A layer of protection between the plates prevents chipping and scratching. The solution is straightforward: Between each dish, place a coffee filter. They're just the right size for dinner plates. According to a dishwasher detergent engineer (yes, they exist), most soap compositions are engineered to "seek out" food. So placing a few drops of dishwashing liquid on your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher will help prevent any scents from escaping while still getting rid of grease and soil. Dishwashers can be a dangerous place for dishes, especially if you don't use them often. If anything gets inside the machine it could cause serious damage to other parts of the machine or burn someone. Always follow instructions and wear protective clothing when working with hot liquids, gases, and electrical components. The best way to care for your dishes is through regular washing by hand or with a gentle detergent. Dishes that aren't cleaned properly may lead to bacteria growth which could cause allergies or health problems if not removed. However, if you don't have time to wash your dishes by hand or don't want to use up too much energy, then using a dishwasher is probably your only option. But whatever method you choose, just make sure you don't expose dishes to heat above 120 degrees F because this could cause glass to break or plastic to melt. Additionally, don't put aluminum cans or containers in your dishwasher.