Who has never thought of doing well by rinsing their plates before putting them in the dishwasher? However, this habit is not only useless, but it can also affect the effectiveness of your device. Experts explain why it is better to scratch the remains and let the dishwasher work.
Why rinse your plates before the dishwasher is a mistake
In an article of HuffpostHolly Moore, founder of a cleaning company, recalls: “It is a common error. The important thing is to scrape the plates, so as not to leave food there, but rinse them is completely useless“.
Ian Palmer-Smith, specialist in household appliances, specifies that most modern dishwashers are equipped with a sensor that measures the degree of dirt and adapts the cycle accordingly. Problem: by rinsing, you cheat on the system. “”So, if you rinse the dishes, the dishwasher will not make a cycle as intense as it would do it differently“. Result: a dishes that emerges less clean.
The key role of the integrated sensor and modern cleaners
This sensor works thanks to a light beam that analyzes dishes. The more dirty it is, the more powerful the cycle. Lee Gilbert, appliance expert, confirms: “If your device has been made in the past 20 years, it probably has one“.
To be clear, simply check your user manual. Holly Moore advises: “The user manual generally lists the characteristics of the dishwasher, especially if it is equipped with a food sensor. Look for terms such as ‘dirt sensor’, ‘automatic detection cycle “‘ or ‘smart sensor technology'”. The devices with this technology also display “automatic” or “intelligent washing” cycles. “”These parameters indicate that the dishwasher can adjust the water consumption, the temperature and the duration of the cycle as a function of the degree of dirt from the dishes“, She adds.
In addition, current products are formulated to interact with food residues. As Ian Palmer-Smith explains: “The dishwasher enzymes attach to food, so if you pre-break your dishes, it has fewer attachments“.
Good gestures for an effective daily dishwasher
To take full advantage of the capabilities of your device, it is better to stop rinsing and focus on regular maintenance. Ian Palmer-Smith recommends: “The dishwasher should be cleaned about once a month“. He details:”This includes emptying and cleaning the filter that traps food remains, before wiping it. It only takes a few minutes, but it’s essential for your dishwasher to work properly in the long term“.
Here are the good reflexes to adopt:
- Scrape the plates instead of rinse them;
- Choose the automatic or intelligent cycle;
- Regularly clean the filter and tank;
- Use suitable products.