How to protect the countertop from dishwasher steam?

The wettest room in the house is the bathroom. The kitchen takes an honorable second place. Not only the stove and electric kettle contribute to the formation of excess moisture here, but also the dishwasher. And if a hood is placed above the tile, then what to do with the dishwasher?

Experts recommend protecting the countertop from dishwasher steam. We'll tell you how to prevent excess moisture from getting on furniture. Let's look at other nuances of installing a dishwasher.

How to cover the tabletop?

Surely everyone has noticed that after opening the door, the dishwasher releases clouds of steam. Drops of water settle on the edge of the tabletop and do not bring any benefit to the furniture set. How to organize a vapor barrier so that wood or chipboard does not begin to swell?

Of course, the tabletop will not swell immediately. If you wipe dry furniture located in close proximity to the dishwasher, the set will not deteriorate even after 5-7 years. However, many users forget about the need to brush away drops of water from the furniture, thereby speeding up the process of wear and tear.

You can protect the countertop by gluing on it a special moisture-resistant film that comes with the dishwasher.

Equipment manufacturers have found a way out. Nowadays, the dishwasher comes with a special foil or vapor barrier film intended for covering the countertop above the machine. By covering some of the furniture, you don’t have to worry about its safety.

Sometimes the kit does not come with a vapor barrier film, but a plastic cover on the edge of the tabletop. This option is no worse than the previous one.It is important not to neglect protective measures, but immediately, when connecting the dishwasher, take care of the furniture set.

Protecting your countertop is very easy. The algorithm of actions when gluing the film will be as follows:

• measure the niche and cut a piece of vapor barrier of the appropriate size;
• Apply a sticky layer to the inside of the cabinet;
• Use your free hand to smooth out the film so that no bubbles remain.

This way you will be able to protect your furniture from harmful moisture. Therefore, after purchasing a dishwasher, be sure to check whether the film is included in the kit. If not, purchase a vapor barrier separately, but do not neglect covering the cabinet.

Where should PMM not be installed?

Taking care of your kitchen furniture is good, but if the dishwasher is initially installed in the wrong place, then a bulging countertop may be the least of your worries. Not only its service life, but also the safety of family members depends on how correctly the dishwasher is positioned.

Study the instructions for the dishwasher - there the manufacturer sets out the basic rules for installing the device.

Speaking in general terms, the dishwasher should stand:

• away from the stove or cabinet with a hob;
• at a distance of at least 30 cm from the walls of the oven;
• not near the washing machine. When spinning, the machine vibrates strongly, which is unsafe for any equipment around it;
• away from the microwave oven (it also tends to heat up);
• between kitchen modules. It is not recommended to install built-in dishwashers in the outermost drawer of a furniture set. The option of location between the cabinet and the wall is allowed;
• close to water supply and sewerage. This will simplify the installation of equipment;
• in close proximity to an outlet.

The electronics of the dishwasher can be affected by heat sources and strong vibrations. Therefore, you should not place the machine near a stove, oven or washing machine. It is also important to ensure that the wires and hoses are positioned correctly, without pinching or kinks. All of these recommendations are contained in the user manual, so be sure to read the instructions.

Where to make a socket for PMM?

When organizing a place to install a dishwasher, it is very important to provide a high-quality outlet for it. If it is not possible to make a point specifically for the device, be sure to check how reliable the socket into which you plan to connect the equipment is. Perhaps it's time to replace it.

It is advisable to make a separate power point for the dishwasher. The line is drawn from the panel, it is provided with its own machine. Experts recommend purchasing an outlet with the maximum level of moisture protection.

When organizing an outlet, you need to take into account the following recommendations:

• place the socket at a distance of at least 10 cm from the floor level, maximum 50 cm;
• It is better to hide the outlet behind the kitchen modules. The dishwasher is always connected to the network, you will not have to constantly pull the wire;
• Take into account the length of the dishwasher's power cord - it should easily reach the outlet, without unnecessary tension.

You cannot connect a dishwasher and other kitchen appliances through extension cords and adapters - this is unsafe.

If you don’t know how to make a socket for the PMM, it’s better to call an electrician. During the installation process, it is important to focus on the PUE and GOST standards. Violation of connection standards and norms can lead to equipment breakdown, fire and other problems.

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