7 Dishwasher Myths Busted!

Uncover the truth behind these common dishwasher myths.

Some of us scrub our dishes so well before they go in the dishwasher that they hardly need any more cleaning. Did you know that’s actually detrimental?

Dishwashers aren’t exactly new-fangled inventions, but there are still a lot of misconceptions about them. Mike Showalter, a field support engineer at Sears, helps us get at the truth behind some common dishwasher myths.

(Text Version of Infographic)

7 Dishwasher Myths – BUSTED!

Uncover the truth behind these common dishwasher misconceptions.

Myth 1 – You need to pre-rinse.

Unless you have large particles of food on your dishes, pre-rinsing creates extra work and could actually hinder dishwasher performance. If there’s nothing for the detergent to work on, it can be abrasive to dishes.

Myth 2 – It doesn’t matter how you load it.

Top Rack: Cups and glasses belong here, between the tines – not perched over them. The little rack with the slots is for the stems of wineglasses. Place bowls at an include so the water drains. Dishwasher-safe plastic also goes here. Bottom Rack: Best suited for plates, pans, and larger items. Third rack: Some dishwashers have a slip third rack for spatulas, other tall cooking utensils, and large knives. If you don’t have one, they go on the top rack, facing down.

Myth 3 – It’ll damage your flatware.

Everyday flatware is fine to put in the dishwasher. Put utensils in the holder with their handles down, business-end up – with the exception of sharp knives. Those go in point-down. Mix up forks, spoons, and knives.

Myth 4 – Good knives are ok to put in there.

Nope! Wash your good cooking knives by hand. Ditto for fine china, ceramic cookware, wooden cutting boards, crystal glasses, sterling silver, and silver-plate items.

Myth 5 – Using a rinsing agent is a waste of time.

This is one of the most common mistakes. Rinsing agents allow water to drain after the final rinse and prevent spots and streaks.

Myth 6 – Detergents are all the same.

Some studies have shown that powders, especially the powder tablets, work best on caked-on food. If you’re a fan of gel or pods, keep a box of powder tablets on hand for really tough loads.

Myth 7 – The disposal has nothing to do with the dishwasher.

Not true! The dishwasher likely drains into the same pipe as your sink, so making sure it’s not clogged with disposal fodder will help your dishwasher drain efficiently. Also: Run the hot water and then start the dishwasher so the cycle will use hot water from the get-go.