DISHWASHER TIPS

If you pre-rinse, you may be wasting time and effort.

3 myths of dishwashing:

Myth 1: Pre-rinsing is necessary to get dishes clean.

Myth 2: Hand washing dishes saves water and energy.

Myth 3: Rinse aid? Ain’t nobody got time for that.

Myth 1: Pre-rinsing is necessary to get dishes clean.

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BUSTED!

Dishwashers are designed to remove food soils from dishwasher-safe dishes. Our dishwasher experts at Institute of Home Science recommend removing large food particles but not pre-rinsing. Instead of wasting time on pre-rinsing, use that time to double check you are using the right amount of quality detergent and make sure you are selecting the best cycle for the load.

Myth 2: Hand washing dishes saves water and energy.

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BUSTED!

According to ENERGY STAR®, a new ENERGY STAR® qualified dishwasher uses less than half as much energy as washing by hand and can save 5,000 gallons of water each year. Dishwashing experts at Institute of Home Science point out that many pans and utensils can be washed in the dishwasher and that it’s best to check with the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s also good to note that some longer dishwasher cycles actually use less energy and water than shorter cycles.

Myth 3: Rinse aid? Ain’t nobody got time for that.

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BUSTED!

A rinse agent, also appropriately called a drying agent, can help get dishes dry. According to dish experts at the Institute of Home Science, it changes the surface tension of the water and allows it to sheet off the dishes and the interior of the dishwasher.  With energy requirements of current dishwashers, the drying agent can improve the drying performance.