I can provide you with some general advice on dishwashing practices.
Whether or not you should soak dishes before putting them in a dishwasher depends on the type of dishwasher you have and the nature of the food residues on the dishes. Here are some guidelines:
Pre-Rinsing vs. Scraping: Most modern dishwashers are designed to handle food residues and scraps. You don't need to pre-rinse every dish, but it's a good idea to scrape off large food particles before loading them into the dishwasher.
Older Dishwashers: If you have an older or less efficient dishwasher, or you notice that your dishes don't always come out clean, you might want to consider soaking heavily soiled dishes to help the dishwasher perform better.
Stuck-on Food: For dishes with dried or stuck-on food, a short soak in warm, soapy water can help loosen the residue and improve the cleaning results.
Avoid Soaking Too Long: Avoid soaking dishes for an extended period, especially if they have metal accents or sharp knives. Prolonged soaking can damage some materials.
Energy and Water Conservation: Pre-soaking dishes may waste water and energy, so it's generally more eco-friendly to scrape off excess food and load the dishwasher as-is.
Follow Dishwasher Guidelines: Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for loading the dishwasher and the type of detergent to use.
In summary, while pre-soaking can help in certain situations, it's often not necessary with modern dishwashers. Scrape off large food particles and let the dishwasher do the rest. It's a more efficient and eco-friendly way to wash dishes.