Sometimes our appliances break down because we work them too hard, but dishwashers are different. They actually perform better when we stop trying to do their job for them. If your post-dinner ritual involves standing over the kitchen sink, spraying every last crumb off your plate, you’re about to save a lot of time —…
Let Your Dishwasher Do the Dishes
Maybe we think we’re helping by giving the machine less work, or maybe we’re just stuck in the old-school habit of washing dishes by hand before arranging them on the rack. Whatever the reason, if you have a modern dishwasher made within the last 15 years, experts recommend that you stop rinsing before loading. Why? Rinsing too much can actually prevent your dishwasher from working properly.
Modern dishwashers include optical sensors that determine exactly how much water, heat, and force are needed to clean a load effectively. In short, they use beams of light to gauge how cloudy the water is with food particles. Rinsing your dishes not only wastes time and water but can also fool the sensors into detecting a lighter load. This may prompt the appliance to use less water, lower the temperature, and shorten the cycle time, resulting in less-than-spotless dishes. Instead, scrape large food scraps into the bin, add your favorite detergent, and let your dishwasher handle the rest.
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How To Help Your Dishwasher
There are a couple of ways to ensure your dishwasher works its magic. While you don’t need to rinse with most modern dishwashers, you should still scrape away large food scraps that could be hard to spray off or clog the filter. Think bones, seeds, pasta, rice, potato peels, eggshells, or anything that’s particularly fatty or greasy. It’s also a good idea to clean your dishwasher’s filter and spray arms every couple of months — or sooner if the machine doesn’t seem as powerful as usual.
Of course, you should always consult your specific dishwasher’s instructions before you decide to skip the rinse. An owner’s manual outlines the best practices for getting the most out of your appliance. If you discarded or misplaced yours, you can usually find a PDF version on the manufacturer’s website or contact their customer service team for guidance.
