Every dishwasher is different with unique designs and functions. But, no matter the type of appliance you have, it cannot efficiently clean your dishes if it is improperly loaded. When you cram in too many dishes or place oversized platters or pans in the wrong place, it inhibits your machine from giving you the best results. By following these simple steps for loading your dishwasher, you will begin seeing better outcomes and sparkling, clean dishes.
For the best results, refer to your owner’s manual for special instructions specific to your appliance.
Silverware
Silverware should be placed in the dedicated utensil compartment. For forks and spoons, place the handle side down, allowing the spoon and fork tops to be exposed. For safety reasons, all sharp objects, including knives and butcher scissors, should be placed with their handles up and their sharp side down to help prevent cutting yourself when unloading. However, it is better to hand wash sharp knives as the dishwasher can cause them to dull faster.
Serving Utensils
Place large serving utensils on the top rack with the serving side facing down. This will prevent water collecting in them and help remove any stuck on food particles.
Glasses and Mugs
Glasses and mugs should be placed on the top rack of your dishwasher facing down. Do not place the glasses on the tines (the prongs that stick upward), instead set the glasses beside them. This reduces the risk of glasses getting marks or stains during the cleaning cycle.
Plates
Plates need to rest on the bottom rack facing inward, so that the water will be able to more efficiently remove food particles off of them. Once you reach the halfway mark of your dishwasher when loading, rotate the plates so they continue to face inward.
Bowls
Smaller sized bowls, such as cereal bowls, should be placed on the top shelf facing downward between the tines. When putting in multiple bowls, position them at a slight slant so the water can reach all areas. Larger bowls should be placed on the bottom rack, following the same protocol as the smaller bowls.
Large Serving Platters
Larger items, such as casserole dishes, cutting boards, and platters, should be placed on the bottom rack along the edge or back of the machine. Make sure that the surfaces used for food preparation are facing toward the washing mechanism below. Placing these items toward the sides and back allows the water to easily reach the other items as well.
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