Before placing food in the food dehydrator, always cut it into quarter-inch pieces or sections. This will allow optimal exposure of the surface to heat and airflow from the dehydrator.

As much as possible, evenly distribute the food slices on the dehydrator sheets. This will also facilitate the drying process, making it very extensive and effective.

It is advisable to sporadically inspect the dried state of the food. Items near the dehydrator fan will dry faster than other foods. This can be remedied by alternately repositioning the trays after a couple of hours.

Be sure to carefully dry food and allow time to cool to room temperature before placing it inside a container that has an airtight seal. Even if the moisture level of the food removed from the dehydrator is low, it may still secrete some amount of water. Moisture will be kept out of the airtight container if the food is cooled just after it is dehydrated and before placing it in the airtight container.

Sporadically clean the dehydrator with warm water, especially near the base of the dehydrator where small pieces of food may have accumulated.

Try a variety of foods, recipes, and different methods of food preparation.

Never try to speed up the drying process of food by raising the temperature of the dehydrator above the suggested temperature level that food is supposed to be exposed to. If this is done, caking or partial dehydration will occur and the food will have a hard surface with the interior still moist, spoiling them too soon.

Dry foods of the same type together. Dry vegetables with other vegetables and fruits with other fruits. Do not dry asparagus or onions together with bananas and other types of fruit.

Always label the containers of dry foods with the date they were dehydrated. You will be able to control the age of food and its shelf life with this.

Do not use a microwave oven to dry food. The best way to dehydrate is with a food dehydrator. There are many types of dehydrators available on the market for home use. Here you can read more about choosing a food dehydrator to use at home.