10 dishwasher habits you’re doing wrong

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Dishwashers are a modern kitchen marvel that save time and effort, but to maximize their efficiency and lifespan, it’s crucial to use them correctly. Many of us develop habits over time that might not align with the best practices for operating these appliances, leading to suboptimal cleaning results and even potential damage.
In this article, we explore ten common dishwasher habits that many people are doing wrong. By identifying and correcting these habits, you can ensure your dishes come out sparkling clean, your appliance operates efficiently, and you avoid costly repairs or replacements.
1. Overloading the Dishwasher
While it may be tempting to fit as many dishes as possible into a single load, overloading your dishwasher can prevent proper cleaning. When dishes are packed too tightly, water and detergent can’t circulate effectively, leaving food particles and residue behind. Ideally, there should be enough space between each item for water to flow freely.
To avoid overloading, make sure that large items like pots and pans are arranged around the perimeter, allowing smaller items to fill in the gaps. A good rule of thumb is that no dish should block the spray arms, which typically rotate about 10-15 inches across. This ensures that each dish receives adequate exposure to the cleaning spray.
2. Placing Plastic Containers on the Bottom Rack
Placing plastic containers on the bottom rack of your dishwasher might seem harmless, but the intense heat from the bottom heating element can warp or melt plastic items. Most dishwashers are designed so that the lower rack receives the most heat, which is ideal for glass and metal items that can withstand higher temperatures.
To prevent damage to your plastic items, always place them on the top rack where they are exposed to less heat. Additionally, check that your plastic containers are dishwasher safe, as not all are designed to endure even the moderate temperatures of the top rack.
3. Mixing Stainless Steel with Silver Utensils
Mixing stainless steel and silver utensils in the dishwasher can lead to a chemical reaction called galvanic corrosion. This occurs when two different metals come into contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte, such as water. The result is that the silver may tarnish or pit.
To avoid this issue, separate stainless steel and silver utensils by placing them in different sections of the utensil basket or in different loads entirely. This simple step can help preserve the appearance and longevity of your silverware.
4. Running Half-Empty Loads
Running half-empty loads not only wastes water and energy but also decreases the efficiency of your dishwasher. Full loads are more efficient because they maximize the use of water and energy, while also creating necessary friction between dishes, which aids in cleaning.
To optimize your dishwasher usage, try to wait until you have a full load before running a cycle. If you find it difficult to accumulate enough dishes, consider adjusting your meal prep or dining habits, or even investing in a smaller dishwasher if your household regularly generates fewer dishes.
5. Not Scraping Off Food Residue
While modern dishwashers are powerful, they’re not garbage disposals. Failing to scrape off food residue before loading dishes can lead to clogs and reduce the cleaning efficiency. Large particles can get trapped in the filter or spray arms, obstructing water flow.
To prevent this, always scrape leftover food into the trash or compost before loading your dishes. This doesn’t mean you need to pre-wash them, but removing large chunks will help maintain your dishwasher’s performance and extend its lifespan.
6. Skipping the Pre-Rinse
Contrary to popular belief, most modern dishwashers and detergents are designed to work better with some residue still on the dishes. Skipping the pre-rinse can actually help the detergent adhere better to the food particles, enhancing cleaning performance.
However, if your dishes sit for a longer period before washing, lightly rinsing them can prevent the food from hardening. Each dishwasher model differs, so consult your manual to determine the best approach for your specific appliance.
7. Using the Wrong Detergent
Using the wrong detergent can result in poor cleaning performance and potential damage to your dishwasher. For instance, regular dish soap creates excessive suds that can overflow and cause leaks, while using too much or too little dishwasher detergent can leave residue on dishes.
Always use a detergent specifically formulated for dishwashers. Measure the detergent as per the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually suggest between 1 to 2 tablespoons, depending on the hardness of your water and the load size. If your water is particularly hard, consider using a detergent with water softening agents.
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