Running water before starting the dishwasher cycle is an essential step known as "pre-rinsing" or "pre-washing," and it serves several purposes:
Removing loose food particles: Pre-rinsing helps remove large food particles that might be stuck on the dishes. If these particles are left in the dishwasher during the cycle, they can clog the filters and prevent the dishwasher from cleaning effectively.
Preventing debris buildup: By pre-rinsing, you reduce the chance of leftover food getting washed onto other dishes during the cycle, preventing debris buildup and ensuring cleaner results.
Improving dishwasher efficiency: Removing excess food from the dishes before running the dishwasher reduces the load on the dishwasher's filtration system and pump. This can lead to better cleaning performance and potentially extend the lifespan of your dishwasher.
Saving energy and water: Pre-rinsing can help conserve water and energy since the dishwasher won't have to work as hard to clean the dishes if they are already relatively clean before the cycle begins.
However, modern dishwashers are designed to be more efficient and powerful than older models. Many of them come with sensors and advanced filtration systems that can handle small food particles without any problems. As a result, some dishwasher manufacturers now recommend skipping the pre-rinsing step to save water and energy.
If you decide to skip pre-rinsing, it's essential to scrape off excess food from the dishes before loading them into the dishwasher. Large or sticky food particles can still cause issues with the dishwasher's filtration system, so removing them beforehand is beneficial.
Overall, whether you pre-rinse or not depends on your dishwasher's specific instructions, your dishwasher's efficiency and filtration capabilities, and personal preference. If you notice that your dishes aren't getting clean without pre-rinsing, you may need to adjust your dishwasher's settings or consult the manufacturer's guidelines.