Who knew a kitchen appliance could stir such strong emotions? A recent survey has uncovered that two-thirds of Brits living with others have clashed over the “correct” way to load a dishwasher. From arguments over cutlery placement to debates about whether to pre-clean dishes, this domestic dispute is as common as rainy days in the UK!

The survey revealed that many disagreements focus on how to organise items between the top and bottom racks. And don’t even start on who bears the load (pun intended) of unpacking. While 51% of participants stand by their tried-and-tested methods, 30% admit to placing items wherever they’ll fit. But the confidence doesn’t stop there—nine out of ten believe their stacking style reigns supreme.


This stacking saga isn’t just annoying; it can lead to dishes being washed by hand if they come out less-than-sparkling. On average, the nation’s dishwashers run five times a week, though only hitting full capacity on four occasions. Inefficiency surely fuels the fire in 18% of households, where dishwasher debates are flagged as a top pet peeve.
Enter Ecover and The Tetris Company with a playful twist to ease these domestic tensions. They’ve crafted a retro-inspired game aimed at promoting smarter dish stacking habits. Acting as ambassadors for the initiative, father-son duo Larry and George Lamb have stepped up to the challenge. Larry quipped that he’s the “architect” in their kitchen escapades, while his son embraces a “raccoon” approach. The goal? To make the dull chore of dishwashing a little more engaging, tackle a real-life puzzle, and cultivate a sense of eco-awareness within families.
So, next time you’re about to cram that last mug between a pan and a wine glass, remember: stacking isn’t just a science; it’s an art form. Whether you’re Team Rinse or Team Just-Throw-It-In, perhaps it’s time to turn the debate into a fun family challenge instead!