Before placing dishes in the dishwasher, it's generally recommended to scrape off excess food residue and give them a quick rinse. Here are some guidelines to follow:
Scraping: Use a rubber spatula or utensil to remove any large food particles from the dishes. These particles can clog the dishwasher's filter or spray arms if left inside.
Rinse: Give the dishes a brief rinse under running water to remove loose food debris. This step helps prevent food particles from redepositing on other dishes during the wash cycle.
Pre-Soaking (optional): For heavily soiled or dried-on food, you may consider pre-soaking the dishes in warm soapy water before loading them into the dishwasher. This can help loosen stubborn stains and improve the cleaning process.
It's worth noting that modern dishwashers are designed to handle dishes with some degree of food residue. However, excessive amounts of food left on dishes can result in suboptimal cleaning performance, and the dishwasher's effectiveness may vary depending on its specific model and features.
By scraping off larger food particles and giving the dishes a quick rinse, you can help ensure better cleaning results and prevent clogs in your dishwasher. Additionally, following the manufacturer's guidelines for loading dishes and using the appropriate dishwasher detergent will further enhance the cleaning process.