ChatGPT Confession #005
I Asked ChatGPT How to Start a Dishwasher (yes… really)
This is part of my ChatGPT Confessions series, where I test what ChatGPT can actually do in real-life situations.
View all ChatGPT Confessions
A while ago, I went to visit my son Jordan in Melbourne at his new apartment. He showed me around like a proud adult who had officially figured life out. Nice kitchen, modern appliances, everything looking far more sophisticated than anything I had at home.
The next morning, he left for work, and I did what mums do. I started cooking, then naturally moved on to cleaning. That’s when I ran into something I didn’t expect to struggle with.
The moment I met the dishwasher
The dishwasher looked simple enough. But the second I opened it and looked at the controls, I froze. Buttons, lights, and symbols that made absolutely no sense to me.
I pressed one button. Nothing happened. Tried another. Still nothing. At that point, it felt less like a kitchen appliance and more like the control panel of a small aircraft.
Two choices… and one ego on the line
I had a decision to make. I could pretend I knew what I was doing and risk breaking Jordan’s brand new dishwasher, or I could admit defeat and ask for help.
There was no way I was calling him at work to say I couldn’t start a dishwasher. So I did the only logical thing.
I opened ChatGPT.
What I actually did
I took a photo of the inside of the dishwasher, included the model, and asked a simple question. No overthinking, no perfectly crafted prompt, just a straightforward request for help.
I have this dishwasher (attached image). I haven’t used one in years and I don’t understand the buttons. Can you explain how to start it in simple steps and what I can ignore?
What happened next
Within seconds, I had a clear explanation. It told me exactly where the tablet goes, which button actually starts the cycle, and which settings I didn’t need to worry about.
No guessing. No trial and error. Just a simple, confident answer that made the whole thing feel ridiculously easy.
Dishwasher successfully launched. Kitchen cleaned. Reputation as a capable adult intact.
What surprised me most
It wasn’t just that ChatGPT gave me the answer. It was how quickly it removed the hesitation. I didn’t have to interpret instructions or second-guess myself. I just followed what it said and moved on.
And honestly, that’s what made the biggest difference.
What this made me realise
This wasn’t about not knowing how to use a dishwasher. It was about not wanting to waste time or mental energy figuring out something that didn’t actually matter.
We all hit that point during the day where even simple decisions feel harder than they should. That’s where AI becomes far more useful than people realise.
Why I asked ChatGPT instead of figuring it out
I could have stood there pressing buttons until something worked. I could have Googled it and read through a few articles. But I didn’t want friction. I wanted a clear answer immediately.
And that’s exactly what I got.
What this means for small business owners
Most people think AI is only useful for big tasks like writing content or creating strategies. But the real value often comes from removing all the small moments of friction throughout your day.
Things like figuring out tools, writing quick responses, checking decisions, or solving small problems instantly. Individually, they don’t seem significant. But together, they easily add up to hours every week.
This is exactly the kind of thing I break down inside Wait … You Can Do That? Save 8-12 hours a week with AI without overwhelm – because most people are only scratching the surface of what AI can actually do.
The bigger picture
That dishwasher moment might sound small, but it shifted how I think about using AI. It’s not just about solving big problems. It’s about removing hesitation, saving energy, and making everyday decisions easier.
And yes, sometimes that includes asking how to start a dishwasher.
Keep exploring
If you want to see how this plays out in different situations, you can explore more stories inside the ChatGPT Confessions hub.
For more practical ways to use AI in your business, this article is a good next step: AI Content Creation: How AI Can Help Small Businesses Create Irresistible Copy.
And if you want ready-to-use prompts like this, you’ll find them here: ChatGPT Prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ChatGPT actually help with real-life tasks like using appliances?
Yes – and this is where it’s surprisingly powerful. ChatGPT can break down instructions into simple, human steps instead of the confusing manuals or vague online guides you usually find. If something has buttons, settings, or multiple options, ChatGPT can explain what matters and what doesn’t, so you don’t feel stuck or hesitant.
Can I upload a photo to ChatGPT to get help?
Yes, and this is one of the most useful features. You can upload a photo of an appliance, screen, or problem area, and ChatGPT can explain exactly what you’re looking at. In situations like this dishwasher example, uploading a photo makes the response far more accurate because it can identify buttons, layouts, and labels instead of guessing.
Is ChatGPT better than Google for simple problems?
For many everyday situations, yes. Google gives you multiple results and expects you to figure it out yourself. ChatGPT gives you one clear answer tailored to your situation, which saves time and removes the frustration of interpreting different sources.
Do I need to know the exact model or details to ask ChatGPT?
Not always, but it helps. If you can include the model name or upload a photo, you’ll get a much more precise answer. If not, ChatGPT can still give general guidance based on common layouts and functions.
How does using ChatGPT for small tasks actually save time?
Individually, tasks like this only save a few minutes. But throughout the day, those small decisions stack up. Instead of stopping, researching, and second-guessing, you get instant clarity and move on. Over time, this reduces mental fatigue and gives you back hours you didn’t realise you were losing.
Ivana Katz from Websites 4 Small Business is an award winning web designer who builds websites that build your business. She provides unbeatable web design services to fit your budget.
The end result? Professional, custom-made sites that give your business the extra oomph it needs to stand out from the competition and make an impact.
Whether you’re a brand-new business or an established one ready to improve your digital presence, Ivana makes it easy to get your business online very quickly. Her websites are professional, tailored to fit your budget, and give your business a serious boost.
Download your FREE copy of “Ultimate Website Design Secrets Blackbook – 10 Bulletproof Strategies for Designing an Outrageously Successful Website”
