Ask Slashdot: Any Dishwasher Hackers Out There?

New submitter writes: I just replaced my dishwasher with a basic, inexpensive Sears model. It works fine, but only has 3 different wash cycles. I'm betting that the code to manage more cycles (as in more-expensive models) is already in the microcontroller and just needs inputs to select it. Is there any information available on this? Beyond dishwashers, have you done any useful hacks to household appliances more generally? I'd probably support a Kickstarter project that adds nice wireless notifications to my oven, clothes washer, and dishwasher.

Comments

Re:Won't work

[ickleberry]

Thats what the ominous 'they' want you to think but corporate megacorps have been known to intentionally cripple hardware in the past. All I want to say to our would-be dishwasher hacker is try not to draw the attention of the dishwasher manufacturers, or before you know it they'll be finding a way to put DRM on dishwashers.

Re:Try using alcohol

[sunderland56]

Ethanol is an effective solvent for a wide range of materials.

I've tried consuming various quantities of ethanol before washing dishes. In my experience it doesn't help at all.

Re: Try using alcohol

[binarylarry]

I had the same problem, so I switched to isopropyl alcohol.

WORKS GRATE

Re:TSP

[ColdWetDog]

TSP is for wimps. Muriatic acid is where it's at. Cleans up everything in one jiffy. Plates, pets, your relatives that won't leave.