The humble, hard-working dishwasher can be the most contentious appliance in your kitchen. It is the battleground of opinions and etiquettes over the best way to fit everything in—whether to stack plates vertically or horizontally or how to position those oddly shaped items.
Our Westinghouse research* highlights that dishwashers have become an integral part of Australian's homes with 97% saying they can't live without it. The main reasons given were:
- 60% say it keeps the kitchen tidy as you can stack the dirty dishes out of sight.
- 58% value the time it saves their household.
- 34% admit they don’t like washing up after meals.
The findings reveal that two thirds of Australians (66%) have experienced household arguments about the dishwasher. The top three culprits?
- Almost half (49%) stem from individuals having a different way of stacking the dishes
- People not unpacking the dishwasher (38%),
- The decision to rinse or not rinse beforehand (34%).
These findings highlight the everyday challenges Aussies face in maintaining harmony at home, especially when it comes to sharing household chores.
We are happy to help bring harmony back in the household with these tips for stacking the dishwasher:
DO
1. Stack smart
Place your dirtiest dishes in the middle of the machine so they will receive the strongest spray. Plates that have only been in contact with meat can go towards the edges of the machine, as they don’t require an intense wash. Westinghouse 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher (WSF6608KXB) steam program is specifically designed to tackle heavily soiled dishes with ease.
2. Mimic the shape of the dishwasher's spray arm
Although it might seem like the natural way to stack dishes, facing them all in the same direction isn't the most effective way to achieve a thorough clean. A cycle will have the best result if dishes mimic the shape of the dishwasher’s spray arm. Plates at the front of the machine should face the back, and plates at the back should face the front. As the spray arm is usually located in the middle of the machine, the face of the plates should get cleanest when placed in this formation.
3. Face cutlery handles up
It results in a more convenient and hygienic experience. This simple adjustment makes it easier to grab and put away your utensils while avoiding the eating end of cutlery. Westinghouse 60cm Freestanding Dishwasher (WSF6608KXB) Easy Tray is designed for convenience. With its effortless removal feature, transferring cutlery in and out of your dishwasher has never been easier.
4. Set the right washing cycle
Hard-to-clean or dirty dishes will require a longer, hotter and more heavy-duty cycle, however, such intensive cleaning isn’t necessary for every load. Choose a dishwasher with eco and flexible programs to preserve energy and cut down on your bill!
5. Stack small items on top and large on the bottom
It might sound obvious, but next time you catch yourself trying to stuff those final pieces into the machine – take note! Glasses should be placed on the top shelf to prevent shattering while heavy items like pots or pans go at the bottom, just like when packing groceries into a bag. You’ll fit more in, receive a better clean and save time if you properly stack in the first place.
6. Clean your dishwasher regularly
Avoid unpleasant odours by putting your dishwasher through an empty rinse cycle to clear out grease and any lingering food scraps.
DON’T
1. Stress about rinsing every item
Simply scrape off any large food scraps before loading your dishes—there’s no need for a thorough pre-rinse since the dishwasher is designed to handle the cleaning. This approach not only conserves water but also helps ensure your dishes come out sparkling clean. If you notice some items aren’t fully clean, it might be worth reviewing your stacking technique
2. Place plastics on the bottom drawer
The water at the bottom of the dishwasher is hotter than anywhere else due to the proximity of the jets, it’s best to place plastics and food containers on the top shelf to avoid them warping into odd shapes.
3. Place every dirty kitchen appliance into the dishwasher
Some materials, like wooden chopping boards, aluminium, and copper, may be damaged by the intense heat and pressure of the water.
4. Overload your dishwasher
It can be tempting to load your dishwasher to the brim, thinking you're saving both water and time. However, cramming in too many items often results in the need for a second wash, which can be less efficient in the long run.
Three features of the 60cm Dark Stainless Steel Dishwasher (WSF6608KXB)
1. Dry dishes every time
Say goodbye to wet dishes and hello to perfectly dry, sparkling results with AutoDoor. At the end of the wash cycle, AutoDoor* springs into action, automatically opening the dishwasher door to allow a powerful burst of air to circulate throughout the interior. This accelerates the drying process, effectively eliminating moisture and leaving your dishes spotless and streak-free.
2. Adjusting the right cycle for you
It doesn't matter if you're washing your delicates or your daily load, the sensors in our dishwasher detect the level of grime on your dishes and adjust the cycle length and temperature to ensure best results every time.
3. Superior cleaning every wash
Wash all your dirty dishes together with DualWash. With lower water pressure and temperature in the top basket, perfect for glassware and higher pressure and temperature in the lower for pots and pans, you can wash all in one without compromise.
*YouGov, Dishwasher Study – AU, prepared for Westinghouse, 7th October 2024. The study was conducted online between the 3 -7 October 2024, conducted online and comprised of a nationally representative sample of 1,025 Australians 18 years or older.
