Experts reveal how to load your dishwasher this Christmas – and say the key is sticking a wash on BEFORE you sit down to eat your dinner

Loading the dishwasher is a job that many people dread.

And because so many pots, pans, plates and glasses are used at Christmas, this task can be even more difficult during the holidays.

Fortunately, there is help available, such as Which? has released a brand new guide to loading your dishwasher this Christmas.

‘Although it’s less work than washing everything by hand after Christmas dinner, loading the dishwasher is still a chore.’ Which one? said.

“But you can lighten the load by stacking your dishwasher efficiently.”

While it may sound cumbersome, the consumer champion recommends sticking on some laundry detergent before sitting down to eat.

“Before you sit down to eat your Christmas feast, put your dirtiest cookware through a power wash (as long as it’s dishwasher safe),” it said.

‘This should take frying pans and frying pans off the to-do list.’

Which one? has boiled down the best dishwashing strategy into four key steps – and says planning is key.

Firstly: which one? says to prepare as much food in advance as possible to reduce the amount of dishes you have to do on Christmas Day.

“Prepare vegetables on Christmas Eve and cook the spuds for your roast potatoes,” it advised.

“You can even get them crispy early on Christmas morning so you don’t have to clean a crusty pan later in the day.”

Then put your dirtiest cookware through a power wash before sitting down to your Christmas dinner.

After eating, use the main program to clean your plates, cutlery and glassware.

“Depending on your dishwasher and how delicate your glassware is, you may also be able to add champagne flutes to this wash.” Which one? said.

If you used fine china or crystal, use a third, gentle wash.

First dishwasher load

For your first dishwashing, which one? recommends putting all your dirtiest pans and trays on an intensive cycle.

‘This washes at a higher temperature and water pressure, allowing the dishwasher to really clean the dirtiest pans and trays,’ it explains.

However, there are some important rules to follow.

First, make sure you remove excess grease and oil, otherwise you risk it solidifying and blocking your dishwasher’s filter or drain.

“Collect excess food and dispose of it in your regular food waste bin,” it said.

Roasting plates should be placed face down in the dishwasher, but pay close attention to what yours are made of.

While stainless steel is dishwasher safe, cast iron is a no-go – and aluminum is only suitable if it is anodized.

Which one? said: ‘If not, harsh cleaners can cause it to turn black.’

Finally, use the adjustable racks for larger items.

‘Check the manual to see if your dishwasher has a top rack that can be lowered or raised,’ Which one? added.

“Others use a system where you have to remove the rack and adjust the runners.”

Second dishwashing

Once you’ve gotten the dirtiest pans and trays out of the way, it’s time to tackle the plates, cutlery, gravy jugs and glasses.

When faced with piles of dishes, you may be tempted to overload your machine.

However, this prevents the water and detergent from spreading, leaving you with dirty dishes.

‘Try to alternate larger and smaller plates next to each other.’ Which one? said.

Fortunately, which one? says you only need to scrape the residue off your plates and reassures you that there is no need to rinse.

‘JOften you just need to tap off clumps of food waste before loading. Pre-rinsing can waste water unnecessarily,” the report said.

‘The exception to this rule is if you’ve left the dishes out all day before washing.

‘If so, give them a quick rinse before putting them in the dishwasher to give yourself the best chance of getting everything clean.’

Although many gravy jugs are short and wide, these are actually more difficult to wash.

‘Consider using a tall gravy pitcher as it takes up less space in the dishwasher.’ Which one? added.

For wine glasses and champagne flutes, which one? recommends using a separate delicate wash program. This program washes at a lower temperature and water pressure to better protect the glass.

“Wash champagne flutes on the top rack on a gentle cycle,” it said.

‘You might worry that this will cause them to become cloudy over time, but modern dishwashers and detergents prevent this from happening, even in hard water areas.

‘Make sure you refill salt and rinse aid beforehand.’

In the meantime, it’s probably safest to wash good dishes by hand.

‘Even delicate dishwasher settings can fade or damage the decorations’ Which one? warned.