Detective Pux here, ready to solve the case of the dirty dishes. It seems we have a new suspect: the dishwasher. Yes, that's right, the dishwasher has been accused of not doing its job properly. And while some may think loading a dishwasher is a simple task, it's clear that some people need a lesson in proper dishwasher etiquette. So, without further ado, here are the top ten things to do to load the dishwasher.
- Pre-rinse your dishes
First things first, pre-rinse your dishes. Yes, I know the dishwasher is supposed to do the cleaning, but come on people, let's not make it work too hard. Give your dishes a quick rinse before loading them in the dishwasher. You don't want to leave big chunks of food on your plates and then expect the dishwasher to work miracles.
- Load large items first
When loading the dishwasher, it's best to start with the large items first. This means your pots, pans, and large serving dishes. These items take up the most space, so it's important to get them in there first before you start adding in the smaller items.
- Load plates and bowls facing inward
When loading plates and bowls, make sure they're facing inward. This way, the water can easily reach all parts of the dish and ensure a thorough cleaning. If you load them facing outward, you risk the water not reaching all parts of the dish and leaving some areas dirty.
- Don't overcrowd the dishwasher
One of the biggest mistakes people make when loading the dishwasher is overcrowding it. Yes, it may seem like you're being efficient by fitting in as many dishes as possible, but in reality, you're just making it harder for the dishwasher to do its job. Make sure there's enough space between each dish for the water and detergent to circulate properly.
- Load silverware handles down
When loading silverware, make sure the handles are facing down. This way, the water can easily reach the utensil and ensure a thorough cleaning. Plus, it's much safer to load silverware this way as you won't accidentally poke yourself when unloading the dishwasher.
- Use the top rack for delicate items
If you have delicate items such as wine glasses or plastic containers, it's best to load them on the top rack. This will help prevent them from getting damaged during the wash cycle. Just make sure they're securely placed so they don't fall over during the cycle.
- Separate plastics from other dishes
Plastic dishes and containers should always be loaded on the top rack and separated from other dishes. This is because plastic items can easily melt during the wash cycle and ruin your other dishes.
- Load cups and glasses at an angle
When loading cups and glasses, it's best to load them at an angle. This way, the water can easily reach all parts of the cup and ensure a thorough cleaning. If you load them upright, you risk water getting trapped inside and leaving the cups and glasses with water spots.
- Don't stack dishes
Another common mistake people make is stacking dishes. This is a big no-no as it prevents the water and detergent from circulating properly and can result in dirty dishes. Always make sure dishes are loaded in a single layer.
- Close the dishwasher door properly
Last but not least, make sure you close the dishwasher door properly. If the door isn't closed properly, the dishwasher won't start and you'll be left with dirty dishes. And let's face it, nobody wants that.
So there you have it, folks. The top ten things to do to load the dishwasher properly. Follow these tips and you'll have clean dishes every time.