Is Pre-Rinsing Before Loading the Dishwasher a Must?

Having a dishwasher is great, but it can lead to some questions. From wondering what items are dishwasher-safe to asking whether dish soap and dish detergent are interchangeable, we’ve all been there.

There’s one question that comes up particularly often, and people have strong opinions on the correct answer. Do you have to pre-rinse your plates, utensils, and dishware before loading them into your dishwasher?

We turned to a few of our favorite cleaning professionals to find out, once and for all, if this is a must for every single load. The short answer? No, you probably don't need to pre-rinse… but the answer can be complicated.

The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija

No two meal messes are the same, but in most cases, a rinse isn't the most effective first step. According to Ronnie Kendrick, founder of CompanyClean, simply scraping off any excess food is just as effective as a full rinse.

«You won't need to pre-rinse if you're properly removing food beforehand,» Kendrick says. «Large food particles can clog the dishwasher’s filter, so it’s good practice to scrape off large bits of food.»

Beyond handling extra food and mess, there are other reasons you can skip pre-rinsing before loading your machine.

Technology gets better with time, and this applies to dishwashers, too. Kendrick says if your machine is newer, you don't need to tackle your dishes before you run a load.

«Modern dishwashers are powerful, efficient, and purpose-built for dealing with food residue,» he says.

In fact, according to Marilee Nelson, the co-founder of Branch Basics, says most dishwasher manufacturers advise against pre-rinsing.

«If you do decide to rinse, don't stress about removing every tiny speck,» she says. «That's what your dishwasher is