Millions of households use dishwashers every day — but experts warn that simple loading mistakes could be quietly increasing your electricity costs and damaging your appliance.
According to appliance specialists, improper loading reduces cleaning efficiency, forces the machine to work harder, and significantly increases energy consumption over time.
🚫 The Biggest Mistake: Overloading
One of the most common and costly errors is overloading the dishwasher.
When plates and dishes are packed too tightly together, water and detergent can’t circulate properly. This means your dishwasher must run longer or repeat cycles — consuming more electricity and water.
Experts recommend leaving at least 5 millimeters of space between dishes so water can reach every surface. Overloading can also block spray arms, putting extra strain on internal components and increasing the risk of mechanical failure.
💧 Stop Pre-Rinsing Your Dishes
Many people rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher — but this actually wastes water and offers no real benefit.
Modern dishwashers are designed to handle food residue on their own. Experts say you should only remove large food scraps like bones or seeds, which could clog the filter or drainage system.
🍴 Incorrect Cutlery Placement Costs You More
Stacking spoons and forks tightly together prevents proper cleaning. When utensils overlap, water can’t reach dirty surfaces — forcing you to run the dishwasher again.
Instead, place cutlery in alternating directions to ensure maximum exposure to water and detergent.
⚙️ Ignoring Adjustable Racks Is Another Hidden Problem
Many dishwashers have adjustable racks that allow better spacing for larger dishes. Failing to adjust them reduces water circulation and increases wear and tear on the machine.
Over time, poor loading habits can lead to:
Clogged filters
Damaged pumps
Broken spray arms
Reduced lifespan of the appliance
💸 Small Habits, Big Costs
Experts warn that these seemingly small mistakes can cost households hundreds or even thousands of euros over time, both in higher electricity bills and expensive repairs.
The good news? Fixing the way you load your dishwasher takes just seconds — and can save you money, energy, and extend your appliance’s life for years.
