Using Dishwasher as a Drying Rack (5+ Pro & Cons)

The Short Answer is:

It is acceptable to use a dishwasher as a drying rack, but only if the dishwasher is in good working order. If the dishwasher is not working, any water that drips off the wet dishes will collect in its base, and this can become a breeding ground for bacteria if it is not drained and sanitized regularly.

Using dishwasher as a drying rack is a common practice in many households, especially when the dishwasher is broken or when there is not enough counter space for a traditional drying rack.

While it may seem like a convenient solution, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using dishwasher as a drying rack and provide tips for doing so safely and effectively.

Pros and Cons of Using Dishwasher as Drying Rack

Using a dishwasher as a drying rack has its pros and cons. Here are some of them:

Pros:

1. Saves counter space: Using a dishwasher as a drying rack can save counter space, especially if you have a lot of dishes to wash by hand.
2. Holds a lot of dishes: Dishwashers have racks and tines that make them perfect for air-drying dishes, and they can hold a lot more than your average drying rack.
3. Convenient: If your dishwasher is located close to the sink, it can be convenient to transfer items over to start drying.

Cons:

1. Bacteria growth: If the dishwasher is not in good working order, any water that drips off the wet dishes will collect in its base, and this can become a breeding ground for bacteria if it is not drained and sanitized regularly.
2. Extra strain on the machine: If you select the “heated dry” option, it can put extra strain on the machine, which can shorten its lifespan.
3. Not designed for this purpose: Dishwashers are designed for cleaning dirty dishes, not for drying them. Using them as a drying rack can cause wear and tear on the machine.

Using dishwasher as a drying rack can be a convenient way to save counter space and hold a lot of dishes, but it should only be done if the dishwasher is in good working order.

It is important to keep in mind that dishwashers are not designed for this purpose and can cause wear and tear on the machine.

Preparing Dishes for Dishwasher Drying

Here are some tips for preparing dishes for dishwasher drying:

1. Skip the pre-rinse: Most experts agree that you don’t need to pre-rinse your plates, pots, and cutlery before you stack them in the dishwasher. Pre-rinsing isn’t necessary and can actually make it harder for your dishwasher to do its job.
2. Scrape off food: Instead of pre-rinsing, scrape any large food particles into the trash can or garbage disposal before loading the dishes into the dishwasher.
3. Load dishes properly: Load dishes at an angle, facing down, so that excess water can simply run off the surface of each item during the final stages of the drying cycle. Avoid overloading and allow space between items for better water, detergent, and air circulation. Each dish should be separated by at least one dishwasher tine. Mix up your silverware to avoid nesting; load forks and spoon handles down, while knives should be loaded sharp end down.
4. Use the right wash cycle: Select the right wash cycle for your dishes. Some dishwashers have sensors inside of them to figure out how long to run a cycle, and even if you press “normal” on the panel, the length and temperature of the cycle can vary depending on how dirty the sensor detects the dishes to be.
5. Place wet dishes in the dishwasher: After hand washing dishes, place wet, freshly washed items in the dishwasher racks. Allow items to dry.
6. Air dry or towel dry: After the dishwasher cycle is complete, you can either air dry or towel dry your dishes. If you choose to towel dry, use a clean, dry towel to wipe down each dish.

Types of Items Suitable for Dishwasher Drying

Using dishwasher as a drying rack can be a convenient way to save time and effort. However, not all items are suitable for this purpose. Here are some types of items that are safe to dry in a dishwasher:

1. Plastic items: Most plastic items are safe to dry in a dishwasher. However, it is important to check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the plastic is dishwasher-safe.
2. Glassware: Glassware such as cups, glasses, and bowls can be safely dried in a dishwasher. However, it is important to ensure that the glassware is dishwasher-safe and not too delicate.
3. Metal items: Some metal items such as cutlery and stainless steel pots and pans can be safely dried in a dishwasher. However, it is important to ensure that the metal is dishwasher-safe and not prone to rusting.
4. Silicone items: Silicone items such as baking mats and utensils can be safely dried in a dishwasher. However, it is important to ensure that the silicone is dishwasher-safe.

Items to Avoid Placing in the Dishwasher for Drying

If you are using dishwasher as a drying rack, there are certain items that you should avoid placing in it. Here are some items to avoid placing in the dishwasher for drying:

1. Wooden items: Wooden utensils, cutting boards, and bowls can warp or crack in the dishwasher due to the high heat and moisture. It’s best to hand wash these items and dry them with a towel.
2. Cast iron: Cast iron pans can rust in the dishwasher due to the high heat and moisture. It’s best to hand wash these pans and dry them with a towel.
3. Non-stick cookware: Non-stick cookware can lose its non-stick coating in the dishwasher due to the high heat and harsh detergents. It’s best to hand wash these items and dry them with a towel.
4. Crystal and delicate glassware: Crystal and delicate glassware can break or chip in the dishwasher due to the high heat and water pressure. It’s best to hand wash these items and dry them with a soft cloth.
5. Plastic items: Plastic items can warp or melt in the dishwasher due to the high heat. It’s best to hand wash these items and dry them with a towel.

It’s best to check the manufacturer’s instructions before placing any item in the dishwasher for drying. Some items may be dishwasher safe, but not suitable for drying.

Additionally, if you are using dishwasher as a drying rack, it’s important to follow the tips provided by experts to improve the drying performance of your dishwasher.

Selecting the Appropriate Dishwasher Cycle

Using dishwasher as a drying rack is acceptable, but only if the dishwasher is in good working order. If the dishwasher isn’t working, then any water that drips off the wet dishes will collect in its base, and this can become a breeding ground for bacteria if it is not drained and sanitized regularly.

If the dishes are hand-washed and placed in a working dishwasher, then the dishwasher can be set to the dry cycle, and the heat will sanitize the dishes and dry them more effectively. However, air-drying dishes on a dish rack is generally a more sanitary method than using a dishtowel.

When you select the “heated dry” option, the machine pumps in hot air, causing the moisture on the dishes to evaporate into steam.

This is the most sanitary way to dry dishes, but some warn that because it works the appliance’s air fan harder, it can put extra strain on the machine.

If you want to extend the life of your dishwasher while still getting the cleanest dishes possible, consider using this method sparingly, such as when washing baby bottles or when someone in your house is sick.

Tips for Safe and Effective Dishwasher Drying

When using dishwasher as a drying rack, there are some tips to ensure safe and effective drying. Firstly, it is important to allow space between dishes and not overload the machine.

This improves the circulation of water and air, which in turn improves drying. Secondly, using a rinse aid can prevent spotting and enhance drying.

The rinse aid breaks the bond between the water molecules and dishes, causing water to sheet off of your dishware. Thirdly, using the heat feature can improve drying performance.

Depending on the dishwasher, you may have the option to add heat during the washing, rinsing, or drying cycle. Lastly, opening the dishwasher door a few inches as soon as the cycle ends can allow trapped moist air to escape and improve drying.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your dishes dry effectively and safely when using dishwasher as a drying rack.

Conclusion on Using Dishwasher as a Drying Rack

Using dishwasher as a drying rack is an acceptable alternative use for the appliance, but only if it is in good working order. The racks and tines of the dishwasher make it perfect for air-drying dishes, and it can hold a lot more than your average drying rack.

It is also wise to utilize the dishwasher as a drying space if you’re ever in a situation where you don’t have running water. However, many dishwashers do such a poor job of washing the dishes that may need to be washed by hand afterward.

If you do decide to use your dishwasher as a drying rack, make sure it is in good working order and that any water that drips off the wet dishes will not collect in its base, as this can become a breeding ground for bacteria if it is not drained and sanitized regularly.