Washing dishes by hand should not directly ruin your dishwasher. In fact, it is generally a good practice to pre-rinse or scrape off food particles from dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, as this helps prevent clogs and improves the dishwasher's performance. However, there are a few scenarios where hand washing dishes can indirectly affect your dishwasher:
Detergent residue: If you use dish soap or other cleaning agents while hand washing dishes and do not rinse them thoroughly, some detergent residue might remain on the dishes. When these dishes are later placed in the dishwasher, the detergent residue can mix with the dishwasher detergent, potentially causing excessive suds or other issues.
Improper loading: If you hand wash dishes and then place them in the dishwasher, it's important to ensure they are properly loaded. Avoid blocking or obstructing the dishwasher's spray arms, as this can impede water circulation and affect the dishwasher's cleaning performance.
Neglecting the dishwasher: Sometimes, people who frequently hand wash dishes may neglect the maintenance and cleaning of their dishwasher. Regularly cleaning the dishwasher's filter, checking for clogs, and occasionally running maintenance cycles can help keep it functioning optimally.
While hand washing dishes should not directly damage your dishwasher, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for both hand washing and using the dishwasher to ensure the longevity and proper functioning of the appliance.