What’s the best way to load a dishwasher? Maximize your dishwasher’s space and ensure your dishware and utensils are clean with this expert advice.
Is there really a right way to load your dishwasher? In short, yes.
Is your dishwasher in need of repair or maintenance? Sears Home Services can help.
Schedule a dishwasher repair appointmentTips:
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Angle the dirtiest dishes downward, and allow space for water to flow up between each rack.
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Don’t pack dishes too tightly.
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Make sure fragile dishes or glassware aren’t touching.
(Text Version)
How to Properly Load Your Dishwasher
Top Rack
Cups, glasses, bowls, Tupperware, serving spoons, spatulas, long pieces of cutlery
- Place small items facing downward on the top rack.
- Fit cups in between tines – not over them
- Place Tupperware here, as the heat coming from the bottom of the dishwasher can melt the plastic
- Place spatulas and cutlery horizontally on the top rack in between tines
Tip: Angle the dirtiest dishes downward, and allow space for water to flow up between each rack.
Bottom Rack
Plates, pans, cookie sheets, and other large items
- Face pots, pans, and large bowls open-side down to ensure they don’t fill up with water.
- Align the dishes along the tines to maximize space.
- Place larger pans at the edges outside of the tines.
- Avoid placing tall items in front fo the detergent dispenser so it can open.
Tip: Don’t pack dishes too tightly.
Cutlery Basket
Silverware
- Distribute silverware evenly among compartments.
- Avoid putting the same type of utensil in the same compartments, which can cause them to nest and prevent a proper cleaning.
- Alternate upward- and downward-facing silverware in the basket.
Tip: Make sure fragile dishes or glassware aren’t touching
Hand-Wash Only
- Sharp knives
- Cast iron
- Crystal
- Copper pans
- Wooden spoons
- Non-dishwasher-safe plastic
- Wooden spatulas