Every year, we put more than 60 consumer dishwashers through our rigorous labs tests, but I am a dishwasher user too, with my own preferences as to how things should be done.
Whether it's rinsing, stacking or keeping on top of maintenance, these are things that I wouldn't do – either because it's not necessary, or it'll wreck your stuff.
would do5 things I'd never do as a dishwasher expert
1. Rinse the plates
For some, the thought of not rinsing plates before loading them into the dishwasher will fill them with horror. But I never bother rinsing items, just scrape off leftovers into the bin and stick them straight in.
Most dishwasher programs pre-rinse your dishes, so you won’t need to waste water (and money) by running them under the tap.
Modern, all-in-one dishwasher tablets are more than capable of taking on any mess due to a combination of powder and gel-based detergents.
2. Bother with the detergent dispenser
Logic goes that the detergent dispenser will release your dishwasher tablet at the optimum moment during the wash cycle. But you can just chuck it straight into the body of your dishwasher and not sweat about it. It’ll still work.
You might worry about the detergent getting washed away in the pre-wash. Sure, dishwasher tablets start to dissolve on contact with water (as anyone who has reached into the bag with wet hands will know), but most modern tablets won't be fully dissolved in the pre-wash cycle. Plus, it's part of the cleaning cycle, anyway.
Another factor to consider is failure of the dispenser – have you ever discovered a semi-dissolved tablet wedged in there at the end of a cycle? Or that the dispenser hasn't opened at all?
When it comes down to it, you don't have to use the dispenser, but it's best to check the recommendation of your dishwasher manufacturer and decide what's best for yourself.
3. Skip maintenance
You should also leave the door ajar after a cycle from time to time, as this will circulate air into your dishwasher, stopping the build up of mildew, mould and bacteria.
4. Stack randomly
Not only is it a common cause of arguments, but ineffective loading is often behind dishwashers not cleaning properly.
Stack plates and flat items facing inwards so they are well covered by the spray jets, while pots, pans, deep bowls and other such items should face down. Make sure no large items are placed in a way that will block the spray arm.
Don't overfill the dishwasher, and make sure you space out dishes and cutlery so that the water and detergent can reach the whole load.
For more tips on stacking, head to our guide on
5. Load these items...
There are some items you should never put in your dishwasher, largely because they can get damaged during cycles.
Wooden items like spoons and chopping boards can swell and splinter due to the water exposure.
The blades of sharp knives can be dulled by repeated cycles. Non-stick items and most insulated mugs are also no-no, as dishwashing can ruin special coatings and vacuum seals.
Discover more in
3 things I would do with my dishwasher
1. Take the time to load efficiently
Anything you drink out of it, including glasses, mugs and cups, goes on the upper rack, along with plastic containers.
The upper racks on modern dishwashers are usually adjustable, meaning you can lower them to accommodate taller items, such as long-stemmed wine glasses.
Look out for lever mechanisms on the side of the rack – this can be used to adjust the rack height up and down.
Just bear in mind that if you lower the top rack, you need to make sure any tall items on the bottom rack don't block the spray arm and stop it from cleaning effectively.
2. Make use of the adjustable racks for large items
The upper racks on most modern dishwashers are usually adjustable, meaning you can lower the rack to accommodate taller items, such as a long-stemmed wine glass.
To see if your dishwasher can do this, look out for lever mechanisms on the side of the rack. This can be used to adjust the rack height up and down.
Just bear in mind that if you lower the rack, make sure that tall items on the bottom rack don't block the spray arm above and stop it from cleaning effectively.
3. Use the programs effectively
Modern dishwashers have an array of programs to choose from, but typically, there's always a main or auto cycle, a quick wash and an eco program.
Main programs usually wash at a temperature between 55°C and 65°C, and are designed for mixed loads. If available, the auto mode senses how dirty your dishes are, and then adjusts the water temperature and wash duration accordingly.
Quick, fast or 'rapid' cycles are intended for lightly soiled dishes or small loads that just need a quick clean. Avoid using them on full and everyday loads.
Eco or energy-saving programs are designed to use less water and wash at lower temperatures, but usually take well over three hours to complete.
Dishwashers often have dedicated programs for delicate glassware or an intensive wash for very dirty pots and pots. Use them only for the relevant items – don't be tempted to throw in a few other bits.
undefinedsource https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/5-things-id-never-do-as-a-dishwasher-expert-axJou7p9XNQ2