Tools and Materials
Materials
- Plumbers Tape
- Dishwasher Detergent
Wood Block
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
How Does a Portable Dishwasher Work?
A portable dishwasher works like a built-in dishwasher. Some units are similar in size and capacity — think portable dishwashers on wheels, while others are mini dishwashers or countertop dishwashers.
The biggest differences between built-in and portable dishwashers are the water and drain connections:
- You connect a portable dishwasher to a faucet or fill a reservoir every time you use it.
- A portable dishwasher drains into a sink or bucket.
- If you’re using a portable dishwasher on wheels, you can disconnect the appliance and wheel it away.
- You can simply disconnect countertop compact dishwashers and leave them in place.
Use the general tips for setting up a portable dishwasher or compact dishwasher below as a guide, but read your manual and follow the installation, operation and safety instructions for your specific model.
Preparing to Hook Up a Portable Dishwasher
There are a few things you need to do before setting up a portable dishwasher or compact dishwasher.
- If this is your first use of a portable dishwasher with wheels, install the wheels or casters. You may need a hammer and a wood block to tap them carefully into place.
- Check your manual for any specific electrical requirements. For example, you’ll need a grounded outlet, and it might need to be on a dedicated circuit with no other operating appliances.
- Make sure your hot water temperature is between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Make sure the portable dishwasher is level.
A dishwasher is heavy. Enlist a helper for moving and maneuvering the appliance.
How to Hook Up and Run a Portable Dishwasher
Here are the basic steps for connecting a portable dishwasher to water and power below. Keep in mind, some portable dishwashers don’t require a sink faucet or sink drain. For those models, simply pour water into a reservoir and drain the wastewater into a bucket. We explain these variations as well.
Step 1: Attach the Portable Dishwasher Hose Adapter
If the adapter isn’t in place, remove the aerator from your faucet and screw the adapter onto the faucet. Install any included washers, as necessary. It’s a good idea to use plumber’s tape to create a good seal.
You may need to disconnect your sink sprayer while using the dishwasher to prevent the sprayer hose from becoming over-pressurized. Check your faucet manual for instructions.
Step 2: Supply Water and Set Up the Drain
If necessary, connect the supply and drain hoses to the dishwasher. Consider using plumber’s tape for a better seal. The method for supplying water to the dishwasher depends on your model.
Faucet-Connect Portable Dishwashers
If your model relies on a faucet connection, turn on the hot water to flush out any cold water. Turn off the water and connect the dishwasher hose to the adapter. Make sure the dishwasher drain hose allows wastewater to drain into your sink.
Turn the hot water on again and check the connection and hose for leaks. If you see a leak at the connection adapter, you may simply need to reinstall the adapter and reconnect the hose. Leaks from the faucet itself may require faucet repair.
Reservoir Portable Dishwashers
If your portable dishwasher has a water reservoir, start by securing the drain hose to either a sink or a large bucket.
Turn on the power. You can either connect the supply hose to the faucet and turn on the water or simply pour water into the reservoir. Check your manual for details to ensure the dishwasher has the right amount of water.
Step 3: Load the Portable Dishwasher
Scrape any hard material from the dishes, cookware, etc. Load the dishwasher, making sure to keep any sharp edges and points directed downward and away from the door seals. Your manual should have recommendations on how to load dishes for optimum cleaning. Make sure nothing interferes with the operation of the wash arms.
Step 4: Add Detergent to the Portable Dishwasher
Add dishwasher detergent to the wash dispenser. You may also have a prewash cup to use for heavy cleaning or for use with hard water. If necessary, add a rinse aid as well. The amount of detergent and rinse product you need varies by the dishwasher model, water hardness and how dirty your dishes are. For example:
- You might simply add a detergent tablet.
- You might need just a tablespoon of detergent.
- You might need to determine the amount of detergent based on the hardness of your water.
- Very dirty dishes might require more detergent.
- You might need to use less detergent for dishes that aren’t especially dirty.
Fill the dispenser cups for detergent and rinse aid according to your instructions. Close the dishwasher door, making sure the latch engages fully.
Hard water requires more detergent than soft water. Check your manual for tips on determining the correct amount of detergent for the hardness level of your water.
Step 5: Set the Wash Cycle
Select your cycle according to how dirty the dishes are. You might have options such as:
- Auto: The automatic setting adjusts the cycle according to how dirty the dishes are.
- Normal: Select this setting for everyday cleaning.
- Light: This setting will work if the dishes aren’t especially dirty. It may also be suitable for your China and crystal.
- Heavy: Use this setting if you’re washing particularly dirty cookware or dishes.
Depending on your model, you might have other cycles for glassware, fast washes, etc. and settings to sanitize, delay the start of the cycle, etc., to fit your needs.
Step 6: Run and Unload the Portable Dishwasher
With the power cord plugged in, start the dishwasher. If you need to open the door mid-cycle, check the manual for the proper procedure. After the wash and dry cycles are complete, wait a few minutes to allow the dishes to cool and then unload your dishes. Depending on your model, you might need to switch off the power on the unit.
Step 7: Disconnect the Portable Dishwasher
Unplug the power cord or turn the appliance off according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If your dishwasher is connected to the faucet, turn the water off. Press the pressure relief button on the hose, if equipped. Disconnect the hoses from the adapter and allow water to drain from the hoses into the sink or into a bucket or bowl. Store the hoses properly.
If your dishwasher hose is equipped with a pressure release feature, activate it before disconnecting the hose. If you don’t release the built-up water pressure, you risk burns from hot water.
Step 8: Store the Portable Dishwasher, if Necessary
It’s a good idea to leave the door open partially to allow the interior to dry. If you have a countertop model, you might simply leave it in place. If you have a portable model, you can wheel the appliance to a location that’s out of the way of foot traffic.
Got More Questions About Portable Dishwashers?
Hooking up a portable dishwasher is easy. Simply connect the supply hose to a faucet or fill the onboard reservoir. Make sure the dishwasher can drain properly and check your manual for setup and use instructions specific to your model.
If you haven’t picked out a model yet, shop our online selection of portable dishwashers and see the available brands, cycle options and more. Read our portable dishwasher guide to learn more about features and options. A Red Vest associate at your local Lowe’s is also a great resource for answering questions about portable dishwashers. They can help you find the right appliance and give you tips on setup and use.