Detergent packs are kinda wishy-washy (Dishwashers Explained)
Why Hacker News recommends it
HN repeatedly recommends it as the definitive, mind-changing explanation of dishwasher use, even though it runs over 30 minutes.
What it is
Technology Connections explains how dishwashers work, why detergent pods underperform powder, and how to use the pre-wash and main-wash compartments. It argues you don't need to pre-rinse dishes.
Recommended by 15 HN commenters across 12 different months, 2021 to 2025.
What Hacker News said
Strong rec ejolto · 2022-01 · on “My dishwasher won’t start until I let it update its firmware over the WiFi”
I don't have any issues putting dirty dishes in my dishwasher. Do you use pre-wash detergent in your machine? I highly recommend you watch this video by Technology connections[1], I too used to think I had to rinse my dishes before putting them in the machine. [1]: [this video]
Strong rec chillingeffect · 2022-01 · on “My dishwasher won’t start until I let it update its firmware over the WiFi”
This[0] and this[1] are the ultimate dishwasher talks. From what I gather, European dishwashers heat the water, while American do not. [0] [this video] [1] [LINK]
Strong rec bentcorner · 2022-04 · on “How to get kids to do chores: Does the Maya method work? (2018)”
I love this video: [this video] Dishwasher pods are heavily marketed in the US and actually wash more poorly compared to plain powder. With pods the pre-wash ends up running without detergent, so rinsing off dishes becomes necessary.
Strong rec lbutler · 2023-03 · on “I Splurged for the Fanciest Dishwasher and It Was Worth It”
For those that haven't seen them, the two Technology Connection videos on dishwashers are must watch 1 - [this video] 2 - [LINK]
Strong rec mastercheif · 2024-01 · on “Cars suck, man”
Technology Connections’ video on dishwashers will change your life. [this video] Ever since I switched to powdered detergent and started throwing a pinch of powder in the bottom of the tub in addition to filling up the main dispenser halfway, I have not had a single dish come out with a piece of food on it. I also recommend disabling any “auto” features of dishwasher has. The only caveat to this video: don’t fill up the detergent dispenser all the way with powder, go about halfway. He corrects this mistake in his follow-up video, which I also recommend.
Recommends throw0101a · 2021-05 · on “SSD makers start warning that mining products like ChiaCoin will void warranty”
Technology Connections has got you covered: > Ever wonder how dishwashers work? Are you ever bummed by the performance of yours? Well, this video can answer your question and possibly provide you with a solution! * [this video]
Recommends sp332 · 2021-06 · on “Ask HN: Are Dishwashing Machines Bullshit?”
You don't have to pre-clean dishes. This video is a bit long-winded but gets the point across. [this video] One person doing one person's worth of dishes is pretty manageable. Once you get more people involved, or if you're getting a lot of utensils dirty while making something fancy, it can be a whole different story. Also, I think they use less water than washing by hand, but again this depends on how many dishes you put in there at a time.
Recommends balefrost · 2021-09 · on “How to properly load a dishwasher (2020)”
Somewhat related: if you want to watch a 32 minute video about how to properly use a dishwasher, here you go: [this video]