There is a very common mistake in the way many people load dishes in the dishwasher, which may explain why glasses, plates or cutlery continue to come out dirty even after an intensive cycle. The problem is not just with the detergent or the program chosen, but with the way the dishes are stored.
According to Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Cleaning and Care Laboratory, the most important rule is to ensure that water can reach all parts placed in the machine.
When the dishes are too accumulated or poorly positioned, the passage of water becomes difficult and the end result can be far less than expected.
Water must reach all dishes
According to , the expert explains that, when placing dishes in the machine, the essential question should always be the same: does the water reach here?
It is this logic that should guide all storage inside the appliance, especially when trying to make the most of the available space.
Correctly using all compartments and levels of the machine helps to better distribute the load and prevents some parts from blocking the washing of others.
In many models, there are adjustable cup holders or shelves, which allows you to save space and better fit the dishes without piling them up.
The most common mistake is in the glasses
For Carolyn Forté, the biggest mistake many people make is precisely the way they place glasses in the top drawer.
As he explains, glasses should not rest on top of two pins, even though this position gives the feeling of greater stability.
The best thing to do is for them to rest against each other, without excessive pressure, to avoid damaging the glass and to allow for more effective washing.
Depending on how tight or fitted they are, glasses may not only wash worse, but also be more vulnerable to breaking or chipping.
Cutlery must also be well placed
The position of the cutlery is another point that often raises questions in many kitchens.
In the case of knives, the recommendation is to place them with the blade facing down, for safety reasons.
The spoons must be alternated, some up and others down, to prevent them from jamming together and preventing water or detergent from reaching the entire surface.
Forks should have the tines facing upwards, although the specialist reminds them that they should be removed by the handle to avoid unnecessary contact with areas that go into the mouth.
Wrong storage can compromise the entire wash
More than a question of organization, the way the dishes are placed in the machine can directly compromise the effectiveness of washing.
Even with more intense programs, suitable detergents and high temperatures, water needs to circulate freely to do its job.
Therefore, poor housekeeping can be behind many of the problems that lead to repeat washing or removing dirty items from the machine.
In the end, the detail that seems small ends up making all the difference. And, in the case of the dishwasher, knowing where and how to place each part can avoid wasting time, water and energy.
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