Firstly, the energy used (and therefore the cost) in a full dishwasher load is considerably less than that used in washing up the same quantity by hand, and the dishes usually come out cleaner. This is less clear cut if the energy used in making and transporting the dishwasher is taken into account, but over the average life of a dishwasher, it still probably wins. 

Leaks can be a problem in dishwashers. To minimize these, keep the rubber seals, the door edges, and the stainless steel base clean. Do not let there be a build up of grease or food deposits here. Diswasher Repair

Try not to use a dishwasher until it is full, unless it has a facility for half load, using only one tray. A part load uses almost as much water and energy as a full load.

Load the dishwasher as per manufacturer's instructions, which usually gets the most dishes in. Do not put plates, for example, in a higgledy-piggledy fashion, put them close to each other in adjacent slots. 

If the filter gets deposits in it, clean it as necessary. When taking it out to clean, take care not to let anything drop through the hole thus exposed. 

In hard water areas, change the salt every year, but it probably never needs changing in soft water areas. The salt acts as a catalyst in the water softening system.

The most common replacement part sold for dishwashers is the cutlery basket. Put cutlery in gently - do not drop it in - but put sharp objects or blades pointing downwards, as accidents can occur through people falling or cutting themselves on them. Dishwasher Repair Help

Rinse off larger deposits on plates, etc. before putting them into dishwashers. In particular do not let the cheese get into it, as this melts with the hot water, but often solidifies as it cools in the outlet hose, causing a blockage.

Instructions usually say dishwasher inlets should be connected to cold water, but if your hot water pressure is reasonable, it is slightly more efficient to connect it the thermal system. Dishwasher Repair Services

Original detergents needed soft rinse to be put in separately, but some modern ones have soft rinse built in. If you use these, soft rinse is not necessary.

As with all appliances, do not trust what you are told by the high multiples. Find a good independent who knows what they are talking about to advise you on the best dishwasher to buy for your needs. There are commonly three types of residential dishwashers - full size 12 place setting ones, slimline eight place setting ones and table top 4 place setting ones. Dishwasher Repair Company