid until the sensor detects a second target temperature;

- performing a second temperature maintenance of the washing liquid, during said second maintenance the temperature detected by the sensor being maintained within a second predetermined range containing the second target temperature;

- performing a third heating of the washing liquid until the sensor detects a third target temperature;

- performing a third temperature maintenance of the washing liquid, during said third maintenance the temperature detected by the sensor being maintained within a third predetermined range containing the third target temperature;

- at least partially unloading the washing liquid; said first, second and third heating and said first, second and third maintenance being at least partially accompanied by the sub-step of spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment taking the washing liquid from the bottom of the washing compartment; characterised in that the programme for removing the dirt from the dishes comprises the step of performing a pre-wash that precedes the step of performing said wash; the step of performing the pre-wash in turn comprises the sub-steps of:

- loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment;

- spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the bottom of the washing compartment, this sub-step being at least partially simultaneous with or subsequent to the heating of the washing liquid through an electrical heating element;

- unloading said washing liquid from the washing compartment.
The method according to claim 11, characterised in that it comprises the steps of:
a) performing a first rinse of the dishes in turn comprising the sub-steps of:
- loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment;

- spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;

- unloading the washing liquid;

b) performing a second rinse of the dishes comprising the sub-steps of:
- loading a washing liquid into the washing compartment;

- spraying the dishes placed in the washing compartment, taking the washing liquid from the washing compartment;

- unloading the washing liquid.
The method according to claim 12, characterised in that:
- the step of performing the first rinse envisages heating the washing liquid placed in the compartment until the sensor detects a target temperature greater than or equal to 60 C;

- the step of performing the second rinse envisages heating the washing liquid placed in the compartment until the sensor detects a target temperature comprised between 65 °C and 75 °C.
Method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that during the wash of the dishes, the dishes within the washing compartment are only placed on said first rack.
Method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterised by comprising a selection step of said dirt removal program, said selection envisaging:
- selecting, as a first input, a prestored program available from a discrete list of selectable programs;

- selecting, as a second input, a command for concentrating the cleaning action of the dishes placed in said first rack, said second input modifying the parameters of the program selected with the first input.