How to Load a Dishwasher Properly and Get Sparkling Clean Dishes

When it comes to loading a dishwasher, it’s a topic that can spark debates among roommates and clean freaks. Everyone thinks they have the best system, but in reality, most people are doing it wrong. If you want to ensure that your dishes come out sparkling clean and undamaged, we’ve got the expert tips on how to load a dishwasher the right way. Read on to improve your dish stacking skills.

Top Rack: Glasses, Mugs, and Small Bowls

To start, place glasses, mugs, and small bowls on the top rack of the dishwasher. Make sure to position them upside down to allow water to drain properly. If some cups or dishes have slightly concave bottoms, it helps to lean them at an angle to avoid collecting dirty water. Also, remember to put all plastic items on the top rack as the heat comes from the bottom and can warp plastics.

One important thing to note is to secure any small pieces to avoid them falling through the gaps and potentially blocking the washer arm or landing on the heating element. Spatulas, ladles, and other large utensils should lie flat on the top level with your coffee mugs and saucers. If you stick them upright with silverware, they’ll block the water spray and prevent other things from being cleaned properly.

Bottom Rack: Plates, Large Bowls, Pots, and Pans

On the bottom rack, place plates, large bowls, pots, and pans. It’s best to put the biggest pieces to the sides so that they don’t block the sprayer. Pay attention to how you load your utensils as well. Load them handle-first, so that spoons and prongs of forks are facing up. However, knives should be placed point-down to avoid accidents when unloading.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While figuring out where to put dishes may seem intuitive, there are some common mistakes that can prevent your dishes from getting clean. Here are a few to avoid:

• Overloading: Avoid overcrowding the dishwasher as it can lead to “nesting” and uneven cleaning.
• Placing large, flat items near the door: Keep flat pans or platters away from the door to ensure detergent reaches all dishes.
• Laying large pots and pans face down: Load big items on their sides to prevent blocking the water spray.
• Blocking the spray arm: Make sure there is no obstruction to the spray arm before starting the cycle.
• Facing everything in the same direction: Arrange your plates and dishes to face the center of the dishwasher, so they get exposed to the spray.
• Leaving stuck-on food: Scrape off any food chunks before loading, but there’s no need to pre-wash if your dishwasher is relatively new.

Items to Avoid Putting in the Dishwasher

While it may be tempting to put everything in the dishwasher, some items can get damaged by the harsh soap and hot water. Here are a few things to avoid putting in the dishwasher:

• Cast iron: Putting cast iron pans in the dishwasher can destroy the coating and cause rust.
• Non-stick pans: Although many claim to be dishwasher safe, the dishwasher can break down the coating, so it’s best to hand-wash these.
• Delicate pieces: Crystal or china should be hand-washed to prevent breakage.
• Fine metals and finishes: Silver or enameled items should also be hand washed to protect the finish.
• Wood utensils and cutting boards: Avoid putting wooden items in the dishwasher as they can’t handle the amount of water used.
• Sharp knives: Keep your sharp knives out of the dishwasher to prolong their lifespan.
• Anything that’s not dishwasher safe: Always check if items are safe for the dishwasher before loading.

Tips for Maximizing Your Dishwasher Use

To make the most out of your dishwasher, here are a few additional tips to follow:

• Clean your dishwasher regularly: Run an empty cycle with white vinegar once a month and check for any stuck food particles in the food trap.
• Preheat the water: Let hot water run in your kitchen sink for a couple of minutes before starting a dishwasher cycle.
• Organize utensils by type: Separate forks, knives, and spoons in the utensil holder for easy unloading and putting away.
• Skip the heat: If you want to be environmentally conscious, turn off the “heated dry” option to save energy.
• Think beyond dishes: Some unusual items like rubber dog toys, baseball caps, grill grates, and rubber rain boots can also go in the dishwasher.

Reference

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