VIDEO: Should You Pre-wash Dishes Before Putting Them in the Dishwasher?

What we’re about to tell you is controversial. Many of you will be shocked. Some of you may not like what you hear. Some may even be angered. But we urge you: Direct not your outrage at us, but at physics, chemistry, technology … nay, science itself! You really should stop pre-washing your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.

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That’s because most modern dishwashers have high-tech soil-sensing systems that detect how dirty your dishes are and adjust the wash cycle accordingly. Plus, your detergent is formulated to latch onto the sticky stuff and wash it away. Meanwhile, the machine’s hot-water sanitizing function and heated-dry cycle will zap bacteria at temperatures far too hot for your hands. Pre-washing dishes could actually cause your dishes to get less washed — because if the sensors don’t sense any soil, the cleaning mechanism will move on to gunkier pastures where it determines it’s needed.

Oh, and if none of that prevents you from pre-washing, consider the waste — of water … and time. Do yourself a favor: Don’t do the dishes. Scrape the big stuff into the trash and let the dishwasher do its thing.

Watch our video to learn the answers to the following questions and more:

• Is pre-washing dishes necessary for dishwashers?

• Does pre-rinsing dishes affect dishwasher performance?

• Does pre-washing dishes waste water?

• Why should you avoid pre-washing dishes?

• Will my dishes get clean if I don’t pre-wash them before putting them in the dishwasher?

Still not convinced to stop pre-washing dishes even after watching our video? Sound off in the comments — and if you learned something there, please like and share!

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