England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland
Kitchen News
Appliance expert shares the best way to stack a dishwasher for sparkling results
In a recent interview, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared his proficiency in the art of stacking the dishwasher.
While many people may not put too much thought into how they stack their dishwasher, there are some tips to make ensure you’re getting the most out of your dishwasher…
No need to rinse
It can be tempting to give particularly dirty dishes a rinse before putting them into the dishwasher – but this really isn’t necessary.
Many modern dishwashers use sensors to determine how dirty the dishes are – and giving them a pre-rinse might tell your dishwasher that the dishes need a less thorough wash. Dishwasher detergent is also designed to cling to scraps on the dishes, helping it clean more effectively,
Giving dishes a pre-rinse in the sink can also be a waste of water, so rather let your dishwasher do all the work.
While it’s not necessary to rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, it is a good idea to scrape away any remaining food or crumbs. These bits of food can quickly clog up the dishwasher filter and will lead to it being less effective.
RDO
Organisation is key
Placing items strategically is the best way to make the most of your dishwasher. Avoid placing dishes too close together as this will prevent soap and water from getting to every part of your dishes.
Very dirty items should be placed facing toward the stray – so dishes on the bottom rack should face upwards while dishes on the top rack should face downwards.
For better drying, place the dishes at an angle, as this will ensure that the water can run off the surface after the wash cycle has finished.
Switch up cutlery placement
There is some debate about which direction you should place cutlery in the dishwasher, but the best option is actually a combination.
Knives should be placed with their sharp edge facing down – this is best to ensure that you don’t risk cutting yourself when picking them up.
However, forks and spoons are best placed with the handles facing down – this ensures that your utensils get the most access to spray. This will also prevent forks and spoons from nesting together – as this is when food gets trapped between them, leading to a less effective clean.
Inspect dishwasher regularly
Neglecting dishwasher maintenance can result in poorly cleaned dishes. To achieve sparkling results every time make sure to regularly clean the dishwasher filter to prevent a build-up of food.
Be sure to give the dishwasher seal a regular clean too – as this can easily build up grime or mould.
Rather hand wash some items
While putting all your dishes into the dishwasher is convenient, some items are best left for handwashing.
Non-stick cookware should only ever be handwashed. The combination of salt, detergents and strong water pressure can damage the non-stick coating – which will lead to it being less effective.
Delicate glassware and sharp knives should also be washed by hand.
