What Are the 5 Essential Rules for Properly Stacking Your Dishwasher?

Staking a claim in the ongoing debate about the correct way to stack a dishwasher, experts have provided essential guidelines to ensure sparkling clean dishes. According to findings from BBC One's Inside the Factory, many of us might be misusing our dishwashers, potentially leading to less effective cleaning. Adhering to these five rules can enhance efficiency and ultimately end the dishwasher debate.

Last updated: 24 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The discussion around dishwasher use has gained fresh momentum following the insights shared on BBC One's Inside the Factory. Experts emphasise the need for proper loading techniques and maintenance to optimise performance and cleaning results. With many households grappling with dirty dishes post-wash, understanding the right practices could significantly improve satisfaction with this household appliance.

Key takeaways

Stop rinsing dishes before loading to maintain washing efficiency.
Stack plates in the lower rack and glasses in the upper rack.
Ensure items are not touching to facilitate water circulation.
Use dishwasher tablets and salt for optimal cleaning and maintenance.
Avoid loading non-stick cookware and sharp knives to prevent damage.

Timeline: how we got here

The conversation about dishwasher efficiency has evolved over the years. Recent insights can be traced back to a growing awareness of appliance performance in 2020, with consumer groups and experts conducting research to uncover common mistakes. The culmination of this knowledge was showcased on 24 October 2023, when BBC One aired an episode of Inside the Factory dedicated to dishwasher best practices.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent findings highlight the importance of not rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. This practice can mislead the machine's sensors, ultimately reducing the cleaning effectiveness. Experts recommend scraping off food waste instead of pre-washing.

What was already established

It has long been known that proper stacking is crucial for effective dishwashing. However, the nuances of where to place specific items in the dishwasher have only recently been articulated with greater clarity. The advice to angle bowls and ensure nothing is touching supports better water flow and cleaning.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

With many households across the UK relying on dishwashers for their daily cleaning needs, understanding the correct stacking methods can lead to cleaner dishes and less frustration. This newfound knowledge may help reduce the need for re-washing items, saving both time and water.

Businesses and jobs

For manufacturers, understanding consumer habits can lead to improved designs and features in future dishwasher models. As awareness grows, there may be opportunities for businesses to provide products that enhance dishwasher performance, such as specialised tablets or maintenance solutions.

Policy and regulation

As appliance efficiency becomes a topic of concern, potential regulatory frameworks may emerge to standardise performance metrics and energy consumption for dishwashers. This could impact manufacturers and consumers alike, emphasising the importance of effective cleaning solutions that do not compromise energy efficiency.

Numbers that matter

Up to 30% more effective cleaning can be achieved by optimally loading dishwashers.
Dishwasher usage can save around 3,800 litres of water annually compared to hand washing.
Modern dishwashers can operate at temperatures as low as 50°C, maximising energy efficiency.
Using tablets can improve cleaning by breaking down food residues more effectively than powder alone.
Over 60% of users report dissatisfaction due to improperly cleaned dishes, often stemming from incorrect loading.

Definitions and jargon buster

Turbidity sensor: A device that measures the cloudiness of water, indicating how dirty it is.
Surfactants: Chemicals that reduce surface tension, helping water to spread and clean better.
Dishwasher salt: A special type of salt used to soften water and prevent limescale build-up.
Rinse aid: A liquid added to dishwashers to help dishes dry more effectively by dispersing water.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Start implementing the stacking techniques recommended by experts. Pay attention to how the performance of your dishwasher improves as you adjust your loading methods.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Monitor changes in your dish cleanliness and the frequency of re-washing. Consider investing in high-quality dishwasher tablets and salt to further enhance performance.

Signals to watch

Check for improvements in cleaning quality as you alter loading habits.
Observe any changes in water or energy usage on your utility bills.
Keep an eye on new dishwasher models and features emerging in the market.

Practical guidance

Do

Scrape food residues into the bin before loading.
Stack dishes according to type: plates below, glasses above.
Use dishwasher tablets and regularly top up salt and rinse aid.

Don’t

Do not rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
Do not overload the machine as this hampers cleaning efficiency.
Do not place non-dishwasher-safe items inside, such as wooden utensils or non-stick pans.

Checklist

Have you scraped off food waste before loading?
Are your plates and bowls facing towards the centre of the machine?
Is there enough space for water to circulate around items?
Have you topped up dishwasher salt recently?
Are you using the correct type of detergent for your dishwasher?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While these guidelines are based on expert recommendations, individual dishwashers may vary in performance. Users should be aware that not all dishwashing detergents are created equal, and some may yield better results than others. Also, certain types of cookware may still require hand washing despite following best practices, so it’s vital to consult manufacturer guidelines for specific items.

Bottom line

Understanding the correct way to stack a dishwasher can significantly enhance the cleaning efficiency of this essential appliance. By implementing expert recommendations and avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your dishes come out sparkling clean, ultimately saving time and resources.

FAQs

Is it necessary to rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher?

No, it is not necessary to rinse dishes beforehand. Rinsing can lead to less effective cleaning as the dishwasher's sensors may misinterpret clean dishes as already washed.

How should I stack my dishes for the best results?

Stack plates in the lower rack and cups or glasses in the upper rack. Ensure that all items face towards the centre and are not touching to allow water to circulate freely.

What should I avoid putting in the dishwasher?

Avoid loading non-stick pans, sharp knives, and wooden utensils, as they can be damaged by high temperatures and water pressure.