When it comes to loading a dishwasher, there are a lot of disagreements on what should be put where—do cups go on the top rack or bowls? Should you load dishes from the front to the back or side to side? And do you really need to pre-rinse?
Today, we’re diving into your deep-burning dishwasher questions. Here’s the correct way to load and run the dishwasher.
Scrape, But Don’t Rinse
One of the biggest dishwasher debates is whether or not to rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. While you should always scrape as much food residue off as possible, rinsing isn’t usually necessary.
According to Whirlpool, rinsing beforehand may prevent your dishes from becoming as clean as possible. Dishwasher detergent is formulated to activate when in contact with food particles. If the dishes are already rinsed clean, the dishwasher soap doesn’t get activated and, therefore, doesn’t deliver its full cleaning power.
There are always exceptions to this, of course. If you have dishes with burnt-on food or layers of sauce or oil, give them a soak first to help loosen up the debris.
Put Small and Sensitive Items on the Top Rack
The bottom rack of your dishwasher is for large pots, pans, bowls, and plates. Keep the top rack reserved for smaller items like cups, bowls, and anything sensitive to high heat or pressure, like Tupperware.
To find out if a particular dish needs to be placed on the top rack, check the bottom for its dishwasher symbol.
Face Each Dish’s Face Toward the Center
Most dishwashers have spinning arms under the bottom center rack. In order for your dishes to get as clean as possible, you need to face the dirty part of the dish toward the center.
To do this, load plates on one side toward the center and then switch to the other side, following the same pattern so that the two center plates or dishes face each other.
Place Dishes Between the Tines
The tines in your dishwasher keep dishes organized and promote efficient cleaning. Whenever possible, place the dishes between the tines, not over them.
The bottom rack’s tines are for plates, with the outer perimeter fitting larger bowls or pots. The top rack generally has humped sections on the side to make it easy to fit cups.
Avoid Overcrowding
Overcrowding your dishes will prevent food debris from being washed away, leaving your just-cleaned dishes dirty. Ensure that there’s enough space between dishes for water to flow easily.
Place Silverware Handle Up and Handle Down, Based on Type
Strong opinions exist on placing forks, spoons, and knives with the handles up or down in the dishwasher. If you have a pull-out top rack, your silverware can go there. However, if you have a silverware basket, you need to place forks and knives with the handles up and spoons with the handles down, says GE.
When all silverware is facing one way, it nestles together and can’t be properly cleaned. By varying the placement, you ensure that water can reach all sides of the silverware and protect your hands from sharp knives or forks.
Other Important Tips for The Cleanest Dishes
The way you load your dishwasher can affect the cleanliness of your dishes, but so can your maintenance routine. Wash your dishwasher filter about once per month or whenever necessary. Failure to wash the filter will lead to a rotten egg smell every time you run your machine, and your dishes won’t come out as clean as they should.
Also, avoid placing sharp knives, wooden cutting boards, non-stick pans, and certain types of plastic in the dishwasher, as the high heat and pressure can ruin them.
