Experts reveal how to clean your dishwasher this Christmas – and the key is to wash before you sit down for your dinner.

Installing a dishwasher is a task that many people dread.

And many pots, pans, plates and glasses are used Christmasthis work can be very difficult during the festival.

Fortunately, help is at hand, as What? has released a new guide on how to pack your dishwasher for Christmas.

‘Although it’s less work than washing every hand after Christmas dinner, loading the dishwasher is still work,’ he said.

‘But you can reduce the load by stacking the dishwasher properly.’

Although it may seem difficult, a consumer expert advises you to wash up before you sit down to eat your dinner.

‘Before you sit down to your Christmas feast, keep your dishes clean (as long as they’re safe),’ it said.

‘This should take roasting trays and baking trays off the to-do list.’

What? has summarized the best dishwashing technique in four key steps – and that preparation is key.

First, What? he says you should plan a lot of food in advance to reduce the amount of cleaning you have to do on Christmas Day alone.

‘Prepare the vegetables for Christmas and boil spuds for your roast potatoes,’ it advised.

‘You can wake them up early on Christmas morning, avoiding the need to clean up a messy pan in the afternoon.’

Then, keep your dirty dishes on the table before you sit down to your Christmas dinner.

After eating, use a large program to clean your dinner plates, cutlery and glasses.

‘Depending on your dishwasher and how fragile your glasses are, you can add champagne flutes to the dishwasher,’ What? he said.

Finally, if you have used anything else fine or crystal, use a third, gentle wash.

First dishwasher

For your first dishwasher, Which one? recommends putting all your heavily soiled pans and trays in a power cycle.

“This washes at a higher temperature and pressure, which helps the dishwasher to clean even the worst pans and trays,” it said.

However, there are some important rules that you must follow.

First, be sure to remove excess grease and oil, or you could clog and clog your dishwasher filter or drain.

‘Collect any excess and dispose of it in your regular food waste bin,’ it said.

Roasting trays should go in the dishwasher – but be very careful what yours is made of.

Although stainless steel is dishwasher safe, stainless steel never goes away – and aluminum is fine if it’s annealed.

What? he said: ‘If not, harsh detergents can turn them black.’

Finally, use adjustable racks for tall items.

‘Check the instruction manual to see if your dishwasher has a top rack that can be lowered or raised,’ What? he added.

‘Some use a system that requires you to remove the rack and replace the runners.’

Second load of dishwasher

When you have a lot of dirty pots and trays, it’s time to grab the plates, cutlery, gravy jars, and glasses.

When faced with a lot of dinnerware, you may be tempted to overload your machine.

However, this will prevent water and detergent from spreading, leaving you with dirty dishes.

‘Try to replace the large and small plates next to each other to facilitate this,’ he said.

Fortunately, what? he says you should just remove the residue from your dishes and assure you that there is no need to wash them.

‘Ymost of the time you just need to grind the leftovers before adding them. Pre-washing can result in unnecessary waste of water,” it said.

‘The only exception to this rule is if you leave your dishes sitting all day before washing them.

‘If so, wash them before putting them in the dishwasher, so you have a chance to clean everything.’

Although most gravy jars are short and large, this one can be very difficult to clean.

‘Consider using a tall gravy pot because it will take up less space in the dishwasher,’ What? he added.

For wine glasses and champagne flutes, Which? recommends using a special delicate washing program – this washes at low temperature and high water pressure to protect the glass.

‘Wash the champagne flutes on top, using a good programme,’ it said.

‘You may be concerned that this will cause them to become cloudy over time, but modern dishwashers and detergents prevent this from happening, even in hard water environments.

‘Just make sure the salt and detergent are already added.’

At this time, it is better to wash every good dish by hand.

‘Even dishwashers can fade or damage the decor,’ What? he warned.