Hands up if you love your dishwasher and could not live without it?! Whether you are a tenant or a homeowner, dishwashers are one of those modern appliances that we often take for granted in our homes. They sit in the corner of our kitchens for most of their lives and perform that task we all dread with quiet dedication— washing up.

You might have had a dishwasher in your home for as long as you can remember, or you might have only got one a couple of months ago, but no matter how long you’ve had one, it is important to keep them quietly carrying on the jobs they are designed for by avoiding some simple errors when it comes to using them properly.

Here are some of the most common mistakes that we make when using a dishwasher:

1. Loading dirty crockery, as and when

It might make your kitchen worktop look temporarily cleaner, but putting dirty crockery into your dishwasher as you go can actually be counterproductive.

Instead, loading all of your dirty dishes into the dishwasher at the same time can make your washes much more efficient, allowing you to strategically fit more items in— as well as saving you the hassle of having to constantly fill the dishwasher in the first place!

Put the largest dishes in first and then fill the remaining space with the smaller items.

2. Stacking cutlery too close together

Stacking your cutlery closely together horizontally might look worthy of a Pinterest board but it can actually stop your dishwasher from properly cleaning.

A good way to ensure that the water and detergent can circulate is by stacking your cutlery head-handle-head-handle etc, or in a similar pattern that makes sure no two heads are touching.

3. Taking out everything at the top first

Unloading everything at the top first is a common rookie error that we can all make if we’re pushed for time and need to empty the dishwasher quickly. If you’ve put cups, mugs or bowls in the top tray, for instance, it’s likely that they’ll have collected some leftover water and detergent, causing it to drip on to the items below when you take them out. You can remedy this very simply by taking out the items at the bottom first and then the things at the top!

4. Using the cheapest detergent

There is a grain of truth in that old saying, “You get what you pay for”— especially when it comes to  dishwasher detergent. If you want to achieve squeaky clean plates, dishes and cutlery, don’t go for the cheapest type of soap available: go for a good mid-range or upper range variety. The cheapest varieties can often be a false economy, not adequately cleaning your crockery properly and forcing you to have to wash everything again.

5. Washing with the tray only half full

Washing with your unit only half full is perhaps the most common mistake that the majority of us have made at some point when it comes to using our dishwashers. Waiting until you’ve got a relatively full dishwasher is much better in terms of efficiency and cost. Not only will you use less energy, helping to reduce your carbon emissions, you’ll also save on water and detergent, possibly saving you money!

If you’re thinking of moving home so that you can have the kitchen of your dreams, Caledonia Property can help. We might not be able to make you use your dishwasher correctly, but we can definitely help you find the kitchen, and property, of your dreams!

As one of West of Scotland’s longest established estate agents, we’ve helped families across the country buy, rent, let and sell properties quickly, and with the minimum of hassle. Get in touch with our team on 0333 241 3333 today or send us a message to find out more.