Save Counter Space And Use Your Dishwasher As A Drying Rack

Dirty dishes are the bane of many a home cook. The chore of scrubbing pans, plates, and silverware is only worsened when you don't have the counter space to dry everything. When you don't have a proper drying area, the task can take longer since you have to work in batches to give everything time to dry or take the time to dry items by hand. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Many kitchens are already equipped with a large drying rack that is stored under counters rather than on top of them: the dishwasher.

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. You can also pre-sort your silverware in the utensil compartment to make the process of putting things back into drawers even faster. Just open up the dishwasher, pull the shelves out, and leave it open so that everything dries quicker. Many dishwashers are located very close to the sink, so it's super convenient to transfer items over to start drying.

This technique is especially helpful right after you finish cooking when you're likely to have a lot of items that need to be washed by hand. When cleaned in the dishwasher, knives can become dull, and wooden utensils may warp. Pots and pans made of copper, aluminum, cast iron, or with a nonstick coating should also only be hand washed. Some people also prefer to avoid putting plastic containers like Tupperware in the dishwasher since there is a risk of them coming into contact with the heating elements and melting. Since the dishwasher will be empty while you're cleaning these types of cookware, you might as well take advantage of the space and use it as a drying rack.

It's also wise to utilize the dishwasher as a drying space if you're ever in a situation where you don't have running water. One of the best things about this hack is that it will open up your counter space, so you have more room to cook or store other items. Finding new ways to make the most out of your appliances can help make everyday chores like washing dishes less of a hassle. Once you make a habit of using your dishwasher as a drying rack, you'll have to give it a new name: a dish dryer.