How to Load a Dishwasher

STEP 1: Remove Excess Food

Before loading your dishwasher, you should start by scraping off any excess food and large particles like bones, hard food and any food items that might damage your dishwasher from your dishes.

STEP 2: Place Dishes Downward

Placing your dishes in the dishwasher at a downward angle facing the center can help ensure the spray arms and jets can reach the surface of your dishes to clean them efficiently. When loading dishes, you should also always place the dirty side facing the center of the dishwasher for the most efficient clean.

STEP 3: Load Top Rack of Dishwasher

The top rack of a dishwasher is great for smaller items such as cups, plasticware and smaller plates and bowls. When placing dishes on the top rack, make sure to arrange the items so that they don’t overlap and are not at risk of falling through the rack openings.

The following items should be placed on the bottom rack of a dishwasher:

• Small plates and bowls – These items can all be placed face down along the sides of the top rack. By placing these dishes face down you can avoid them filling with water during the dishwasher cycle.
• Cups, mugs and drinking glasses – Place these dishes between tines on the top rack and ensure they are angled downward to get the most efficient clean.
• Plastic items – Loading plastic items on the top rack and far away from the dishwasher’s heating element can help avoid melting. Before washing any plastic containers, always check that they are dishwasher safe first.
• Large cooking utensils – Items such as spatulas, ladles and large spoons can be placed on the top rack for an efficient clean. Ensure these items are not able to fall through the open spaces in the top dishwasher rack.

STEP 4: Load Bottom Rack of Dishwasher

The bottom rack of the dishwasher is ideal for larger dishware and baking items. Things like cooking pots and pans, dinner plates and cutting boards all belong on the bottom rack. When loading the bottom rack of your dishwasher it’s important to load smaller items alongside larger items to help prevent any blockages to the dishwasher’s spray arms.

The following items should be placed on the bottom rack of a dishwasher:

• Large bowls and plates – These can be loaded along the sides of the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Make sure to always load these dishes facing downward and towards the center for optimal cleaning results.
• Cooking pots, pans and large baking dishes – When loading these items it is important to always place the handles so that they are pointing away from the dishwasher’s spray arms so that they don’t interfere with the cleaning process.
• Flat pans and cutting boards – This type of dish should be placed along the perimeters of the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Make sure these are placed clear of the spray arms and detergent dispenser so that the dishwasher is able to function properly.

STEP 5: Load Silverware

Depending on the model of your dishwasher, silverware can be loaded in the silverware basket or the third rack of your appliance. When loading silverware, you should always place most utensils with the handles down for optimal cleaning. Knives should always be placed with the handles up and blade down to avoid injuries when emptying the dishwasher.

Make sure to alternate the placement of forks and spoons within the silverware basket to avoid nesting of the utensils. If utensils are placed too close together, this can result in detergent not being able to thoroughly clean the utensil.

• Ensure Items are Dishwasher Safe – Before loading an item into the dishwasher, you should always make sure that it is dishwasher safe. Look for a dishwasher safe symbol, which is typically a square with dishes and water drops inside, to ensure your item won’t get damaged during the wash cycle.