5 Dishwasher Mistakes to Avoid, According to an Expert

by: Nini
March 24, 2024

source: Pexels

All of my friends and family members know that I freaking hate washing dishes. That’s why they got me a dishwasher as a birthday present. But guess what? Just reading the instruction manual is not enough when it comes to using a dishwasher. There are so many tips and tricks online that really teach you how to use it correctly. This is very important, especially to people like me, who only read the manual once and now think they know everything when it comes to dishwashers! As I was really researching this, I came across tips I had no idea about before. So, what does it mean? Was I using my dishwasher the wrong way the whole time? After reading this, maybe you’ll ask yourself the very same question too.

Let me take you through the journey of how a dishwasher turned from being just another kitchen appliance to my ultimate savior and the things I learned the hard way that you should absolutely avoid.

1. Skipping the Pre-scrape

I watched this viral video where a dishwasher expert said he never rinses his dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Just scrape off the food and put them straight in. The dishwasher can cope with it and saves water and energy. Being the skeptic I am, I had to try it myself. Turns out, he was right. Gone are the days I used to pre-wash my dishes, only to have them washed again. Just scrape off the leftovers into the bin, and you’re good to go. It’s about being smart and eco-friendly, not just lazy.

2. The Casual Approach to Detergent

I must confess, I was that person who never bothered with the dishwasher dispenser. I used to chuck the tablet straight in and thought it worked just as well. To my surprise, it actually does. While the dispenser has its benefits, like releasing the detergent at the optimal time, throwing the tablet in the bottom of the dishwasher can work just as effectively for most cycles. This little hack saved me the minor, yet annoying hassle of refilling the dispenser for every wash.

3. Neglecting Maintenance

Maintenance? What maintenance? For the longest time, I treated my dishwasher like it was indestructible. I never dodged the maintenance, from keeping the salt and rinse aid topped up to frequently cleaning the filter. Why, you ask? Because keeping your dishwasher in good shape leads to cleaner dishes and makes it last longer. Regularly cleaning the filter is crucial as it catches all the food debris. Ignoring it can lead to a smelly, inefficient machine. And let’s not forget about keeping the door ajar occasionally. This allows air to circulate, preventing the build-up of bacteria, mold, and that dreaded musty smell.

4. How to Load the Dishwasher

Stacking dishes randomly in a dishwasher is like playing Tetris with a blindfold. It just doesn’t work. Everything must be spaced out, with big items at the back and plates facing inward, ensuring no items are blocking the spray arms. I learned this the hard way after having to rewash half the dishes because they were crammed in. The right way? It’s like a well-orchestrated symphony where every dish and utensil has its place, ensuring optimal cleanliness and efficiency.

5. What Not to Dishwash

There are some items that just don’t belong in a dishwasher. I learned about these the hard way. Sharp knives? They can get dulled. Wooden items? They swell and crack. Non-stick pans and vacuum flasks? Just don’t. I ruined a perfectly good wooden spatula and a non-stick pan before this lesson sank in. These items need the tender love and care of handwashing.

Owning a dishwasher and learning to use it properly has been a game-changer. No more standing over the sink for ages, no more dried-out hands from too much soap and water, and most importantly, no more dreading meal times because of the cleanup afterward. It’s not just a kitchen appliance; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. It gives me more time to spend on things I love, less water wasted, and the satisfaction of knowing I’m doing my bit for the environment.

In the end, it’s all about making the most out of this marvelous invention. My dishwasher has not only made my life easier but has also taught me valuable lessons in efficiency, care, and even a bit of humility. Yes, I was using my dishwasher the wrong way, but now, I feel like I’ve graduated with honors from the school of dishwashing.