Some dishwashers have a two-way
motor. When it turns in one direction, it pumps the water through
the spray arms. When it turns the other way, it pumps the water
out through the drain. If the motor only turns in one direction,
then an actuator moves to channel the water either to the spray
arms or to the drain.
After the detergent cycle is complete
the dishes are rinsed. If the dishwasher has a rinse agent feature,
the rinse agent is added to the rinse water.
Once the rinse cycle has completed
and the water has been pumped out, the dishes are dried. A electric
heating element heats the interior of the dishwasher. Some dishwashers
also have fan to circulate the air. A thermostat prevents the
dishwasher from overheating.
Some dishwashers employ soil sensors
to monitor the clarity of the wash water. When the water becomes
clear, the sensor signals the control timer to advance to the
next cycle.