Tips I've learned that helped:
- use detergent powder instead of pods. It let's you experiment with different amounts and dial in the right amount for a run. Generic is fine, they all do about the same amount of work.
- Run your faucet till hot water comes out, it makes it so the pre-rinse has more ability to soften crud on the surface of the dishes.
- pre-rinsing the dishes isn't necessary for cleanliness, but scraping food bits off will mean your debris filter fills up slower so you don't have to do the gross task of emptying it as often.
- add detergent in the dip on the door. This gives the pre-wash yet again more ability to attack food bits on the first cycle.
- USE RINSE AID. I helps the dishes dry at the end of the wash.