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Dishwasher myths explained: 10 Common misconceptions debunked
Not sure what to believe when it comes to the dishwasher? We've picked the most common myths to help you figure out what's true and what's a load of hot air.
Dishwashers are an easy way to take one of the most hated chores off your plate, so you can forget about scrubbing away baked on food. But if some of the info going around has making the switch feel a lot more complicated than it is, then we're here to clear some things up.
Do you need to pre-rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher?
Loads of us live by this one, but guess what? Rinsing your plates before putting them in the dishwasher can actually have worse results. Dishwashers measure how much dirt is on your dishes, figuring out the right settings to get everything spotless. So, plates that have already been rinsed off can trick your appliance into thinking they hardly need a clean at all. If your plates are caked with sticky foods that you'd rather not go in the dishwasher, you should still scrape excess food into the bin, but it’s better to give rinsing a miss.
Does hand washing use less water than a dishwasher?
Dishwashers use a lot less water than washing by hand. According to Which?, washing by hand uses around 4.5 litres per place setting, whereas dishwashers only use about 926ml for the same amount. A lot of this is down to dishwashers recirculating the water. But when you wash up manually, a lot of us refill the tub a few times or just leave the tap running, and that’ll really spike your water use.
Does more detergent mean cleaner dishes?
Using more detergent won't give your plates a better clean. A certain amount of detergent is needed to break down grease and, beyond that, all it does is make things bubblier. Using too much detergent can actually leave a soapy film on your dishes that you'll have to rinse off after, unless you want your Sunday lunch with a side of suds. To make sure you're using the right amount, follow the directions on your detergent packaging for the number of place settings in the machine.
Does the top rack of a dishwasher clean properly?
The upper rack is designed to clean just as well as the bottom. If the items that are up top aren't getting the clean they should, it can be caused by overloading or loading incorrectly. You should always place glasses and mugs face down along the sides, while bowls and small plates should be face down along the centre. If that fails, there could be a fault that limits the water pressure, a clog in the spray arms, or a malfunctioning detergent dispenser. If you think it's any of these issues, call a professional to take a look.
Can dishwashers clean dried-on food?
Modern dishwashers are made to deal with dried-on food. Their clever sensors detect how dirty the load is, adjusting the settings to make sure everything comes out spotless. And it's not just your machine that's designed to give your pots a flawless clean, detergents are filled with enzymes that melt away grease and shift stubborn stains. Make sure to scrape off any large chunks of food, but skip the rinse so the dishwasher uses the right settings.
Does eco mode actually work?
While eco mode definitely works, there's a trade-off when it comes to time. It’s designed to reduce water and energy use by using lower temperatures and a slightly longer runtime. Your pots still come out sparkling, but the machine's saved some energy doing it. In fact, Which? estimates that if you do 5 washes a week, you could save up to £18.88 a year compared with the main wash programme.
How often should you run a dishwasher?
How often you run your dishwasher depends on how many pots your family's getting through. If you've got a large family that somehow gets through an entire cupboard of crockery, then you should probably run it most days. But if you've got a couple of plates and a few glasses, you might want to skip a day here and there to avoid using more energy and water than you need. If your model's got a half-load cycle, then you can run it more often.
Are dishwashers expensive to run?
Most modern dishwashers are designed with efficiency as a priority, balancing water and energy use with an effective clean. If you're trying to keep your utility bills as low as possible, there are a few things you can do, like only running it once it's full and using an eco setting. The only thing to note is efficient settings use lower temperatures and often take longer, so it might not be ideal when you're in a rush.
Do dishwashers need cleaning?
Because dishwashers are always filled with soap, suds, and hot water, it's easy to assume that they stay squeaky clean. But the reality is that food, grease, detergent residue, and limescale build up over time. If proper maintenance isn't kept up with, you can end up with an appliance that smells, doesn't clean, and is far less efficient too. Use a dishwasher cleaner every few months to keep your appliance sparkling and running at its best.
Can everything go in the dishwasher?
While most utensils, pots, and plates are dishwasher safe, there are a few bits and bobs that are better off being handwashed. Like:
- Wooden utensils and chopping boards
- Cast iron cookware
- Sharp knives
- Some non-stick pans
Trying to wash the wrong items in the dishwasher can lead to permanent damage, like knives becoming dull or chopping boards warping. If you're unsure, check on the base of the item or the packaging it came in before popping it in the machine.
A lot of these dishwasher myths were based on older models and don’t apply to modern appliances that have been designed to solve a lot of the old bugbears. If you keep up with regular maintenance and load your dishwasher correctly with suitable kitchenware, you shouldn't run into any problems. There's a load off your mind.
