Most machines have an initial cycle that pre-rinses the dishes. First, hot water is pumped into the machine. It doesn't actually fill up with water like a washing machine, so it uses a lot less water. The water temperature is based on the settings of your hot water heater, which should optimally be set at 140ºF for best results. This water heat is too intense for the human hand but it makes automatic dishwashing a lot more hygienic.

After pre-rinsing, the detergent dispenser opens when the main wash cycle begins, allowing detergent to mix with the water. This solution gets pumped through the spray arms, the force of which makes the arms rotate so all items are reached.

In the intermediate rinse cycle, residues remaining on the surface of the machine and/or the load are removed with cold water.

Depending on your machine, your dishes will be dried by using either the residual heat from the wash or by switching on the drying cycle for faster drying.