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How to load your dishwasher
From scraping off your dishes to not overcrowding to stacking your kitchenware in the best spot, we cover everything you need to know about loading your dishwasher properly for optimum cleaning.
No matter how advanced your dishwasher, you can still run the risk of not-so-clean dishes if you don’t load it correctly.
Thankfully, loading your dishwasher is straightforward – as long as you follow some easy tips, like the ones below:
Tips for loading a dishwasher
To keep your kitchenware from coming out of the cycle covered with food residue – and avoid clogging the insides of your machine – always scrape off large bits of food before loading your dishwasher.
Believe it or not, it’s a myth that you need to rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Scraping excess food from your plates with a fork or spoon before stacking them in your machine works just as well – and saves valuable water.
It may be tempting to squeeze all your family’s dishes into one load to save time, but an overloaded dishwasher can damage your dishes. Plus, overcrowding can disrupt the flow of water and detergent, so some items may not come out as clean as you’d like.
The hottest part of your dishwasher is at the bottom, by the heating element. Keep your dishwasher-safe plastics on the top rack to prevent them from warping.
Because the top rack is cooler than the rest of your dishwasher, it’s also the best spot to clean cups, glasses and mugs. When they’re placed face down correctly, the water and detergent can effectively clean inside, leaving them sparkling clean.
If you’re cleaning trays or items with baked on food or other stubborn residue, make sure you place them face down, so the spray arms can effectively clean with the right amount of pressure.
Load your forks and spoons handles down so the dirtiest parts get cleaned the most thoroughly. You’ll want to load knives blades down – handles up, however, so you don’t cut yourself when unloading.
Place larger, heavier items, like cutting boards and platters, towards the sides and back of your dishwasher, so they don’t disrupt the flow of water and detergent.
Most pots and pans made of stainless steel can go in the bottom rack of your dishwasher. Just be sure to check the manufacturers advice before loading, as pots made of some materials, like aluminum, can warp or break down in the dishwasher.
After you’ve loaded your dishes, glasses, cutlery, pots, pans and other kitchenware properly, adding Finish® dishwasher tablets and Finish® rinse aid to your dishwasher cycle can enhance your cleaning results. They’re designed to work effectively with various loading techniques, ensuring spotless dishes every time.
What items can you put in your dishwasher?
These days, most kitchen items can go in the dishwasher – however, it’s always important to check first, so you avoid ruining both your appliance and your valuable kitchenware.
