🧼 How to Use Your Japanese Dishwasher

Summary:
Japanese dishwashers may differ slightly from what you're used to, but they’re still straightforward once you know the key steps. This guide covers how to load dishes, choose the right program, clean the filter and maintain hygiene in a humid climate like Okinawa.

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🔍 1. Identify the Unit & Control Panel

• Many Japanese apartments have built-in dishwashers (under the counter) or countertop models.

• On the control panel look for: 電源 (Power), スタート (Start) / 一時停止 (Pause), コース (Course) or モード (Mode). YouTube+1

• Some models have symbols rather than Japanese characters — e.g., a glass with water drops or a plate icon for wash cycle.

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🥣 2. How to Load Dishes

• Scrape off large food particles. You don’t always need to pre-rinse completely — just remove big chunks. Southern Living+1

• Place plates, bowls, cups facing the spray arms and avoid nesting items.

• Put pots/pans toward the sides or rear so they don’t block spray.

• Leave enough space so the spray arms can rotate freely — don’t overload. Southern Living

• Ensure small items like utensils are secured and not blocking nozzles or filters.

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⚙️ 3. Choose the Right Program

Button Label	Romaji	What It Means
電源	dengen	Power On/Off
コース	kōsu	Wash Course / Mode
スタート / 一時停止	sutāto / ichiji teishi	Start / Pause
予約	yoyaku	Timer / Delay Start

• Press 電源 to turn the machine on.

• Press コース to cycle through modes such as:

  • 標準 (hyōjun) – Standard wash

  • 軽い (karui)／少量 (shōryō) – Light or small load

  • 強力 (kyōryoku) – Heavy or intensive wash

  • 乾燥 (kansō) – Drying (if the unit has it) YouTube

• Press スタート to begin the cycle.

• If you want it to start later, press 予約 and set the delay time.

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🧼 4. Cleaning the Filter & Maintenance

• Locate the filter or mesh tray at the bottom of the unit or behind the door.

• Remove and rinse under water to clear food debris and grease; do this weekly in a humid climate. Tom's Guide

• Wipe down the door edges and gasket to prevent mold or odor.

• Run an empty maintenance cycle (if available) or use a dishwasher-safe cleaning agent monthly to remove buildup.

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💡 5. Practical Tips & Humidity Considerations

• In Okinawa’s humid environment, keep the door slightly ajar after the cycle to allow steam to evaporate and avoid mold.

• If the unit has a “Delay Start” (予約) mode, use it during off-peak electricity hours to save power.

• Check that the spray arms can rotate freely — blocked arms reduce cleaning performance.

• Use the correct type of detergent — many Japanese models prefer liquid or powder rather than large drop-in tablets. Reddit

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🚨 6. What to Do If It Doesn’t Work

• Make sure the power is on and the door is properly closed.

• Check if the filter or spray arm is blocked — this is a common cause for poor cleaning.

• If the unit shows an error code or won’t start even when all appears normal, please submit a maintenance request.