Do You Have to Pre-Rinse Plates Before Putting Them in the Dishwasher?

We consulted experts to get the answer

Having a dishwasher is great, but it can lead to some questions. From wondering what items are dishwasher-safe to asking whether dish soap and dish detergent are interchangeable, we’ve all been there.

There’s one question that comes up particularly often, and people have strong opinions on the correct answer. Do you have to pre-rinse your plates, utensils, and dishware before loading them into your dishwasher?

We turned to a few of our favorite cleaning professionals to find out, once and for all, if this is a must for every single load. The short answer? No, you probably don't need to pre-rinse... but the answer can be complicated.

Reasons to Skip the Pre-Rinse for Dishes

No two meal messes are the same, but in most cases, a rinse isn't the most effective first step. According to Ronnie Kendrick, founder of CompanyClean, simply scraping off any excess food is just as effective as a full rinse.

"You won't need to pre-rinse if you're properly removing food beforehand," Kendrick says. "Large food particles can clog the dishwasher’s filter, so it’s good practice to scrape off large bits of food."

Beyond handling extra food and mess, there are other reasons you can skip pre-rinsing before loading your machine.

Your Machine Is New and Reliable

Technology gets better with time, and this applies to dishwashers, too. Kendrick says if your machine is newer, you don't need to tackle your dishes before you run a load.

"Modern dishwashers are powerful, efficient, and purpose-built for dealing with food residue," he says.

In fact, according to Marilee Nelson, the co-founder of Branch Basics, says most dishwasher manufacturers advise against pre-rinsing.

"If you do decide to rinse, don't stress about removing every tiny speck," she says. "That's what your dishwasher is supposed to handle."

You're Using the Right Dish Detergent

Regardless of the make and model of your machine, Kendrick says using the correct detergent is key.

"Choose dish detergents that are designed with enzymes to break down food particles," he says. "This builds on top of the dishwasher's capabilities."

Nelson adds that you can also use a non-toxic rinse aid, vinegar, or lemon juice—especially if you're dealing with hard water.

Pre-Rinsing Wastes Water

Now that we've established the fact your machine is capable of a big mess, there's another key factor to consider: skipping the pre-rinse saves on water.

"Pre-rinsing, or even washing your dishes by hand, is wasting a significant amount of water," Kendrick says. "Modern dishwashers are very effective with water usage."

In fact, Aaron Christensen, cleaning expert and VP of growth at Homeaglow, says the average American wastes a whopping 6,000 gallons of water each year on rinsing dishes.

"Of course, it varies per household, but that is pretty shocking," he says.

Reasons to Pre-Rinse Dishes

Of course, there are still a few instances where pre-rinsing might be helpful.

"If you're delaying running your dishwasher, the food could dry and stick to the dishes, so a quick rinse could help," Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, explains.

Time delays aside, there are other scenarios worth considering, too.

Your Food Mess Is Particularly Brutal

If you’re dealing with an excessively sticky or greasy mess, pre-rinsing may be required.

“Giving dishes a quick pre-rinse enables you to get the deepest, streak-free clean possible,” says Kathy Cohoon of Two Maids Cleaning.

Kendrick agrees. "If food is baked on, or the dishes are left out for too long, you may need to pre-rinse or soak the dishes," he says.

But even so, in this case, Kendrick suggests only using as much water is necessary to submerge the dishes.

Rinsing Can Preserve Your Dishes and Dishwasher

One benefit of pre-rinsing is that you might prevent rogue food from causing clogs, and according to Cohoon, this has a few possible benefits.

“Making a habit of pre-rinsing dishes may help preserve your dishware and prolong the lifespan of your dishwasher,” she says.

Your Dishwasher Is Old or Malfunctioning

If you have an older model or something simple with less specific settings, Cohoon notes rinsing might help run a more efficient load. Mock agrees, and in fact believes this might be where the myth of pre-rinsing started in the first place.

"Older dishwasher models were less advanced and equipped to handle as tough messes as the newer models," she says.

The Importance of Washing Your Machine

If you regularly find your dishes are caked with gunk, it might not be a rinsing issue. It could be an issue with your machine. Before running out to replace anything, ask yourself a new question: when was the last time you cleaned your dishwasher?

Don’t stress if it’s been a while. Instead, Cohoon says it’s time to bust out every pro cleaner's favorite pantry staple: white vinegar.

“This wonder ingredient is a great dishwasher cleaner,” she says. “All you have to do is pour a cup or two of white vinegar into your dishwasher and run on hot.”

After running a full cycle, let the machine dry fully.

“This will help break down gunk and leave your machine smelling fresh, too,” Cohoon says.

Be Sure to Load Your Machine Properly

Another reason you might face less efficient machine washes comes down to how you load the machine itself. Luckily, Cohoon gave us some tips.

• Always make sure the arms can fully rotate so you are getting the best clean possible.

• Face utensils in different directions as much as possible to ensure they are all getting the best clean.

• Don’t load it up too much. Leave some room in the dishwasher as filling it to the max capacity may mean you aren’t getting as deep a clean.

If you’re doing all of these things and still finding residue after a full cycle, then you have your official answer: it’s time to pre-rinse.

Read Next: 9 Tips to Make Washing Dishes Easier

Read the original article on The Spruce.