The Great Debate: Should you pre-rinse dishes before they go in the dishwasher?

Dishwashers are a staple in most Australian homes, but despite having the designated task of washing dishes, many of us don't trust them to do the job on their own. Here, we look at whether pre-rinsing dishes is necessary, or just an unnecessary extra step.

Reduces odour: Leaving dishes with food remnants in the dishwasher for a long time can lead to unpleasant odours. Pre-rinsing dishes can help to mitigate this issue.
Prevents clogging: Larger food particles can potentially clog your dishwasher filter, leading to inefficient cleaning cycles and potential damage. Pre-rinsing can help to avoid this.
Cleaner dishes: If you're not planning to run the dishwasher immediately, pre-rinsing can prevent food from drying and sticking to your dishes, making the dishwasher's job easier when you do run it.

Saves time: By skipping the pre-rinse, you can save a significant amount of time, especially when dealing with a large load of dishes.
Conserves water: Pre-rinsing dishes can use up to 27 litres of water per load. By not pre-rinsing, you conserve water, making your dishwashing routine more environmentally friendly.
Utilises dishwasher features: Modern dishwashers are designed to handle food particles more effectively than older models could. They have advanced filtration systems that break down and remove food debris, meaning pre-rinsing isn't necessary for these models.

The decision to pre-rinse or not to pre-rinse largely depends on your dishwasher model and personal preferences. If you have a modern dishwasher, you can comfortably skip pre-rinsing without compromising on cleanliness. However, if your dishwasher is older or you're not running it immediately, pre-rinsing might be beneficial.

At Appliances Online, we offer a wide range of dishwashers, from basic models to advanced ones with sophisticated features that eliminate the need for pre-rinsing. Browse our collection today and find the perfect appliance that suits your dishwashing habits and needs.

Appliances Online's legendary FREE delivery reaches 95% of Australia's population, and if it’s in stock you’ll usually receive your new dishwasher the day after ordering (Mon-Fri). We also offer paid Same Day Delivery in metro NSW, Qld and Vic on weekday orders placed by 12pm. We’ll even take your old dishwasher away to be recycled, at no charge (if it’s already disconnected). If you have any questions, call us 24/7 on 1300 000 500, or message us via the chat icon at the bottom right of your screen.