Thursday

Just Good To Know Dishwasher Duty

My husband and I have always had the agreement whoever cooks doesn’t clean up. That means 99.9 percent of the time he loads the dishwasher. He is an expert at it!   I thought I’d share some tips with you today.
 First tip-Turn your kitchen tap on until the water runs hot before starting the dishwasher. With heated pipes the dishwasher is ready to go!

 Pre-rinse dishes only if they're going to sit in the machine all day. But, if you're running a cycle right away, just scrape off the food and load into the dishwasher.

Secure all plastics. If you don't, blasts of water may cause these pieces to flip over, fall onto the heating element and melt. You may want to just hand wash them. Never stack items. The water spray won't be able to reach the dishes that are on top.

Let’s Load!
Bottom Rack
 Load plates and bowls so that the dirty sides face the water spray. Pots, pans and casseroles should angle down for the best cleaning results.  * Watch out for utensils with long, thin handles. They might slip through the rack and prevent the spray arm from spinning freely.
Tuck flat pans and platters along the sides and back of the rack. Never place them in front, by the door -- they'll keep the detergent from reaching the dishes.  
  * Make sure the forks and spoons don't nest together. Place some handles up and others down so that all surfaces get washed.Always separate your stainless steel and silver (or silver-plated) flatware. If the two types touch in the wash, a reaction may occur and the silver could pit.

Top Rack
  Place glasses and mugs between the tines( not on top of the tines.) The tip of the prong can leave a water spot.
  Angle cups as much as the rack design will allow keeping water from pooling on the base of the upside-down cups.
Arrange wineglasses carefully. To help prevent breakage, don't let them bump against one another or the top of the dishwasher. I usually hand wash these.* crystal stemware does not belong in the dishwasher

*Katie’s Tid Bit: For extra side space, move your flatware basket to the center if possible. Unload the bottom rack first to avoid the drip-down from the top rack
**an extra note  left in a comment  from  Debby, use dishwasher soap only, giggle




13 comments:

Healing Woman said...

Thanks! I'm always in such a hurry and sometimes don't follow all those rules and results show..dirty dishes. Thanks for the reminder.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

My wife claims I will never learn how to properly load a dishwasher.

Unknown said...

Great advice but unfortunately I have to do it the old fashioned way in the sink. Always good to see a post from you. Have a wonderful thursday.
Odie

PoetessWug said...

Those are some great tips. I have one more: NEVER and I say again...NEVER try to add dishwashing liquid to the dishwater. You will end up with a puddle of bubbles all over your floor and think that your dishwater may be broken. {Don't ask me how I know this for sure! LOL}

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I hadn't thought about that info with the platters. Some very valuable tips here. Thanks!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Donna said...

Thanks for all the dishwashing tips...I'll turn on the hot warter first from now on!!
PS...we have the same taste in music!! I love smooth jazz!! My favorite radio station that featured it (and now I have nothing to listen to...)just changed to Country...boo!

Michelle H said...

Oh, that we had a dishwasher! If you want to explain to my husband the order of hand-washing dishes, that'd be great! I've given up completely.

Rebecca said...

My husband has no clue as to how to load the dishwasher.......so I cook, clean up, and put away...bleh.

Anonymous said...

Great tips!

New follower!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful tips!

Heather said...

Love the tips. Who unloads the dishwasher?

Clayton Thomas said...

Newest follower- I guess it's true I learn something new every day. Thanks!

Clay

http://www.tantrumstroublesandtreasures.blogspot.com

Shooting Stars Mag said...

Nice tips. And you have a really good system for meals. It's not fair for one person to do it all!

-Let's Get Beyond Tolerance