Simple Solutions: Dishwasher Don't's

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Experts say more than 40-percent of American couples fight about loading the dishwasher.

Should you pre-rinse or not? Place utensil handles up or down? Simple questions that can have multiple opinions. Many of us have been loading the dishwasher since we were kids probably not giving a second thought as to what we were doing. But did you know you may have been doing it all wrong?

Sixty-one-percent of dishwasher arguments are about pre-rinsing. So what's the right way? Pre-rinse or don't pre-rinse?

Most soap and appliance makers don't recommend rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Pre-rinsing gets rid of food particles that dishwasher's sense to provide a better clean.

Should utensil handles be loaded up, or down?

For safety, you should always load utensil handles pointing up and mixing spoons, knives and forks together can help them get cleaner.

As far as how to load your dishes-- glass and plastic are usually safer on the top rack while pots and pans can get cleaner on the bottom where water pressure and heat are more intense. But Martha Stewart says never wash cast-iron or non-stick pans in the dishwasher.

Experts also say more than 70-percent of consumers select the "normal" cycle every time. With more advanced dishwashers, try customizing your wash depending on the types of dishes and the type of clean you want.