'I'm a dishwasher expert and avoid 5 habits - including rinsing plates'

08 January 2024 , 14:43

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Many Brits rinse their dishes before putting them into a dishwasher, but is it necessary? (Stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

Dishwashers are a lifesaver - but you're probably using yours wrong.

There's nothing worse than having friends over for dinner, then heading into the kitchen to see the stack of dirty dishes hasn't washed itself. Sticking your hands into a sink full of soap and grime isn't the most pleasant chore, and can be extremely time-consuming.

If you're lucky enough to own a dishwasher, you know how much of a Godsend they are in these situations. Simply wack the pots and pans inside, throw in a tablet and let the machine do the rest. However, one expert says some common mistakes could be affecting the efficiency of your dishwasher.

Andrew Laughlin, a dishwasher expert at Which?, shared five things he would 'never do' in a recent TikTok video - including rinsing your plates. "Just scrape off the food and put [the plates] straight in," Laughlin explained. "Your dishwasher can more than cope with it and it saves on water and energy."

The pro also advised that there is no need to use the detergent dispenser, and argues throwing the tablet into the machine 'works just as well'. Another common mistake Laughlin urged people to not make is 'dodging' the machine's maintenance.

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"Keep your salt and rinse aid topped up," he added. "Frequently clean the filter, and regularly keep the door open to allow air to circulate." He says this helps prevent the build-up of mould and 'other general nastiness'.

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When it comes to stacking your pots and pans, Laughlin argues everything should be 'spaced out' and that bigger items are placed towards the back of the dishwasher. Plates should be faced inwards and care should be given to make sure tall items aren't 'blocking the spray arms'.

Lastly, the expert says sharp knives should be hand-washed, as adding them into the dishwasher can make them go blunt. "Wooden items can swell and crack," he added. "And, non-stick and vacuum flasks are a 'no no' too.

Many people in the comments section hailed the advice, but some disagreed with chucking the tablet into the machine. "If you don't use the tablet tray it's mostly wasted in the initial rinse cycle," one user wrote. "[It's a] terrible idea! That's why it's there."

Liam Gilliver