The practice of washing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher is not unique to Americans; it is a common practice in many households around the world. There are several reasons why people may pre-wash dishes before loading them into the dishwasher:
Food Residue: Dishwashers are efficient at cleaning general grime and grease, but they may struggle with larger or stubborn food particles. Pre-washing helps remove these larger food residues, preventing them from clogging the dishwasher's filter or spray arms.
Optimal Cleaning: Some people prefer to pre-wash dishes to ensure the dishwasher can focus on disinfecting and sanitizing the dishes rather than merely removing leftover food. Pre-washing can result in cleaner and more hygienic dishes.
Old Habits: Pre-washing dishes before using the dishwasher has been a common practice for many years, even before dishwashers became as advanced as they are today. People may continue to do it out of habit.
Prevent Odors: If dishes are left unwashed for an extended period before running the dishwasher, food residue can start to produce unpleasant odors. Pre-washing can help avoid this issue.
Energy and Water Efficiency: Some people pre-wash dishes to make their dishwasher cycles shorter or more energy-efficient. By removing the bulk of the food residue beforehand, they may feel that the dishwasher uses less water and energy during the cleaning process.
However, it's essential to note that modern dishwashers are designed to handle dirty dishes effectively. Pre-washing dishes can actually waste water and energy, as the dishwasher is already equipped to handle the task of cleaning dishes thoroughly. It's best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for your specific dishwasher model to ensure efficient and effective cleaning without unnecessary waste. If your dishwasher is relatively new and has advanced cleaning features, pre-washing may not be necessary at all.