Cleaning Experts Agree—You Should Be Using This Overlooked Dishwasher Setting More Often
Plus some additional close contenders worth mentioning.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The sanitize cycle is a hidden gem that uses high heat to eliminate 99.9% of germs, making it perfect for items like cutting boards and baby bottles.
- Eco mode can cut energy bills by up to 30% using lower temps and longer soaks—great for light loads and eco-minded homes.
- Delay Start and Half-Load let you wash on your schedule and save energy, especially when loads are light or quiet matters.
One of the most practical inventions in modern history has to be the dishwasher. A true daily workhorse, this kitchen contraption takes care of the messy work and produces sparkling clean dishes like magic. Today’s versions come with more bells and whistles than you may realize, and there’s one feature in particular you might just be under using (or not using at all).
Here, we break down the dishwasher setting you’re probably overlooking, plus how to make the most of every setting your machine offers.
Why the “Sanitize Cycle” Deserves More Love
When’s the last time you used the ‘sanitize’ setting on your dishwasher? The underrated setting is a dishwasher superpower, zapping grime while delivering the cleanest, sparkliest dishes. On your dishwasher, it’s often referred to as sanitize, sani rinse, or high temp.
“This cycle raises the water temperature to around 150 to 160°F to kill bacteria and germs on your dishes,” explains Alicia Sokolowski, cleaning expert and president of AspenClean. “It eliminates more bacteria and viruses than the standard wash, making it great for cutting boards, baby bottles, and cutting utensils.”
Trish Duarte, cleaning expert and owner of MaidPro Temecula and Murrieta, agrees this is a game-changer setting that often flies under the radar. A normal dishwasher cycle heats water to about 120 to 140°F, which is enough for basic cleaning but not always enough to dissolve everything.
“Sani rinse cranks the final rinse to at least 150°F for 10 minutes, giving the heat time to dissolve clingy, hydrophobic oils from citrus or creams that bond with detergent residue, rinse everything away, and zap 99.9% of bacteria,” she says. “Think hospital-grade clean without bleach.”
Robin Murphy, cleaning expert and chief cleaning officer of Maid Brigade, echoes all the above. She adds that it even helps keep the interior cleaner of your dishwasher clean and prevents sour, musty odors.
TIP
If you don’t want to use this cycle every time, prioritize it for heavy loads or dishes that come into contact with raw food.
Other Dishwasher Settings You’re Probably Forgetting About
Your dishwasher holds even more surprises. Here are a few additional settings that don’t get enough love.
Eco Mode
Ideal for light to moderate dishwasher loads, eco mode saves both water and energy without sacrificing cleanliness. “The cycle uses lower temperatures and longer soaking times to break down grease naturally, meaning you’re saving on your electricity bill at least by 30% while being kinder to the planet,” says Claudia Meneses, cleaning expert and founder of Avanti Green Eco Cleaning. “To find it, look for a small leaf icon or the word ‘eco’ on your dishwasher. Sometimes it is also hidden under settings options.”
Delay Start
This dishwasher setting allows you to program your dishwasher’s run time for when you’re either asleep or aren’t home. This is an especially helpful setting if you want to keep the kitchen quieter when you’re cooking, hosting, or spending time in the kitchen. Duarte says you can also use the delay start feature so your dishwasher only runs during off-peak electricity hours.
Half-Load
Also referred to as a “zone wash,” this dishwasher feature allows you to wash a smaller load, or target just the top or bottom rack without running a full cycle. “It’s highly efficient, saving water, energy, and detergent, and is perfect for lightly soiled dishes when you don’t have a full load to run,” Sokolowski says.
Source: Real Simple This article was originally published by Real Simple on November 23, 2025. Cleaning Experts Agree – You Should Be Using This Overlooked Dishwasher Setting More Often
