Gone are the days when you had to scrub away the remnants of last night’s spaghetti. With today’s dishwashers, life’s a breeze. But what about teaching your kid? That is to say, instilling them with the skill to load the dishwasher themselves? Above all, ensuring they’re equipped for little life tasks is a great way to foster independence. For those days when your hands are full, we’ve got you covered.
Similarly, we’ve produced a Goal Mine class video for kids on this topic.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Clear the Dishes
Certainly, this is where it all begins.
- First, show your kids how to scrape leftovers into the trash or compost bin. No one wants bits of broccoli clogging up the dishwasher’s innards. In other words, clean plates mean a cleaner wash cycle.
- Tip for Parents: Use this time to introduce them to waste and recycling. Likewise, turn it into a game! For instance, which items can be composted? Which ones are trash? Make it fun and educational.
| Step Number | Task | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clear the Dishes | Scrape leftovers into the trash or compost bin to ensure clean plates. |
| 2 | Load the Dishwasher | Place heavier items on the bottom, delicate items up top, and utensils in their compartment. |
| 3 | Add Soap and Start | Add the right amount of detergent, choose the correct wash cycle, and ensure the door is securely locked before starting. |
Read more: ADHD Chore Chart | Free Printable
Step 2: Load the Dishwasher
Ah, the main event! During this step, your child will learn about the dishwasher’s layout.
- Most importantly, teach them to place heavier items on the bottom and lighter, more delicate items up top. Moreover, make sure they know that utensils need their special compartment.
- Parent’s Tip: Kids often love puzzles. Subsequently, liken this to one. To clarify, each item has its specific spot in the dishwasher, similar to a puzzle piece finding its home. Teach them how to find the best fit for each item!
Read more: How to Teach Kids to Put Dishes Away
Step 3: Add Soap and Start
After that, it’s soap time.
- Show your child where to pour the detergent and how much to use. But, however tempting it may be to fill the compartment to the brim, explain that a little goes a long way.
- Further, guide them on selecting the right wash cycle. Above all, make sure the door is locked securely before pressing start. Safety first!
- Parent’s Tip: During the first few runs, supervise your child. Ensure they’re comfortable with the amount of detergent and the settings. Subsequently, as they get more familiar, let them take charge!
Goally | 100+ Streaming Video Classes
Does your child need some extra guidance on building essential life skills? Goally’s skill building tablet for kids includes a TV app that has the most robust video library of skills training videos for kids. Ranging from content like “How to Brush Your Teeth” to “How to Make Friends at School,” we have dozens of interactive video lessons for kids with thinking and learning differences.
HERE’s a video explaining how to works.
In conclusion, hands-on, interactive learning is the key to mastering any skill. So, let your kids watch our embedded YouTube video, which covers Step 1 in detail. And if you’re looking to unlock the complete dishwasher-loading universe? Get Goally’s dedicated Tablet to access all the lessons. Your child will be a dish-loading pro in no time, and more importantly, they’ll be equipped with valuable life skills.
Remember, each skill they learn is a step towards independence. And isn’t that what we’re all striving for?
FAQ’s About How to Load the Dishwasher
What's the best way to load a dishwasher? Place dishes facing the center, angle them downwards for optimal cleaning, and avoid overcrowding. Larger items like pots and pans go in the bottom rack. Where do I put silverware in the dishwasher? Place silverware handle-down in the cutlery basket, separating pieces for better cleaning. Avoid placing sharp knives in the dishwasher. Should I pre-rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher? Modern dishwashers don't require pre-rinsing. Scrape off large food scraps, but leave some residue for the detergent to work properly. Can I put plastic items in the dishwasher? Top-rack only! Check if the plastic is marked dishwasher-safe, and place it away from the heating element to prevent warping. Does it matter how I arrange dishes in the dishwasher? Yes! Ensure all surfaces are exposed to the water spray. Avoid nesting or blocking dishes for the most effective cleaning.
This post was originally published on 08/28/2023. It was updated on 03/13/2024.
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