Loading heavily soiled dishes into a dishwasher without rinsing off excess food can potentially cause issues and damage the dishwasher over time. Here's why:
Clogging: Large food particles or debris left on dishes can clog the dishwasher's filter and drainage system. This can lead to poor drainage, water backup, and reduced cleaning performance.
Spray arms blockage: Food particles may also accumulate in the dishwasher's spray arms, hindering their rotation and affecting the distribution of water during the wash cycle. This can result in uneven cleaning and even prevent some dishes from getting properly cleaned.
Pump damage: If the dishwasher's pump gets clogged with food particles, it may need to work harder to circulate water, potentially leading to premature wear and tear or damage to the pump.
Stains and film: Certain foods, like tomato-based sauces or high-starch foods, can leave stains or a film on dishes if not rinsed off before loading. Over time, this can affect the appearance of dishes and glassware.
Odors and bacteria: Accumulated food particles can lead to unpleasant odors in the dishwasher and provide a breeding ground for bacteria, potentially affecting the hygiene of your dishes.
To avoid damaging your dishwasher and ensure optimal cleaning results, it's a good practice to scrape off excess food from dishes and rinse them under the faucet before loading them into the dishwasher. Pre-rinsing will help reduce the risk of clogs and ensure that the dishwasher can perform efficiently, extending its lifespan and providing cleaner dishes.