Dishwasher program table: ECO, Intensive, Auto, Quick – which one to use when?

Each dishwasher has 5-12 different programs: ECO, Intensive, Auto, Quick, Glass, HygienePlus, Self-Clean, etc. Most users only use 1-2 familiar programs, missing out on 70% of the machine's capacity. This article will guide you on which program to use and when, to get the cleanest dishes while saving electricity and water.

1. ECO 50°C – The "everyday use" program 90% of the time

Temperature: 45-50°C
Time: 2.5-3.5 hours
Electricity/Water: Most optimal (~0.8 kWh, ~9-12L water)

"ECO takes longer, so it costs more!" – This is a common misunderstanding. In reality: ECO takes longer because it uses a lower temperature (less electricity) and allows enzymes to soak longer → saving 30-40% electricity compared to Intensive.

Use for: Everyday dishes, not overly dirty, not left overnight.

Important note: ECO 50°C only works well with dishwasher tablets containing enzymes active at low temperatures. Largo Classic 60 tablets – 229,000đ, EU standard, contains sufficient protease + amylase enzymes that work optimally at 45-50°C.

2. Intensive 70°C – The "heavy duty" program

Temperature: 65-70°C
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Electricity/Water: 30-40% higher than ECO

Use for:

• Burnt pots, greasy pans
• Dishes with dried egg yolk (the toughest stain!)
• Dishes left overnight, dried-on food
• Large parties with many dirty items

Note: Do not use Intensive for glass items → high temperatures can gradually cloud glasses after a few years. Use Largo All In One with glass protect for Intensive cycles that include glass items.

3. Auto – Machine analyzes soil level

Temperature: Automatically adjusted 45-70°C
Time: Automatically adjusted
Electricity/Water: Automatically optimized

How it works: A turbidity sensor analyzes the wash water → automatically determines the wash cycle, temperature, and cycle length. The more advanced the machine (Bosch Serie 8, Whirlpool 6th SENSE, Samsung with sensors) → the more accurate Auto will be.

Use for: When you don't want to think, or when loading dishes with mixed soil levels (both lightly and heavily soiled items). Auto is the program that "chooses for you" most accurately.

4. Quick 30 / Fast 60 – When in a hurry

Temperature: 45-60°C
Time: 30-60 minutes
Electricity/Water: More expensive than ECO (~1.0-1.2 kWh)

Use for: Dishes just used, still fresh, not dried-on. When you need clean dishes quickly for immediate reuse.

Note: DO NOT use Quick for burnt pots or dishes with dried food – enzymes won't have enough time to react → dishes will remain dirty.

5. Glass / Delicate – For crystal glasses

Temperature: 40°C (low)
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Water pressure: Gentle (protects fragile items)

Use for: High-end glass, crystal glasses, thin coffee cups, ceramic teacups. Gentle spray pressure + low temperature → prevents glasses from cracking.

Combine with Largo All In One with glass protect → protects glasses from clouding.

6. HygienePlus / Sani Rinse – Sanitization

Temperature: 70-75°C
Time: 2.5-3 hours
Sanitization: 99.9%

Use for:

• Baby bottles, bottle covers
• Cutting boards for raw meat, fish, poultry
• Dishes after someone in the house has been ill
• 1-2 times/week for general hygiene

Note: Special features on: Teka HygienePlus, Beko HygieneShield, Bosch Hygiene, Samsung StormWash+. Longer + more expensive than Intensive but important for families with young children.

7. Half-Load / FlexiDuo – Washing fewer dishes

Feature: Washes only the upper or lower rack (or FlexiDuo partition in Smeg).

Use for: Families of 1-2 people, where dishes from one meal are not enough to run a full machine. Saves 30-40% electricity and water.

8. Self-Clean / Machine Care – Machine cleaning

Temperature: Highest at 70-75°C
Time: 1.5-2 hours

Use for: Once a month to clean the machine interior. Run empty (without dishes) with 1 Largo All In One tablet or a specialized cleaning agent.

9. Special programs by brand

10. Quick guide: What to use when

11. 3 tips to save electricity and water when choosing a program

1. Use ECO 50°C for 90% of the time – saves 30% electricity compared to Intensive
2. Wait until the machine is full before running – a machine full with 13-15 place settings uses the same amount of water as a half-load machine
3. Avoid using Pre-rinse if not necessary – wastes an additional 5L of water/cycle

Economical combo for all programs

Whichever program you choose, the following EU standard supplies will meet all your needs:

→ Largo 3-item Combo – 555,000đ (Classic 60 tablets + 2kg Salt + 1L Rinse Aid) – lasts 2-3 months, saves 38,000đ.

Or try the Largo Trial Kit – 9,000đ (4 tablets) first.

Summary

The most important program is ECO 50°C – used for 90% of washes. Other programs are only for special situations. Combine with EU standard dishwasher tablets like Largo (imported from Germany, REX, EVFTA code) → clean dishes and savings.

Purchase at: www.sieutietkiem.com or www.largo.vn. Need advice for a specific machine brand? Inbox our fanpage facebook.com/largovietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does ECO take longer and use more electricity?

A: No. ECO takes longer because it uses a lower temperature (50°C instead of 70°C) and allows enzymes to soak longer. It actually saves 30-40% electricity compared to Intensive 70°C.

Q: Can Quick 30 clean burnt pots?

A: No. Quick 30 is only suitable for dishes that have just been used and are not dried-on. Burnt pots require Intensive 70°C or pre-soaking with Largo salt + hot water.

Q: Is Auto accurate?

A: The more advanced the machine (Bosch Serie 8, Whirlpool 6th SENSE), the more accurate Auto will be. Basic machines might use higher temperatures than necessary with Auto → use ECO for savings.

Q: Which dishwasher tablet is suitable for ECO?

A: You must use EU standard European tablets (like Largo) because their enzymes are active at 45-50°C. Cheaper tablets often require high temperatures of 60-70°C → using them with ECO will not result in clean dishes.