Are your dishes sticking to the food? Do you feel like you can’t fit much in your machine?

Your washer’s efficiency could be significantly improved if you know how to load it correctly.

This appliance is a great help and makes our lives so much simpler. It can also be frustrating and add to the workload if it isn’t used properly.

You can rest assured, I will show you how to load your dishwasher.

Why is it important?

Your dishwasher’s performance can be improved by filling it correctly. You will save water, cleaning products and energy.

If you do it wrong, you could end up washing dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher.

General Rules

These are the general rules before you start loading.

• Make sure you have your owner’s guide.
• Use adequate detergent
• Get rid of scrap food
• Some things are not dishwasher-safe.
• Do not overload
• Dishes facing down

Make sure you have your Owner’s Manual.

You should read the instructions carefully, as they can vary from one dishwasher to the next.

You may have unique settings and features on your machine, such as eco friendly mode or an adjustable roof rack.

Use Adequate Detergent

Although you may be a super-loader, it will still be difficult to achieve the perfect wash if your detergent is not adequate.

If your city has hard water, for example, you should make sure to buy salt or anti-lime powder to keep limescale deposits from occurring.

Get Scraped Food Out

Food residue can be removed from the dishwasher to prevent clogging and make it easier for your dishwasher. This can include anything, from small chicken bones to rice grains.

Plates don’t need to be rinsed every time. It can be helpful for meals of fish or shrimp, and if the dishwasher isn’t being used immediately.

It can be dangerous to leave cookware to soak – this is how it can become damaged. It is possible to pre-soak your cookware before you put it in the dishwasher. Remember that if the dish has been sitting for more than 30 minutes, it is now a biology experiment.

What to Avoid in a Dishwasher

Dishwashers can cause more harm than good to certain materials and utensils.

The following kitchenware should be washed by hand:

• Items made of wood, like a cutting board
• Insulated mugs
• Crystal kitchenware
• Cast iron is one example of certain cookware.
• Plates and cups hand-painted
• Sharp knives are better than dull knives

As for metals, some stainless steel and aluminum dishes are dishwasher-compatible, but always check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Cast iron, bronze, gold, silver and brass should all be washed by hand to prevent damage. (I don’t own any gold flatware. I’m just trying to cover all bases. …)

Large pasta pots are something I think is a good idea. It can take up half of the dishwasher if it is too large. It can even block the sprinklers.

These large pots are also easy to wash by hand.

Do not overload

It is tempting to force dishes into the dishwasher. It is possible to overload the dishwasher, which will lead to a slower cycle.

Also, ensure that the spindle arm is free to move. The dishes will remain stained if water cannot reach the cookware.

Tip: After you have finished loading your dishwasher, give it a spin. It should rotate freely, which is great! If it doesn’t, you will need to get rid of anything that might be preventing it from rotating freely. The spinning arm is located in the middle of your dishwasher, just below the top rack.

Dishes that Fail

No matter if you are loading the top or bottom racks, make sure to keep your dishes, cups, and pots facing down. This will prevent soapy and dirty water from building up inside.

Loading cutlery

Dishwashers usually have a separate compartment to load cutlery. There may be small openings or open spaces to allow you to place each item individually.

This is a great way to keep social distances between spoons. They hugged each other to prevent water from getting between them.

Last but not least, knives should be lowered to prevent injuries.

Loading the Top Rack

These items are usually found in the top rack.

• Plastic
• Cups, glasses, and bowls
• Utensils
• Anything for young children

Plastic

Some types of plastic are capable of withstand heat but it has a generally low resistance to heat. This material can also leach harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures.

The top rack is typically warmer than the bottom. Plastic items such as Tupperware should be placed on the bottom rack.

Glasses, Bowls, and Cups

To save space, stack the bowls with their faces down.

Glasses should not touch one another. The vibrations from the wash could cause cracks or other damages.

A few dishwashers have a safety rack that can hold wine glasses. It is important to remember to use it or your dishwasher could tip during the cycle.

Utensils

You can also place long utensils on the top rack. If you have a curvy utensil, such as a soup spoon, be sure to flip them upside-down.

Loading the bottom rack

The following cookware, in addition to the cutlery previously mentioned, should fit on the bottom rack.

Flat and long items

You can slide cutting boards or long flat platters along the edges. The water spray won’t be blocked and the center will remain free for larger items.

Plates

The bottom rack is used to place plates. You can alternate large and small dessert plates to ensure optimal water flow.

You can also place large items such as pots, serving bowls, or other large objects on the lower tray.

Last Tips

Here are some more tips before you press the start button.

• Use the dishwasher at night. Electricity is often less expensive at night. However, this might not be feasible for everyone.
• Use it when it is full. To save water and energy, you can use the “half cycle” setting.
• Empty the lower tray before you unload. Water that has accumulated on the top rack will spill onto the dishes below.
• Choose the right setting: Turbo Settings are great for those who need their dishes fast but require more electricity and water. The quickest, but most expensive Eco settings are also the best!

What’s next?

There are some options for how to load your dishwasher but it is best to follow simple rules so that your dishes come out clean.

Not all cookware can be washed in the dishwasher. Place any plastic items on top rack. Leave space between cutlery, glasses and other dishes.

You can wash your cookware in the dishwasher by reading my dishwasher-safe cooking guide.

Many people don’t load their dishwashers efficiently. We can adjust our habits by following the tips above.

Being a mother of two, I understand that not all rules are easy. Do your best. Sometimes, doing it right can save you time over the long-term.