Is it possible to wash dishes in a washing machine?

A friend amused us by recounting a conversation with her student granddaughter. We talked about the first experiences of independent life among modern youth. And it’s not about any complicated things, just about washing the dishes. Well, mothers and grandmothers know: like it or not, there is only one way out so that the dishes do not turn into a problem. Wash immediately without accumulation!

And the youth, apparently, decided that life the old fashioned way was not for them. And, having accumulated dishes after a student party (and most likely, not only after the holiday), they wanted to wash everything quickly. And since there is no dishwasher in the rented apartment, the issue of replacing it with a washing machine was discussed.

Can a washing machine replace a dishwasher?

After a telephone conversation between the grandmother and granddaughter, we also joined in the discussion of the problem. Of course, the first reaction is understandable: sheer stupidity! Under no circumstances should you do this! At the same time, the question involuntarily crept in: what will happen if you try?
We, adults, were looking for an answer purely theoretically, without experiments. This is what we got.

Arguments for"

We found few such arguments.

• Both units connected to water supply.
• Both the washing machine and the dishwasher are in operation uses detergents (albeit different).
• It is not necessary to force the washer to perform all the procedures that it does when washing. Can select the desired mode, adjust the program. For example, set only the “rinse” mode.

In the end, no one doubts whether sneakers can be washed. Are dishes really that much worse than shoes?

Arguments against"

There were many doubts, and they all seemed serious to us.

• If you could wash dishes in a washing machine, manufacturers would definitely report this. And they probably used it in advertising the device. And if they are silent, then it’s not worth trying.
• Dishes are fragile things and require careful handling. In the dishwasher it does not shake like things in a washing machine drum. It is unlikely that glass, porcelain or crystal products are ready for such treatment!

Important! From frequent impacts against each other or against the walls of the drum, breaking products will turn into a scattering of fragments.

• Fat, food particles, sauces can settle on the rubber cuff, metal walls or hoses of the device. There is a high probability that this will have a negative impact on his work.
• The products used for washing and washing differ in their composition and properties. For automatic machines, non-foaming compounds are used. And dishes are usually washed with foaming substances. They are unlikely to benefit the washing machine.

Experience and impressions of experimenters

Having sorted out the pros and cons, we looked on the Internet. It turned out that from time to time this question arises and is discussed in various forums. And most importantly, there are those who have tried to test this theory in practice.
Here are brief results of their experiments.

• It is quite possible to load it into the washing machine drum plastic dishes
• To be safe, some inventive housewives place items into laundry bags, wrapping them in cloth napkins.
• Of all the modes available to the device, you should select the shortest and most delicate.
• Use minimal amount (a few drops) of detergents.

If you believe the messages on the forum, it was possible to remove plastic dishes from the drum intact, without changing shape or size.

Is it worth the risk?

Most of the discussion participants share the same opinion as us: the idea is stupid!
And practically meaningless. Judge for yourself.

The question arises when you need to wash not 1-2 plates, but a large number of dishes. It is necessary to separate the one that will withstand the experiment. After this, all of it should first be cleaned of food debris. Then load it into the car and look around restlessly, worrying about what’s going on there.

And then wash the washer. During this time, you can safely wash everything by hand.! So is it worth the risk for a device that takes care of textiles and truly relieves women?