The experts weigh in to settle an age old debate
The neat freaks, cleaning obsessives and organisation gurus amongst us will understand the pure horror that ensures upon opening a dishwasher that is a total hodge-podge of cutlery, utensils, bowls practically stuck together and – god forbid – non-stick pans. Admit it, the urge to completely unstack and rearrange is always very real!
It’s an argument as old as time itself: how should you stack the dishwasher? Is it OK to throw things in, press start and hope for the best?
As it turns out, there is a right way to stack a dishwasher, and it will help you avoid still-dirty dishes and destroyed crockery while actually increasing the lifespan of your dishwasher in the process. So with the help of Colin Jones, category expert at Appliances Online, it’s time to settle the debate.
WHEN TO ADMIT YOU HAVE A STACKING PROBLEM
“Correct” dishwasher stacking can be a touchy subject, but if you find yourself committing any of these ‘no-no’s, it might be time to admit defeat and take another approach.
- You often have to rewash items.
- You frequently hear the ‘ker-clunk’ of a misplaced utensil hitting the spray arms.
- You leave big chunks of last night’s cheesy pasta in your bowl when you put it in the dishwasher.
- You put your Nan’s precios china plates and crystal glassware in the dishwasher without a second thought.
- You think it’s OK to put wooden chopping boards and utensils in the dishwasher, and do so on the regular.
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at what you should be doing to get the most out of one of the hardest working appliances in your home.
SHOULD YOU PRE-RINSE YOUR DISHES?
The answer is yes…and no. If you’ve had a particularly messy dinner, you’ll want to make sure that any large residual pieces of food have been removed from your dinnerware, but otherwise, you can give the rinse a miss.
The truth is, our dishwashers are smarter than we give them credit for and most have varied cycles to target different levels of grot and grime. “If you are choosing the correct cycle, your dishes should come out sparkling clean”
Colin also points out that many of us are under the misconception that you save water by pre-rinsing but this is not the case. “Rinsing your dishes uses approximately 7.5 litres of water every minute… In comparison, most dishwashers offer a pre-wash cycle before the main wash begins and this will use about 5 to 6 litres.”
DOES PLACEMENT MATTER?
Colin says it’s best to load the bottom level with heavier and oversized items (chopping boards to the sides, people!) and leave the top shelf for glassware, mugs and large utensils laid flat. “It is always best to load your dishwasher from back to front to ensure you are using all the available space in your unit,” he adds.
POWDER, TABLETS OR PODS?
Here’s the run-down on each, according to Colin.
Powder: “Powder is great for homes that have smaller washing requirements and do not need a full tablet or pod, it’s also a cost effective option.”
Pods: “Pods are designed to eliminate the need for measuring out liquid detergent or powders, however they tend to be more expensive than other options and you aren’t able to adjust the dose for smaller loads.”
Tablets: “Dishwashing tablets deliver a precise detergent dosage and often contain not just detergent but rinse aids that can improve the overall quality of cleaning your unit provides. They’re a great affordable all rounder for most use cases, as they combine the benefits of both powder and sometimes detergent products.”
HOW SHOULD YOU LOAD CUTLERY?
Another sticking point in the age-old dishwasher argument is cutlery – when loading it into the basket, should you face the handles up or down?
The answer? A resounding ‘up’ from Colin. “This is mainly for safety purposes so the individual that unloads the dishwasher does not get injured taking out sharp knives and other pieces of silverware,” he reasons. “It also helps to avoid the transfer of germs from your hands to the eating surfaces of your silverware.”
WHAT SHOULD YOU AVOID PUTTING IN THE DISHWASHER?
Everyone has their own ideas and opinions on this subject, but the best way to settle any disagreement is simply to check the care label or instructions or look for the dishwasher safe logo.
As a rule of thumb, it’s best to handwash cast iron or non-stick pots and pans, hand-painted pieces, crystal items, and wood – including knives with timber handles. Many also say that, in order to keep your knives in good knick, you shouldn’t put them in the dishwasher at all as it can blunt them.
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