How To Load a Dishwasher The Right Way: 7 Do’s And Don’ts

by John Griffith Oct 26, 2022 @ 07:49

You may think you know everything when it comes to loading your dishwasher, but we are here to surprise you. There are a bunch of do’s and don’ts when it comes to how to load a dishwasher the right way, and you may not expect some of them. Dishwashers have a ton of hidden features we never knew about! And it’s important to know how to properly load the dishwasher in order to ensure a better cleaning during each cycle, as well as to keep the dishwasher in tip-top condition. The following tips will help you ensure that your dishes will come out sparkling clean every time, that you won’t ruin your favorite dishes and that you’ll be using the dishwasher to its full potential. Let’s check them out.

Dishwashers have a ton of hidden features we never knew about

In this article
How To Load a Dishwasher The Right Way
#Don’t Pre-Rinse
#Don’t Put These Inside
#Don’t Block The Jets
#Don’t Mix Locations
#Don’t Overcrowd
#Do Nestle Cups Between The Prongs
#Do Drop The Top Rack
How To Load a Dishwasher The Right Way

Owning a dishwasher is many people’s dream. However, once we own our first washer it can be a bit overwhelming. What are you supposed to do with this magical cleaning machine? Well, wash dishes obviously, but before you start piling everything inside, you need to know the basic do’s and don’ts of loading if you want to have clean dishes and not a soggy mess.

Owning a dishwasher is a dream

#Don’t Pre-Rinse

We know this one make come as a shock, but did you know you don’t actually have to pre-rinse your dishes before putting them in the washer?! Yep, that’s right. All that time spend pre-scrubbing was for nothing. Instead of rinsing your dishes, it’s recommended to scoop out any leftovers. Dishwasher detergent is designed with the idea to interact with the food particles on your dirty dishes. So, by removing all the food the detergent, doesn’t really have anything to stick to and clean.

You don’t actually have to pre-rinse your dishes

#Don’t Put These Inside

While the dishwasher was invented to make our life easier (and it does), not everything should go in it. Things like your good, sharp knives will dull inside. Other than knives, wooden items (such as cutting boards, spoons, spatulas, etc.) also have no place in the washer as they can crack or warp. Another kitchen item to keep out of the dishwasher is pans (or pots), especially if they are nonstick. In general, anything else you wouldn’t or can’t replace such as fine china, family heirlooms or precious ceramics, should not go in there.

Wooden items also have no place in the washer

#Don’t Block The Jets

It’s happened to the best of us. It’s late after a nice dinner party and the pile of dishes is taller than you. You just want to go to bed, so you throw everything in the washer and shove the pan onto the bottom rack and walk away. Well, the problem is now the jets and spray arms are blocked. You know, the things that will actually clean all the dishes. So, make sure to put the big stuff on the side and at an angle, so it can’t block anything.

Make sure to put the big stuff on the side

#Don’t Mix Locations

The dishwasher is created in such a way that everything has its place. So, make sure you don’t mix up the placements o the dishes. Whirlpool gives us a great guide of how you should load certain types of dishes and where you should put them. For example, it’s best to load from back to front and to unload from bottom to top (so no water drips on dry dishes). Make sure to place bowls, cups and more fragile items on the top rack and plates and bulky items in the bottom.

Here is a good guide to how to load your washer

@Whirlpool

#Don’t Overcrowd

Even the dishwasher has its limits. In order for it to do its job and get into all the nooks and crannies of the dirty dishes, it needs to have a clear “view” of them. Overcrowding your dishwasher will only lead to trapped leaks, jest, and spray arms as well as dishes covered by over dishes. All this leaves you with is dirty dishes and wasted water and electricity. Give the dishes some space. It’s better to do two loads than three loads trying to correct the first mistake.

Even the dishwasher has its limits

#Do Nestle Cups Between The Prongs

The “prongs” of the dishwasher are known as tines and can be found on both racks. They are there to help hold and separate your dishes. A common mistake is to put items, cups especially, over the prongs and not between them. Make sure to use them for separation and not place items onto them, but between them.

Don’t put the cups onto the tines

#Do Drop The Top Rack

It’s very annoying when your beautiful wine glasses are too tall to fit in your dishwasher. But don’t try putting these fragile glasses on the bottom rack, no, no. What you should do instead is drop the top rack. That’s right, some dishwashers give you the option to drop the top rack and give you more space. Oh, and make sure to secure them!

Secure your glasses and drop the rack

This was how to load a dishwasher the right way. We hope you found this article useful. Now you know the most important do’s and don’ts when it comes to loading your washer and can use it too it’s full effectiveness. Oh, and make sure to not forget to wash the dishwasher itself from time to time.

This was how to load a dishwasher the right way

Sources:

Whirlpool ©
The Kitchn ©

John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.