Why Wash The Dishes Before Putting Them In The Dishwasher?!

 

I’ve used the same Bosch dishwasher for about 6 years. I have the instructions, the “Dishwasher Use Care Manual.”

There is a section called “Preparing and Loading the Dishware.” Under that there is a “Dishware Preparation” section. Under that, and (and I offer proof) it says to NOT wash the dishes by hand first. Specifically, “Do not pre-wash items having loosely attached soiling.”

I’m logical. So I take things like instructions quite literally. And what “Do not pre-wash items having loosely attached soiling” means is DO NOT pre-wash items having loosely attached soiling.

Now, of course, to understand these instructions, thoroughly, one would need to understand the idea of “loosely attached soiling.” To me, the term, simply, refers to stuff that isn’t attached strongly; the opposite of loosely attached is strongly attached. And if you don’t let the food dry onto the plate, it’s always going to be attached loosely.

So I never pre-wash.

First, because (in certain circumstances) I believe it’s prudent to follow directions.

But the main reason I do not pre-wash is because THE PURPOSE OF A DISHWASHER IS TO WASH YOUR DISHES FOR YOU–AND IF YOU HAVE TO WASH THEM BY HAND BEFORE THEY GET WASHED IN THE DISH WASHER WHAT’S THE POINT OF A “DISH WASHER”?

Following the directions does have setback. Sometimes there’s still a inconsequential food residue (or minor smudge) on the plates and forks and knives. And my kids say “ew” and throw them back in the sink so they could go through the process again and again.

I’m not afraid to use “dirty” plates and forks and knives because I’m very aware of the difference between appearance and reality.

The dishes, as a matter of empirical fact, are still clean even with the inconsequential residue or mild smudge.

I realize this is a matter of great debate. My ex-wife would virtually wash this dishes before she’s put them in the dishwasher. I know others that do the same.

The main point here. If you have to wash the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher, what’s the point?

So, do you pre-wash?