The Seeker’s Silverware: What Dishwasher Habits Say About Human Nature

Unloading the dishwasher

I have always unloaded the silverware last when unloading the dishwasher, and I am not alone.

There is something deeper behind this small habit, perhaps a reflection of the human to seek, discover, or delay closure. To unravel this random reflection, I asked multiple people and found more than 80% answered adamantly. "Absolutely! It is always the last thing that gets done.”

The remaining 20% responded under pre-engineered reasoning and context. “No. I unload the bottom rack first so that any trapped water on the top rack does not spill on the bottom rack.” Regardless, the interviewees were adamant that their way was the only right way. Yet, none knew the origin of their habit.

Reflecting on the 80%, there was no recollection of training, instructions, or education. As I unpacked their logic to sequence silverware last, a theme emerged. The silverware lacked adventure. Not that unloading the dishwasher is entertaining, but it does become a process, an opportunity to optimize, and a daily random puzzle. Unlike the dishes, the silverware has a simple solution because it all goes in one spot. The process of sorting the randomness creates a self-incentive.

The combination of loss aversion with mindless choosing implies that if an option is designated as the “default,” it will attract a large market share. Default options thus act as powerful nudges. ― Richard H. Thaler, Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness

This optimization of speed with a semi-conscious focus seeks to decrease travel time. It is a casual contest that makes us musing scavengers. This scavenger instinct searches for the most valuable and rewarding items first and then concludes with the unglorified silverware. Unloading silverware first is the antithesis of this scavenger spirit—Save the silverware for last and satisfy your scavenger soul.

Nothing against the others who unload the bottom first, but they are focused on quality and the engineered design of an assumed procedure. Their solution is the programmed default to conduct the action specifically to a guideline or standard. Additionally, these individuals who referenced the high probability of a user manual supporting their strategy. (There is a user manual that states the bottom rack should be unloaded first.)

First, empty the lower basket, then empty the upper basket. - Electrolux

This question activated a reflection showing that a mundane action can provoke an individual to be curious, find purpose, and default to be better within everyday activities. One can create habits to scavenge and incentivize to become more effective. And when done right, we can avoid a prescribed mundane process that voids a smidgeon of victory.