Did you know that it is actually more beneficial to not rinse your dishes before placing them in the dishwasher? Many people rinse off their plates before washing them in the dishwasher but as it turns out, what could simply be routine for many, is actually the completely wrong way to do it.
Most modern dishwashers, according to Morgan Brashear, Cascade scientist with Procter & Gamble, have sensors inside to figure out how long to run a cycle even if “normal” wash is pressed. The length and temperature of the cycle can still vary depending on how dirty the dishes are detected to be. The pre-wash water will remove those loose soils the same way you are removing them by washing them in the sink. However, the machine recognizes that there is food present and will actually run a more thorough cycle. By removing those crumbs and soils, you are telling your dishwasher that no food is present which leads to a less thorough clean or even some food still left on the dishes.
Newer dishwasher models will likely have an internal disposal or filter that will need to be cleaned regularly in order to function and remove waste properly. One thing to keep in mind though, a dishwasher is not the same as a garbage disposal. Scrape off larger leftover food and place it right in the dishwasher.
Adapted from the Today Show’s “You shouldn’t rinse dishes before you put them in the dishwasher (seriously)” by Zoe Weiner.
