Why Washing Dishes in a Washing Machine Sounds Tempting
Let’s be real—after a long day, the idea of chucking your dirty plates, glasses, and cutlery into one machine and walking away sounds like a dream come true. Washing machines are these modern marvels that clean our clothes so well; surely they can handle a few dishes, right? Wrong.
This notion of multitasking machines crossed over into the internet’s wild side, with videos showing all sorts of experiments attempting to wash dishes in washing machines. But as fun as those might be to watch, they’re far from practical or recommended.
Why You Shouldn’t Wash Dishes in a Washing Machine
Here’s the dirt on this dishwashing myth—washing machines and dishwashers aren’t interchangeable. They’re designed for very different jobs, and mixing them up can cause all sorts of trouble:
- Damage to your dishes: Washing machines don’t have gentle sprays made for plates and glasses. That spin cycle? It’s more of a twister than a cleaning breeze, risking chipping or smashing your precious crockery.
- Damage to your washing machine: Food bits, leftovers, and greasy residue can clog or harm the internal parts. Plus, sharp utensils might scratch or break the machine’s drum.
- Poor cleaning results: Washing machines use detergents created for fabrics, not greasy dishes. Plus, the water temperature and cycle duration aren’t optimized to break down food residues.
- Hygiene concerns: Residue from laundry detergents, softeners, or fabric conditioners can contaminate your dishes and pose health risks.
According to Whirlpool and reputable cleaning sources, a washing machine just doesn’t cut it for dishes!
What About Those Viral Videos Washing Dishes in Washing Machines?
You might have caught those trendy YouTube clips where people toss plastic plates or utensils in and then act amazed they’re clean. Spoiler alert: these experiments are more about entertainment or curiosity than actual advice. Some types of plastic might survive a washing machine cycle, but glass, ceramics, and silverware definitely fall victim to destruction or remain filthy.
One popular video even remarks that “plastic dishes and utensils could be washed,” but with a big “but”—”obviously not glass or silver,” as cited on Nordiskclean. So don’t get wild and start using your laundry machine as a dishwasher anytime soon.
Safe and Sensible Ways to Wash Your Dishes
Enough with the madness—here’s what really works to get your dishes sparkling without risking your appliances or health:
1. Use a Dishwasher
Dishwashers are specially designed for this task. Load them carefully (plates facing the wash jets, utensils spaced apart), use dishwasher detergents, and select the right cycle—normal, heavy, or quick—depending on how dirty your dishes are. For tips on dishwasher loading, check Whirlpool’s guide.
2. Hand Wash with Hot Soapy Water
The classic, reliable method. Use a good dish soap, hot water, and a sponge or scrubber to remove grease and stuck-on food. Focus on rinsing thoroughly to avoid any soapy residue, as advised by the American Cleaning Institute.
What If You Don’t Have a Dishwasher?
No dishwasher? No problem! Hand washing is your best bet. Scrape leftovers into the trash to keep your kitchen plumbing happy, soak heavily soiled items, and use the two-basin method: one filled with hot soapy water and the other with clean rinse water. This efficient approach conserves water and gets dishes gleaming.
For the ultimate laundry wisdom, you might also appreciate guides like How to Wash Daily Wear Clothes in Washing Machine or beautify your home by learning How to Wash Curtains with Rings.
Bonus Tip: Best Dishwashing Essentials
Curious about the best dishwashing detergents or tools? Check out these products from Amazon suitable for your kitchen needs:
In Summary
You might feel tempted to harness the power of your washing machine for dish duties, but trust me, this is one trick better left in the realm of internet oddities. Washing machines are laundry pros, not dishwashing heroes. Stick to dishwashers or good old hand washing to ensure your plates, glasses, and utensils come out clean, safe, and sparkling every time.
Remember, it’s not just about cleanliness but protecting your appliances and health too. So, next time you peek at that mountain of dirty dishes, channel your inner dishwasher—not your laundry machine.