While everyone has a different technique for stacking the dishwasher, there are a few foolproof tips that guarantee sparkling dishes every time.

So to make things a little easier, consumer advocacy group Choice Australia has shared some of their best advice for stacking and achieving the best clean possible.

From what materials to wash and where to place dirty pots to how to use dishwashing tablets, these are the best tips they had to offer.

While everyone has a different technique for stacking the dishwasher, there are a few foolproof tips that guarantee sparkling dishes every time

1. Why you should never place wood, aluminium or copper in the dishwasher

While most things are safe to stack - including everything that has 'dishwasher safe' written on it - there are a few exceptions.

You should never put anything made of wood in a dishwasher, namely chopping boards, rolling pins and wooden spoons because the material absorbs every odour and flavour circulating from other dirty dishes.

Good knives and fine china should also be avoided because the water pressure and corrosive detergent can blunt your knives and ruin the detailing on those previous pieces of crockery.

Anything that contains a 'reactive metal' - which is prone to corroding over time - is also best washed by hand.

That means anything with aluminium and copper - including non-stick pans - should be hand washed.

While most things are safe to stack inside the appliance - including everything that has the words 'dishwasher safe' written on it - there are a few exceptions

2. Why you don't need to bother pre-washing dishes

Your favourite dishwashing tablets should have enough power to remove all manner of surface stains without you having to thoroughly wash your plates beforehand, but you should scrape all food scraps in the bin before putting them in the dishwasher.

This prevents clogging the filter, which will only make it harder for your dishwasher to do its job.

Speaking of the filter, it should be cleaned once a week to stop unnecessary build-up.

Speaking of the filter, it should be cleaned once a week to stop unnecessary build-up

3. Why you should place the dirtiest dishes in the middle

Placement is key for getting a cleaner wash every time.

Plastics should go on the top shelf to reduce the risk of melting, as should glass to prevent it shattering.

Because the spinning fan can sometimes miss the corners of the dishwasher it's best to place very dirty pots and pans in the middle of the stackable shelves for maximum effectiveness.

Also make sure all plates and bowls face downward to avoid dirty water sitting in it and don't stack them right on top of each other.

Leaving a gap will ensure water and soap can get between the dishes to wash them.

When the wash is complete open the dishwasher as soon as possible and pull out the trays. The heat from the wash will dry the dishes faster.

Because the spinning fan can sometimes miss the corners of the dishwasher it's best to place very dirty pots and pans in the middle of the stackable shelves for maximum effectiveness

4. Why you shouldn't put some dishwashing tablets in the dispenser

If you're using anything with the name '3-in-1' or 'multi tab' in it then it's actually more beneficial to put them at the bottom of your machine, not in the dispenser.

They're not designed to be placed there because they won't be released in the same way a single brick tablet would.

The 3-in-1 tablets have a section to them that are meant for the pre-wash stage but the dispenser doesn't open until the main wash has begun, thus rendering 1/3 of the tablet null and void.