Many people find washing dishes a tedious task – and now it turns out you may have been loading the dishwasher wrong all this time.
AO experts have finally settled the debates on the proper way to load dishes and dishwashers.
A common misconception is that a dishwasher needs to be as full as possible to work well. “Dishwashers need space between dishes for water to circulate, so you’re not saving anything by cramming them,” said Gwil Snook, dishwasher expert at AO.
In fact, according to him, crowding the dishes increases the chance that the cycle will have to be repeated or that you will have to wash them by hand, as they will come out dirty.
He suggests leaving a small space between the containers – about the size of a nickel or your little finger. “That way the water can circulate between them and give better results,” Snook explained.
The expert also warns against the age-old habit of pre-washing dishes, which wastes time and water. According to AO research, a quarter of Britons think that pre-washing dirty dishes before putting them in the dishwasher produces better results.
“It’s the complete opposite,” Snook said. “Modern dishwashers and detergents are designed to work with food residue and dirty dishes. They work with enzymes that break down grease and grime during the cycle. If you rinse them first, the enzymes have nothing to work on, and the cleaning is weakened. Prewashing just wastes water and time, but many people continue to do it as a habit.”
Data shows that women are more likely than men to rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Londoners are the most “wrong,” with a third of households doing so.
Snook recommends using the top rack of the dishwasher for cups, while glasses, bowls, and heavier items like pots should be placed on the bottom. You should also leave room for the spray arms and select the appropriate program as needed.
"With a few small adjustments, Britons can maximise the efficiency of their dishwashers, saving time, money and family stress," he added.
Debates over how to place knives and forks continue. Experts recommend placing the utensils with the tips down, as this is the safest and most efficient method. /GazetaExpress/
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