The way you organize the dishes in the washing machine may seem like an unimportant detail, but the truth is that this everyday gesture directly impacts the effectiveness of washing and can even be a reason for discussion in many homes.
Placing plates, glasses and cutlery apparently automatically does not always guarantee good results. According to specialist Carolyn Forté, with more than 40 years of experience in the study of domestic care, cited by the Spanish digital newspaper, there are common mistakes that compromise cleaning.
The head of the Good Housekeeping Institute highlights an essential principle: if the water cannot reach all the dishes, washing will never be effective. One of the most common mistakes is precisely filling the machine too much, blocking the water jets.
Organization makes all the difference
To avoid this problem, the expert recommends taking advantage of the dishwasher’s adjustable parts. The mobile grills and folding supports allow you to adapt the space to different types of utensils.
When organizing dishes, the most important thing is to ensure that all objects are exposed to water. The rule of thumb is simple: always ask yourself if the water can reach each piece placed. According to Carolyn Forté, many current models already include flexible supports that make this task easier. These allow, for example, to place bowls on both the lower and upper shelves, depending on their size.
Incorrectly placed glasses can ruin the wash
One of the most common mistakes happens with glasses. Instead of fitting them directly onto the machine’s rods, the ideal is to place them at a slight angle, according to the source mentioned above.
This position helps prevent damage to the glass and allows water to drain better, reducing the likelihood of stains or residue remaining after washing.
Cutlery also requires attention
The way the cutlery is placed also influences the final result. In models with a top tray, the arrangement is not so critical, but in machines with a basket there are important rules to be followed.
Knives must be placed with the blade facing down for safety reasons. The spoons should be distributed alternately, preventing them from interlocking with each other. If two spoons are left together, one of them may not receive water or detergent, compromising washing. This is a more common failure than you might think.
Small gestures that make a difference
Forks can be placed with the tines facing upwards, although the expert recommends that they be handled by the handle afterwards, for hygiene reasons. Another useful tip is to group the cutlery by type within the basket.
This simple organization makes it easier to tidy up after washing and saves time in everyday life, according to HuffPost.
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