How To Sort Silverware In The Dishwasher

In the process of cleaning and getting ready for company this morning I was reminded of something I have wanted to share.

I was putting away my silverware and was thinking of a time many years ago when I was helping someone we were staying with do the dishes after dinner. I carefully rinsed a handful of silverware and started putting it in the dishwasher. Before I knew it, my hostess yelled at me (literally) to stop. I didn’t know what was wrong.

She said, “Don’t put the silverware in the dishwasher like that. You need to separate it and put all the like items together–spoons, forks, etc. That will save time and make things more organized.” Since I was in her home I did as she asked. Over the years I have heard this same tip many times and very often by people who are considered “experts” in the area of cleaning and organizing. I thought this through the first time I heard it and could not make sense out of this tip.

First of all, what difference does it make timewise if you sort it when you put it into the dishwasher or if you sort it when you are putting it in the drawer? It works out to use the same amount of time.

Secondly, I would much rather handle the silverware and sort it when it is clean and dry than to sort it while it is wet, sticky and dripping everywhere.

Last but not least, whenever I sort the silverware the spoons will often pile on top of each other, sticking together so they don’t as clean.

When you hear anything, whether it is advice on cleaning or advice about how to handle your money, whether it involves big or little things, start thinking carefully about that advice. Ask yourself “Does this really make sense? Is that the way it works best for me? Can I modify it to work better? Is there a better way?” Too many people hear a plan and immediately adopt it. Take some time to listen to a tip or plan and then use your brain power to evaluate it yourself.

There are a lot of plans and decisions being made today, whether they are in individuals’ everyday lives, in organizations or all the way up to the government that don’t always make sense. I sometimes wonder if these things have really been thought through all the way to the finish to see if they will work. Is it the best plan or could the same results get done in a better way?

The moral of the story is: Start thinking. : ) Jill