CHOICE dishwasher expert on the five things he would never do

A dishwasher expert has revealed the five things you should never do if you want ‘proper’ clean dishes and a dishwasher that won’t break down after a year or two.

Ashley Iredale, the Official Professional Dishwasher of CHOICE Australia said common mistakes include putting the tablet in the dispenser and rinsing dishes before filling the machine.

The appliance expert knows how to properly treat a dishwasher for the best results, but as he says, “sometimes it’s the things you don’t do that can make the biggest difference to both your dishwasher and what you wash in it.”

The Choice expert noted that common mistakes dishwasher owners make include putting the tablet in the dispenser (left) and pre-rinsing dishes before filling the machine (right).

1. Never put the tablet in the detergent dispenser

Ashley says she shouldn’t bother putting the tablet in the dishwasher dispenser as it’s “completely useless”.

He said that the dishes will be washed just as well by dropping the tablet at the bottom of the machine.

He explained that the compartments are designed for washing powders to prevent them from washing down the drain, but the tablets won’t do that.

“The tablets are too big to wash like that, and by having them loose in the vat early on, it gives the soluble wrapper an advantage in the initial rinse, so the tablet itself is more available early on in the wash cycle. washed,” Ashley said.

2. Never pre-rinse dishes

The expert also warned that pre-rinsing wastes water and won’t leave dishes cleaner.

The advice surprised many, but Ashley explained that giving dishes a quick rinse can actually make dishes dirtier by tricking the dishwasher into thinking it’s already clean.

“Sure, scrape the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, but rinsing isn’t necessary; it won’t make your dishes any cleaner, and it will just use more water,” Ashley advised.

“Also, by rinsing dishes before washing them, you’re showing a complete lack of faith in your dishwasher’s ability to do the one job you paid all that money for.”

3. Never fully close the dishwasher door between washes

Ashley also warned that closing the dishwasher between washes is dangerous.

It doesn’t give the stamps a chance to dry out, giving mold and odors a chance to take hold.

Leaving the door ajar will prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, since oxygen will flow and the environment will not be as hot and humid.

“It’s also worth wiping your dishwasher door seals with a soft, damp cloth as part of your weekly cleaning routine to remove food debris and keep your dishwasher door seals in tip-top condition,” Ashley added. .

Closing the dishwasher between washes is actually very dangerous as it doesn’t give the seals a chance to dry out, giving mold and odors a chance to take hold. The door should be slightly ajar (pictured)

4. Never put a half empty wash

Washing a half-empty dishwasher is inefficient for several reasons.

Ashley warned that you’ll waste money, water and energy, since your dishwasher will use about the same amount of electricity and water no matter how full it is.

A full dishwasher also dries better since the dishes are heated by the hot water from the machine, then retains that heat, helping it dry.

5. Never put sharp knives in the dishwasher

The last piece of advice from the expert is never to put sharp knives in the dishwasher if you don’t want to damage them.

The washing process can dull sharp edges, and the harsh chemicals and humid environment can corrode the steel.

“If you’re going to spend money on good knives, don’t throw them in the dishwasher to save time, they’re a handwash-only item,” Ashley said.

‘It will actually cost you more time, both in constantly honing your knives to restore the razor sharp edge, and in first aid for injuries you’ll sustain from trying to cut food with a dull blade.