Frequently Asked Questions About Dishwashers
By IFB | September 14, 2020
Q: What is a dishwasher?
A: A dishwasher is a washing machine for cleaning utensils. Unlike manual dishwashing, which relies largely on physical scrubbing to clean, IFB Dishwasher cleans by spraying 30-70°C hot water at the utensils, helped by IFB’s own Dishwasher Detergent and dried with steam. It is just like a washing machine that you use to wash clothes.
Q: Can a dishwasher clean Indian masala stains and heavy utensils like kadhai?
A: A dishwasher can easily clean all types of masala, oil stains and greasy food residue. IFB Dishwashers have various programs that ensure that all utensils, from Western to Indian, are hygienically washed.
Q: If we have to pre-rinse the dishes before loading them, what’s the use of buying a dishwasher?
A: You don’t have to pre-rinse the dishes. All you have to do is scrape off the leftovers from the dishes and load them in the dishwasher. Your IFB Dishwasher will do the rest.
Q: Does a dishwasher have space for my kadhai, patila and other large utensils?
A: With two baskets and cutlery tray, you can easily load your kadhais, pots, pans, plates, spoons, ladle, servers and glassware in an IFB Dishwasher.
Q: Is a dishwasher suitable for stainless steel utensils used in Indian homes or aluminum and bronze dishes?
A: An IFB Dishwasher is suitable for utensils such as stainless steel, glassware, bone china, microwaveable and dishwasher-safe plastics. Utensils like plastic casseroles, wood, and metal ones made of aluminum, copper, silver, gold and bronze should not be used in a dishwasher.
Q: Do dishwashers completely fill with water when cleaning the dishes and how do they scrub the dishes?
A: In an IFB Dishwasher, 360° powerful spray arms and shower sprays 70° Celsius hot water with high pressure to remove all the stubborn masala and oil stains, giving utensils a clean, hygienic wash without the need for scrubbing. This hands-free washing doesn’t affect and dry your hands like manual dishwashing.
Q. Will it take a lot of time to wash dishes in a dishwasher?
A: Loading a dishwasher takes only 5 minutes, and you are free to do other work while the dishwasher washes the utensils for you. On the other hand, it takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour for washing utensils by hand.
Q: What is the program duration in IFB dishwashers?
A: IFB Dishwashers have a minimum time of 18 minutes in Jet Wash, 30 minutes for Quick Wash and a maximum of 183 minutes for Auto Intensive program.
Q: Where do I place the dishwasher? It won’t fit in my kitchen!
A: The dishwasher fits into any Indian kitchen, requiring only 60 cm wide space. You can also install it in your balcony. Dishwasher can be placed next to the kitchen platform, under the kitchen slab, utility area or balcony.
Q: Will my electricity bill go up?
A: A dishwasher is highly energy-efficient and uses only 1 unit of energy for each wash (power consumption depends on program selected, load and inlet water temp.
Q: Will my water bill go up?
A: An IFB Dishwasher is highly water-efficient and uses just 9 litres for a wash in Eco program.
Q: Is it hygienic to wash baby bottles in it?
A: Its 70°C temperature wash kills up to 99.9% germs and is suitable for hygienically cleaning baby bottles as well.
Q: Can I use my normal detergent/liquid soap/handwash detergents in the dishwasher?
A: Normal detergents are not meant be used in dishwasher as they can’t give desired results. Normal detergents cause very high foam and may lead to dishwasher malfunction. It is recommended to use IFB Essentials Autodish Dishwashing Detergent, Autodish Rinse Aid and Dishwashing Salt or Dishwasher Tablets, which are tested for Indian cooking conditions.
Q: Where can I buy dishwasher detergent, salt and rinse aid?
A: You can place an order on https://www.ifbappliances.com/ifb-essentials/dish-care.
Q. The water hardness is more than 800 ppm. Will the dishwasher work?
A: Dishwashers are meant to work below 800 ppm. A higher level of water hardness will leave white mineral/calcium spots on the utensils. You can install an external water softener with a dishwasher to get good results.
Q: If there is a power failure, will the dishwasher need to be reloaded?
A: IFB Dishwashers are programmed with an Auto Restart feature. This means that they resume their wash cycle from where they left off upon resumption of power.
Q. Can I wash fewer utensils in the IFB Dishwasher?
A: Yes. IFB Dishwashers have a Flexi Half Load option for fewer dishes, which allows you to load utensils in lower rack, middle rack or top cutlery tray.
Q: What are the colours available in IFB Dishwasher?
A: Dark Silver, Inox Grey White, Silver-Stainless Steel Finish options are available in IFB Dishwasher range.
Q: What is the warranty on IFB Dishwasher?
A: IFB Dishwashers come with 2 years comprehensive warranty.
Q: Why doesn’t plasticware dry in dishwasher?
A: Plastic items are more difficult to dry because they have a lower thermal mass than ceramic or metal items in the dish load, causing them to cool faster than the other items during the drying cycle.
Q: What happens if I do not use Rinse Aid?
A: Utensils do not dry and develop a lot of water stains/white marks on them.
Q: Can a dishwasher clean burnt/charred milk or tea pans?
A: Burnt or charred utensils need extra effort. Just scrub off the area on the dishes before loading in the dishwasher.
Q: I am unable to load all the utensils in one go. Can I overload the dishwasher?
A: No. Please do not overload your dishwasher as it may block the movement of spray arms and restrict water flow to the utensils. This will reduce washing efficiency of the dishwasher and may cause damage to spray arms. You can run two to three wash cycles in a day depending on number of meals.
Q: Can I just put all utensils in the dishwasher randomly and start?
A: No. Load the IFB Dishwasher as per given instructions for best wash results.
Q: Do I need to clean the IFB Dishwasher or is there any maintenance involved?
A: Yes. Once a week, take out the filter and clean under tap water.
Q: How do I prevent odour in dishwasher?
A: Dishwasher is self cleaning appliance; it doesn’t need to be cleaned like a sink. However, once a week or when required, clean the filter. You can also keep the dishwasher door partially open after use for the moisture to vanish.
Q: What happens if I use normal kitchen salt in the dishwasher?
A: Kitchen salt contains other impurities that may spoil the internal water softener. This will result in white patches/film on vessels after wash.
Q: What is the purpose of the Tablet button on IFB Dishwasher?
A: When you activate Tablet button, dishwasher deactivates the Salt and Rinse Aid consumption. Even if the Salt and Rinse Aid are filled, they will not be used during the wash cycle.
Q: Can I use dishwasher for commercial purpose like hotel or restaurant?
A: Domestic dishwashers are designed for home use only. IFB also manufactures Industrial Dishwashers meant for commercial purposes where dishwashing load is higher.
Q: Why is foam on the bottom side of the dishwasher after completion of the program?
A: It is because detergent or rinse aid quality is not good, wrong rinse aid setting chosen or excessive detergent used in the dishwasher. If the supply to your dishwasher is of soft water, please reduce the detergent dosage and rinse aid settings.
Q: Why are water droplets present on dishes after using Quick Wash/Super Wash/Prewash?
A: Quick Wash/Super Wash/Prewash and other programs with less than 1 hour wash cycles do not have drying cycle. It is normal to see water droplets after using such short programs.
Q: Is there any dishwasher that can wash dishes with normal handwashing detergent?
A: No. One has to use the special dishwasher detergent, rinse aid and salt meant for dishwashers only.
Q: Is there a dishwasher model which has space to accommodate all utensils in one go?
A: Dishwasher sizes are mostly standard across all brands. IFB Neptune VX Plus and IFB Neptune SX1 are the largest dishwashers in India with up to 15 Place settings.
Q: Why are my plastic vessels deformed after washing in a dishwasher?
A: Those are non-heat-resistant plastic vessels and not meant to be washed in dishwashers. It is best to load dishwasher-safe utensils in it.
Q: Do I need to soak tea/milk/rice bowls before loading in a dishwasher?
A: If they extra sticky, it is good to soak them in water for a while to prevent stickiness and then load in the dishwasher. If the food has hardened or dried in the utensil, you can use prewash to moisten the dried food and clean them before washing. This will give the same effect as soaking the utensils.
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I just moved into an apartment which has a 582-1 new dishwasher, but no instructions. I'm not sure how or where the filter in this machine is located. There are two capped
things which I figured I could take out and clean, but I can't get them to open.<br />
Carolyn R. Erbrecht Complete instructions are provided in the user manual for cleaning the filters. Refer to the Video: <a span style="color:blue;" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU1n7KcXzHw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU1n7KcXzHw</a><br />
I just moved into an apartment which has a 582-1 new dishwasher, but no instructions. I'm not sure how or where the filter in this machine is located. There are two capped
things which I figured I could take out and clean, but I can't get them to open.
<br />
There is stagnation of water the the bottom of the IFB dishwasher Neptune after the washing and drying cycle is completed. There is no clogging of the outlet drain pipe. Please help. Thanks
S. Ram Mohan <br />
Hi Mohan,
For stagnation of water the bottom of the dishwasher:
1. Remove the Drain pipe Extensions and Concealing of drain pipe.
2. Clean the Filter inside the dishwasher. Some amount of water inside the sump remains after completing the program. It is normal. Please contact IFB service for more details.<br />
I only use tablet , but still my dishwasher shows salt and rinse aid indicators are on once a while. After i refill it goes off..does it mean the salt and rinse aid are being used while using tablet option aswell. Please advise what should i do to preven<br />
Sujatha Franklin If Salt and Rinse aid is not filled, Corresponding indicators will glow and it is normal.
Once the salt and Rinse aid is filled, then indicators will turn off. If the tablet button is on, dishwasher stops using Salt and Rinse aid.
If you are using Dishwasher detergent powder for small loads, then you need not to press Tablet and dishwasher uses the salt and rinse aid for washing. Tablet button deactivates the salt and rinse aid function.<br />
Hi, I am using IFB dishwasher. Neptune Vx Plus from 2 mths. At that the person who came to install the dishwasher put salt and told me to refil the salt when the indicator light comes . However I have not got any indication till time.<br />
Dear Ankita,
1. If the salt and rinse aid settings are at the Low level, then it takes over 30 ~35 washes to exhaust.
2. If you press tablet button, dishwasher will not consume Salt and rinse aid. Hence Salt and Rinse aid indicators do not turn on as salt and rinse aid is already full and never consumed as tablet button is pressed."<br />
I have some problem
<br />
Excellent FAQ all my doubts are clear. Recently, I had purchased IFB Neptune vx .<br />
Happy dishwashing. Thanks for choosing IFB dishwahser.<br />
I have recently purchased IFB Neptune VX dishwasher. After the wash, I am noticing soapy water on my utensils. May I request a solution to this please. <br />
Dear Aditi Banerjee,
1. Fill 10 to 15 Grams of detergent in dry dispenser.
2. Ensure spray arms are properly rotating.
3. Set rinse aid 3 Level.
4. Change detergent and check.
5. If water is too soft, do not use salt and Rinse Aid. If problem persists contact service.<br />
My IFB Neptune SX1 is showing Error msg LO<br />
Dear Galisunil,
Currently The voltage is Low ( less than 175V). Call electrician to check the socket for Neutral and Earth interchanging / low voltage conditions / Low gauge wiring. Minimum 2.5 Sq MM wiring is needed.<br />
My dishwasher is in the wash area. When my maid washes the area some water goes under the dishwasher. Is it ok or i have to elevate my dishwasher.<br />
Dear Monica,
You may keep the dishwasher on Stand / Trolley. It is safe to keep the dishwasher on Trolley/ Stand. Contact IFB service for genuine trolley for Dishwasher.<br />
Why soap strains formes on the door, after completion of wash cycle, below detergent compartment. <br />
Dear Saibaba,
It is normal to see some detergent traces below the dispenser .
However it can be reduced by proper loading of utensils and by increasing the Salt settings as per the water hardness. The lower basket front row needs to be loaded with plates.
If water is hard, you would notice more detergent stains under the dispenser.<br />
Access white spots appeared on all utensils. What cause and solution<br />
Dear Manju,
White spots appear due to drying of hardwater on the utensil. To prevent this, fill the dishwasher Salt in the softener and set the Salt setting as per the water hardness ( refer the user manual for procedure). Ensure Rinse aid is filled and Setting needs to be at 4. If the water hardness is above 800 PPM, use the External water softener.<br />
I have purchased dishwasher Neptune vx this month. Today there was power disruption during the operation of the machine. When the power was on the machine did not restart.
I believe it should restart from point of disruption.
If so what settings?<br />
Dear Rajesh Sangal,
IFB dishwashers resumes the function after the power is restored. Please verify this by switching off and ON the Switch on switch board while it is working and if problem persists, contact IFB Service.<br />
What's meaning of star Light indicates <br />
Dear Muthukumaran,
Rinse Aid is over. Refill the rinse aid.<br />
What means of ???? Star indicates <br />
Why is my ifb dishwasher detergent becomming sticky and staying in the dispenser and not washing out?<br />
Dear Chitralekha Subhedar,
1. Use the detergent produced recently ( one or two month ago) and Wipeout the water in dispenser( If any). Do not expose the detergent to air.
2. Load plates in the front row of lower basket. 3. Before you start the program, ensure both spray arms are rotating freely. <br />
Hi, I am using IFB dishwasher. Neptune Vx from last 1month.
My rinse aid indicator shows up, so I refilled the IFB Rinse aid liquid in the Rinse aid slot even after filling the rinse aid liquid to maximum still the indicator light is flashing with red.<br />
Dear Krishna,
After refilling the Rinse Aid, wait for one wash to rest the memory . If problem persists, contact Service.<br />
At the time of installation of dishwasher, who provide the salt and detergent? Customer or company?<br />
Dear Rahul Garg,
Customer can buy IFB detergents from the Technician installing the machine or Online. Detergents needs to be purchased. You can explore here: <a span style="color:blue;" href="https://www.ifbappliances.com/ifb-essentials/dish-care">https://www.ifbappliances.com/ifb-essentials/dish-care</a><br />
how to activate the program cancellation command<br />
Dear VVN Murthy,
Press Start Pause button for 3 to 4 seconds till you see 1 on the display. Then machine cancels the program with in a minute.<br />
Need a brochure for dishwasher.<br />
Dear Neelam Tyagi,
Please browse this dishwasher brochure <a span style="color:blue;" href="https://www.ifbappliances.com/media/sparsh/product_attachment/DW.pdf">https://www.ifbappliances.com/media/sparsh/product_attachment/DW.pdf</a> for complete product information.<br />
I am using IFB Neptune VX dishwasher for 4 months but frequently during washing cycle when the timer shows1min . left it again goes back to 15min. without going to 0. Why does this happens .plz.help<br />
Dear Somdatta,
Your observation is correct and it is normal. Dishwasher contains a water softener and it needs to be recharged with salt.
Normally, dishwasher starts recharge / regeneration process at the end of the program cycle when the remaining time is 1 minute and it is takes 15 ~22 minutes to recharge/ regenerate and hence program time increases. Please do not cancel the program or panic.
It is automated normal process. The same information is provided in the user manual at the program description page.<br />
There are tiny droplet in glasses after washing. And when i took out filter for cleaning i found water there. Is it normal<br />
Dear Shikha Aggarwal,
Tiny droplet in glasses after washing can be found in the sump always can be always found at the sump area and plastic parts of dishwasher and it is normal. For better drying of glass ware, please use rinse aid and do not press the tablet button.
Also, use the program which has drying step such as Daily / Auto Normal. However, programs such as Quick Wash and Super wash do not have drying step. You may keep the door slightly opened after the program for better and natural drying. <br />
Water is dripping from the basket when once the programme is completed and the door of the dish washer is opened.<br />
Dear Santosh, Use the Rinse aid for better drying, even though the tablet is being used . Rinse aid reduces the surface tension of the water and hence water slips from the basket and utensils quickly. Do not press Tablet button even if you are using tablet when you want better drying and ensure rinse aid filled and setting is at 4. Always use the program which drying step such as Daily / Auto Normal. Quick Wash and Super wash do not have drying step. Hence it is normal to see water droplets from basket in these programs at the end of the program.<br />
Hi i am using ifb dishwasher sx1 since 3 months i am happy with the product but sometimes the time duration was increasing for my cycle may i know the reason why time was increasing 10minutes nearly ?<br />
Dear Sumanth, Your observation is correct and it is normal. Dishwasher contains a water softener and it needs to be recharged with the salt. . Normally, dishwasher starts recharge / regeneration process at the end of the program cycle when the remaining time is 1 minute and it is takes 15 ~22 minutes to recharge/ regenerate and hence program time increases. Please do not cancel the program or panic. It is automated normal process. The same information is provided in the user manual at the program description page.<br />
Can you please give the ratio settings of using salt and rinse aid accordingly to the water hardness.<br />
What to do when dishwasher not take detergent. <br />
Dear Priya mandore,
When dishwasher is not taking detergent, please follow these instructions:
1.Load plates in the Lower basket front row and other utensils in the back row.
2.Before filling the detergent ensure the dispenser does not have water. Fill the detergent in the dry dispenser.
3.Rotate the both spray arms to check if the spray arms is blocked. Some times knifes / lid handles / spoons block the rotation of spray arm.
4.Spray Arm nozzles chocking leads no water spray inside and hence detergent remains in the dispenser. Clean the spray arms once in a month at least.
5.Use the detergent which is produced with the past 3 to 5 months and keep the detergent container sealed after use. <br />
I am using Ifb Neptune vx from last one year.
Very satisfied.
Now I am having one query which I can't find anywhere, I am planning to go to my hometown due to pandemic and my dishwasher will not be used at all for atleast 1 to 1.5 year.
Any tips to do ?<br />
Dear Amit,
1. Pack your dishwasher carefully using the original packing boxes provided along with the dishwasher and use extra foam/Thermocol on the bottom side to avoid damages during the transportation.
2. Buy one TDS meter and check the water hardness at your new location where you want to fix the dishwasher.
3. Use the corporation / Municipal water supply line if you have access and avoid using ground water.
4. If ground water usage is mandatory, check for water hardness and change the dishwasher softener /salt settings as per the water hardness.
5. If ground water hardness is more than 700PPM, you may need external water softener.
6. Reinstallation needs to done by company authorized person for insuring proper installation. Now its good to go with dishwashing with your dishwasher.
One more thing, if you do not want to use the dishwasher for next 2 years, ensure to clean the dishwasher interior using a dry cloth and keep the door opened for a day. Then you may close it and keep it in a safe place where rats do not damage the dishwasher.
Dishwasher may need service if not used for 2 years as bacteria grows internal parts and cause malfunction of sensors / some components.<br />
I'm getting F7 error from last 1 month when loaded dishes using option daily 60°.
Daily 60° was scheduled to run for 1:32 minutes but we are getting error at 20 minutes remaining(dry phase). Error observed 1 time if I run 2 times in a day.
<br />
I have bought ifb Neptune VX plus on the 6th July 21 and commissioned on the 9th July. We used it and found after completion of the program all the vessels were with full of water . I had complained and the ifb person attended and it has not improved. <br />
Hi..In ifb neptune sx1 if I am holding extra rinse for 3 sec it is displaying 1on, what does 1on means?<br />
Why more time is taken after using tablet?<br />
Satisfactory <br />
Advice about dishwasher tablets <br />
Satisfactory<br />
Sir, I have Neptune vx model , display lights are flickering , i have checked the socket that may be there is some issue but there isn't. Kindly tell me what to do. <br />
Yesterday Installed a new IFB Neptune vxplus. I have used tablet and pressed tablet mode still the salt and rinse light glows the entire cycle. Should I I launch a complaint?
Sounds like hammering, knocking is heard is this normal? No vessels obstrecting<br />
A new IFB Neptune vxplus diswasher lights for salt and rinse glowing every time. Using tablet and pressed tablet mode. Still the lights are glowing.<br />
I have been using Ifb Neptune SX1 from past 3 months. However we didn't get ifb rinse aid and salt till now because of no stock and ended up using Finish products.
Dishes were never cleaned properly when using detergent powder (finish). <br />
Can I use a pre-filter for the dishwasher, because during rainy season season we get slightly muddy water . If so which filter to be used ?<br />
I had purchased a dishwasher (Neptune) in 2019 December. From December 2021- it has stopped working. The maintenance people took it for servicing and till date there is no information about it! When called- they only say " We will call you later"!!!!
Which is best for IFB Neptune sx1 detergent or tablet
How to change rinse aid and detergent settings?
water droplets found on the utensils even after operating in Auto Normal ( 50-60 ) mode. I am using Tablets . Please suggest a remedy
How to dry dishes without wash and rinse in neptune vx dishwasher
I am using g ifb neptune vx plus for more than 2 months but till now I haven't refilled the salt. Thesalt indicator hasn't lit up till now. Does that mean salt is still there in the salt compartment.
I got IFB Neptune VX Plus. I was given IFB tablets. Rinse aid and salt pellets were also filled in the machine.
Why do I need salt and rinse aid if I am using tablets.
Hi, how will I know that detergent, salt or rinse is getting over and I need to refill them?
I have a Neptune VX dishwasher and I mistakenly interrupted the wash cycle with 20 minutes left and powered off. Now it’s not accepting any inputs for a new program selection. How do I reset it?
My utensils r not getting cleaned properly and white marks r formed on utensils.