I finally got to use a dishwasher eight years ago, when I moved in with my then-boyfriend (now husband). I was ecstatic and dumped everything in it. Over the years, though, I have discovered that you can save money – and time – by being pickier about what you put into the dishwasher. Along the way, a few things were ruined before their full value was enjoyed because I didn’t know they shouldn’t be washed by a machine. (See also: Household cleaning hacks that can save you money.)

Read more here: 5 Things You Should Never Put in a Dishwasher

My husband and I are divided when it comes to loading the dishwasher. My methodology is aimed at space efficiency: I line up all the plates on one side, all the cups on the other, and anything random/big in the middle.

His technique, or lack of, is completely haphazard—he just throws things in the machine in the first empty spot he sees (which means only about about half as many dishes fit).

Read more: How to load your dishwasher