Introduction
Properly loading a dishwasher is essential to getting clean and sanitized dishes, glasses, and silverware with ease. Not only does it save you time and effort but it also ensures your dishes come out spotless. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to load dishes into the machine correctly and end up with a disappointing wash result. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide to show you how to load a dishwasher properly, no matter which type you have or what dishes you’re washing.
A Step-by-Step Guide
Before you start loading your dishwasher, it’s important to keep in mind that every dishwasher brand and model is unique. Therefore, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions before grabbing your dishes. Here are a few general tips on how to load a dishwasher:
- Remove food scraps and bits from your dishes. Not rinsing your dishes can cause your dishwasher to clog and your dishes not being properly sanitized.
- Load your dishes in the correct location. Most dishwashers have different areas for specific items, such as plates, bowls, glasses, and silverware.
- Be sure that nothing is obstructing any of the dishwasher’s arms, so the water can reach your dishes from all angles.
- Ensure that all dishes are securely placed in the dishwasher, so they do not move during the wash cycle.
- Do not overload your dishwasher. Your dishwasher needs enough water and detergent to clean your dishes effectively, so leave some room between dishes.
Top Rack
The top rack is typically reserved for glasses, cups, bowls and lightweight plastic items. Here are the instructions on how to load each of these items:
Glasses/cups
For glasses and cups, it’s important to place them between the plastic prongs that hold them in place on the top rack. Ensure that each glass or cup is at an angle for optimal washing.
Bowls
Place the bowls face down on the top rack. If you’re washing larger bowls, like mixing bowls, sit them at an angle of about 45 degrees to make sure the water gets inside.
Plastic Items
Place lightweight plastic items on the top rack, as they are more susceptible to melting if too close to the heating element.
Bottom Rack
The bottom rack is usually designated for heavier items like plates, pots, and pans. Here are the instructions on how to load each of these items:
Plates
Place your plates facing the center of the machine, making sure none of them overlap. If you have particularly dirty dishes, ensure that they face the water spray.
Pots and Pans
Place your pots and pans in the bottom rack of the dishwasher. If you have particularly large items, place them on the outward-facing corners, making sure you can spin the water blades freely.
Silverware
Most dishwashers come with a silverware basket. In this case, place your silverware in the silverware basket. Alternatively, consider placing your silverware in-between your plates in the dedicated slots. This approach ensures a better cleaning process.
By Dishwasher Type
While the previous section was a general guide on how to load a dishwasher, you will find differences between dishwasher types. Here are the ways that you should load various types of dishwashers.
Traditional Dishwashers
Place the heavily soiled dishes in the bottom rack for better water coverage, and your delicate items on the top rack to protect them from water damage. If you need to clean oven-safe cookware, ensure they’re at the rack’s sides to avoid chipping.
Drawer-Style Dishwashers
Some dishwasher models come in a drawer style; it’s important to load your dishes according to the drawer you have, either a double or a single. For Double Drawers, load your heavily soiled dishes in the bottom drawer and your delicate items on the top drawer. For Single Drawers, place your heaviest load cycle items on the bottom rack, and delicate flatware on the top rack.
By Dish Type
Not all dishes are created equal, and so they need to be loaded into the dishwasher differently. Here’s an overview of how different dishes should be loaded into the machine.
Plates
Load plates evenly spaced on the bottom rack. Be careful not to immerse them too deep on the rack such that the water spray cannot reach them. Face the surface with more food residue towards the spray to ensure thorough cleaning.
Bowls
Load your bowls on the top rack with enough space between each other to facilitate easy and thorough cleaning. Face them downwards and towards the dishwasher’s water connections.
Cups & Glasses
Cups and glasses are best suited in the top rack. Secure the stems between the prongs and space them a quarter of an inch apart to avoid rubbing on each other. Place the rim opening downwards to prevent water droplets from settling inside.
Silverware
Use the silverware baskets inside designated slots or place your silverware into the dishwasher’s provided dedicated tray. Load spoons, forks, and knives with alternating handles up and down, with their blades securely placed in the basket. Alternatively, place them in-between your plates in the dedicated slots, ensuring they do not overlap or touch other dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s effortless to make a mistake when loading your dishwasher. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Overloading
Overloading your dishwasher should be avoided as this might lead to an uneven cleaning process. Therefore, ensure that your dishes adequately fit into the dishwasher.
Using the Wrong Detergent
Using the wrong dishwasher detergent can clog up your appliance and provide ineffective cleaning. Ensure you’re using the correct dishwashing detergent related to the brand or model of your dishwasher as instructed in the manufacturer’s manual.
Failure to Rinse Dishes
The purpose of a dishwasher is not to clean dishes of excess food but to sanitize them. Therefore, ensure that you clean your dishes of food residue before loading them into the dishwasher for effective cleaning.
Tips for Optimizing Dishwasher Performance
Follow these tips to get the best results from your dishwasher:
Use the Right Settings
As with detergents, it’s important to use the right settings! Different dishwashers have various settings for specific wash cycles, such as wash temperatures, sanitizing, and drying cycles.
Preheat Water
If possible, turn on your kitchen sink faucet to hot and let the water run for a few moments before starting the dishwasher cycle. This ensures that your dishwasher gets a head start by not having to heat cold water.
Cleaning the dishwasher
Clean your dishwasher often. The dishwasher requires upkeep to run smoothly, so ensure you rinse and clean it, inside and outside, regularly.
Efficiently Storing Dishes
Place your dishes into the dishwasher in a manner that fits and maximizes space between them. This allows for an efficient cleaning process by providing space for water to clean every inch of the dishes. It’s always best to refer to your dishwasher’s manufacturer instruction manual for guidance on how to effectively store the dishes.
Conclusion
Whether it’s your first time loading a dishwasher or your hundredth, the key is to take your time and do it correctly. The benefits of load a dishwasher correctly go beyond clean dishes, improving the machine’s longevity, and saving you time and money on energy bills. Follow these simple steps and tips to help take the guesswork out of loading your dishwasher correctly and ensure sparks shine through your crockeries.
