Method for controlling dishwasher

Abstract

A method for controlling a dishwasher is disclosed. The control method basically includes a preliminary washing operation for spraying wash water required to hydrate waste adhered to dishes, a main washing operation implemented plural times for washing the dishes contaminated by the waste, a rinsing operation implemented after the preliminary washing operation and also, after the main washing operation for rinsing the dishes from which the waste is removed, and a drying operation for drying the dishes after completion of the washing and rinsing operations. The control method further comprises a steam supply operation implemented at least once before, after, or during the main washing operation for supplying steam to the dishes. With the control method, steam is supplied to a tub in which dishes are received, to enable not only easy removal of food waste adhered to the dishes, but also sterilization of the dishes and tub. The supply of steam is accomplished without requiring an additional steam supply heater, water supply device and nozzle, resulting in easy fabrication and reduced costs.

1 . A method for controlling a dishwasher comprising:
 a preliminary washing operation for spraying wash water required to hydrate waste adhered to dishes;   a main washing operation implemented plural times for washing the dishes contaminated by the waste;   a rinsing operation implemented after the preliminary washing operation and also, after the main washing operation for rinsing the dishes from which the waste is removed; and   a drying operation for drying the dishes after completion of the washing and rinsing operations,   wherein the method further comprises a steam supply operation implemented at least once before, after, or during the main washing operation for supplying steam to the dishes.   
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the steam supply operation is implemented to supply steam via operation of a heater having an adjustable heating capacity depending on the amount of wash water. 
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein a hot-water supply operation for heating and supplying wash water is selectively implemented during the main washing operation upon stoppage of steam supply. 
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein a heating value of the heater in the steam supply operation is controlled to be higher than a heating value of the heater in the hot-water supply operation. 
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein a level of wash water in the steam supply operation is controlled to be lower than a level of wash water in the main washing operation. 
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein a lowest level of wash water in the steam supply operation is controlled to be higher than an installation position of the heater. 
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the steam supply operation is implemented to supply steam by adjusting the amount of wash water when a heater having a constant heating value is used. 
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein a hot-water supply operation for heating and supplying wash water is selectively implemented during the main washing operation upon stoppage of steam supply. 
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein a level of wash water in the steam supply operation is controlled to be lower than a level of wash water in the hot-water supply operation. 
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein a lowest level of wash water in the steam supply operation is controlled to be higher than an installation position of the heater. 
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the steam supply operation is controlled to discharge water residue and supply new water, prior to implementing the steam supply operation.