5 things I'd never do as a dishwasher expert
From rinsing plates to sloppy stacking and being held hostage by the detergent dispenser, here are the things that I wouldn't do – plus a few things I would
Every year, we put more than 60 consumer dishwashers through our rigorous labs tests – but I'm a dishwasher user too, with my own preferences as to how things should be done.
Whether it's rinsing, stacking or keeping on top of maintenance, these are things that I wouldn't do – either because it's not necessary, or it'll wreck your stuff.
I've also added three things that I would do when using my dishwasher to ensure the most effective cleaning.
Need a new dishwasher? Which? members can read all our dishwasher reviews, or just skip straight to our pick of the best dishwashers
5 things I'd never do as a dishwasher expert
1. Rinse the plates
For some, the thought of not rinsing plates before loading them into the dishwasher will fill them with horror. But I never bother rinsing crockery – just scrape off any leftovers into the food bin and stick them straight in.
Most dishwasher programs pre-rinse your dishes, so you won’t need to waste water (and money) by running them under the tap.
Modern, all-in-one dishwasher tablets are more than capable of taking on any mess thanks to a combination of powder and gel-based detergents.
Whether you're looking for Best Buys, Great Value or an Eco Buy, we've tested big brands and supermarket own-labels to find the best dishwasher tablets
2. Bother with the detergent dispenser
Logic dictates that the detergent dispenser will release your dishwasher tablet at the optimum moment during the wash cycle. But you can just chuck it straight into the body of your dishwasher and not sweat about it. It will still work.
You might worry about the detergent getting washed away in the pre-wash. Sure, dishwasher tablets start to dissolve on contact with water (as anyone who has reached into the bag with wet hands will know), but most modern tablets won't be fully dissolved in the pre-wash cycle. Plus, it's part of the cleaning cycle, anyway.
Another factor to consider is failure of the dispenser – have you ever discovered a semi-dissolved tablet wedged in there at the end of a cycle? Or that the dispenser hasn't opened at all?
Based on our dishwasher brand reliability survey, some 6% of faults recorded with dishwashers were due to the dispenser breaking.
When it comes down to it, you don't have to use the dispenser, but it's best to check the recommendation of your dishwasher manufacturer and decide what's best for yourself.
3. Skip maintenance
As with any appliance, you need to keep on top of dishwasher maintenance to keep it in the best possible shape.
That means topping up your rinse aid and salt, regularly cleaning the filter, and periodically maintaining other aspects of the machine, such as the spray arms and door seals.
You should also leave the door ajar after a cycle from time to time, as this will circulate air into your dishwasher, stopping the build up of mildew, mould and bacteria.
4. Stack randomly
Not only is it a common cause of arguments (even in the comments on Instagram, where our dishwasher tips have gone viral), but ineffective loading is often behind dishwashers not cleaning properly.
Stack plates and flat items facing inwards so they are well covered by the spray jets, while pots, pans, deep bowls and other such items should face down. Make sure no large items are placed in a way that will block the spray arm.
Don't overfill the dishwasher, and make sure you space out dishes and cutlery so that the water and detergent can reach the whole load.
For more tips on stacking, head to our guide on how to load your dishwasher
5. Load these items...
There are some items you should never put in your dishwasher, largely because they can get damaged during cycles.
Wooden items like spoons and chopping boards can swell and splinter due to the water exposure.
The blades of sharp knives can be dulled by repeated cycles. Non-stick items and most insulated mugs are also a no-no as dishwashing can ruin special coatings and vacuum seals.
Discover more in 7 things you shouldn’t put in a dishwasher
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3 things I would do with my dishwasher
1. Take the time to load efficiently
On the whole, anything that needs harder cleaning, such as baking trays or pots and pans, goes on the lower rack where the water pressure is higher.
Any more delicate items, including glasses, mugs and cups, go on the upper rack. The same goes for plastic items and containers, as well as large utensils.
As mentioned earlier, overloading makes it harder for your dishwasher to do its job. Leave enough space between items for the water and detergent to spread around – alternating larger and smaller plates in the rack will help with this.
Watch out for spoons 'nesting' in the cutlery basket – when this happens, there's no space for the water to circulate. To avoid this, place some facing upwards and some downwards.
2. Make use of the adjustable racks for large items
The upper racks on most modern dishwashers are usually adjustable, meaning you can lower the rack to accommodate taller items, such as a long-stemmed wine glass.
To see if your dishwasher can do this, look out for lever mechanisms on the side of the rack. This can be used to adjust the rack height up and down.
Just bear in mind that if you lower the rack, make sure that tall items on the bottom rack don't block the spray arm above and stop it from cleaning effectively.
3. Use the programs effectively
Modern dishwashers have an array of programs to choose from, but typically, there's always a main or auto cycle, a quick wash and an eco program.
Main programs usually wash at a temperature between 55°C and 65°C, and are designed for mixed loads. If available, the auto mode senses how dirty your dishes are, and then adjusts the water temperature and wash duration accordingly.
Quick, fast or 'rapid' cycles are intended for lightly soiled dishes or small loads that just need a quick clean. Avoid using them on full and everyday loads.
Eco or energy-saving programs are designed to use less water and wash at lower temperatures, but usually take well over three hours to complete.
Dishwashers often have dedicated programs for delicate glassware or an intensive wash for very dirty pots and pots. Use them only for the relevant items – don't be tempted to throw in a few other bits.
Did you know that refrigerator drawers and some kids toys can go in the dishwasher? Discover more surprising items you can and can't put in the dishwasher
And of course, it always helps to buy the best dishwasher you can afford. Which? members can browse all our Best Buy dishwashers, which start from £400.
We've also tested and recommended Great Value dishwashers starting from just under £300 and Eco Buy dishwashers starting from just over £400.
Members can even filter our dishwasher reviews by annual running costs, as well as by brand, retailer, price range, test results and more. We also test compact dishwashers and slimline dishwashers.
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