In general, it is not recommended to leave large amounts of food on dishes in the dishwasher before running a cycle. While modern dishwashers are designed to handle some food residues, leaving excessive food scraps on plates and utensils can lead to several issues:
Inefficient cleaning: The dishwasher's cleaning performance may be compromised if food debris is left on the dishes. Food particles can clog the dishwasher's filters, spray arms, and drainage system, reducing its ability to clean effectively.
Unpleasant odors: Food scraps left in the dishwasher can start to decompose and create unpleasant smells inside the appliance. This can also result in foul odors being transferred to the clean dishes after a cycle.
Bacteria growth: Food residues left on dishes can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This can potentially contaminate the dishwasher and lead to unhygienic conditions for future washes.
Stains and damage: Certain foods, such as tomato-based sauces or curry, can leave stubborn stains on dishes if not removed before washing. Additionally, leaving food particles on dishes for extended periods can lead to discoloration or damage to certain materials, like plastics and delicate glassware.
To ensure the best cleaning results and maintain the longevity of your dishwasher, it's a good practice to scrape off large food particles from dishes and rinse them lightly before placing them in the dishwasher. Modern dishwashers are quite effective at handling lightly soiled dishes, so there's no need to pre-wash them thoroughly. However, removing excess food debris will help the dishwasher perform optimally and keep your dishes clean and fresh.