Washing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher is a common practice in many households, not just limited to Americans. There are several reasons why people may choose to pre-wash their dishes before loading them into the dishwasher:
Old habits: Pre-washing dishes has been a common practice for many years, even before modern dishwashers became popular. It was initially done to remove large food particles and make manual dishwashing easier. While dishwashers have evolved and become more efficient, some people continue this habit out of tradition.
Improve dishwasher performance: By pre-rinsing or pre-washing the dishes, people believe that it helps the dishwasher's cleaning process. They might assume that the dishwasher will have an easier time removing the remaining grease and grime if the dishes already have been partially cleaned.
Avoid clogging the dishwasher: Some individuals may worry about food particles getting trapped in the dishwasher's filter or drain, which can potentially lead to clogs and affect the dishwasher's performance. By pre-washing dishes, they aim to minimize the risk of clogging.
Remove stubborn stains or dried-on food: Some dishwasher cycles might not be able to handle particularly stubborn stains or dried-on food residues effectively. Pre-washing can help tackle these tough spots before placing the dishes in the dishwasher.
It's worth noting that pre-washing dishes before loading them into a modern dishwasher may not be necessary or even recommended by some dishwasher manufacturers. Many newer dishwashers are designed to handle dirty dishes with minimal pre-rinsing, as they come equipped with powerful spray arms, multiple wash cycles, and sensors to adjust the water and energy usage based on the load.
Pre-washing dishes can also waste water and energy, so it may not be the most environmentally friendly practice. If you have a newer dishwasher, you can try running some lighter cycles without pre-washing to see if it meets your cleaning expectations. You might find that you can save time, water, and effort without compromising the cleanliness of your dishes.