A method for washing items using an apparatus including at least one conveyor, at least one washing zone, and at least one rinsing zone, items to be washed are guided through the washing apparatus in succession in the process direction of the apparatus and sprayed with a washing fluid in a washing zone and with rinsing water in a rinsing zone. The items to be washed are of different types distinguishable from one another, their types being distinguished by identifying sensors arranged to the washing apparatus. On the basis of the identification a control item of the washing apparatus automatically selects the appropriate washing and/or rinsing programme for the item concerned.