How do you load your dishwasher?

Loading a dishwasher the smart way = cleaner dishes, no re-washing, and longer life for the machine. Here’s the practical, no-nonsense approach 👇

1. Bottom rack = big, dirty stuff

• Plates, cutting boards, large bowls → face the center

• Pots & pans → sides or back, angled down

• Keep items from blocking the spray arm (this is huge)

Pro tip: Don’t stack plates flat together—water needs space to hit them.

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2. Top rack = lighter, delicate items

• Glasses, mugs, small bowls → angled so water drains

• Plastic → top rack only (less heat)

• Long utensils → lay flat if there’s room

Avoid: Nesting cups inside each other = dirty water trapped.

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3. Utensil basket strategy (this one matters)

• Mix forks, spoons, knives so they don’t spoon-stack

• Handles down for forks/spoons = cleaner eating end

• Sharp knives handle UP (safety first)

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4. Don’t pre-wash — scrape only

• Modern dishwashers need some grime to work properly

• Just scrape off chunks; let the detergent do its job

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5. Use the right detergent amount

• More soap ≠ cleaner dishes

• Follow the cup line—too much causes cloudy glassware

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6. Space > stuffing

• Overloading = poor water circulation

• If water can’t hit it, it won’t get clean

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7. Run hot water first

• Let your sink run hot before starting the dishwasher

• Ensures the cycle begins with hot water (better cleaning)

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Quick “don’t do this” list 🚫

• Blocking the spray arm

• Nesting bowls or spoons

• Putting wood, cast iron, or good knives inside

• Overloading “just to fit one more thing”

If you want, I can tailor this to your dishwasher style (third rack? compact? older model?) or give you a 1-minute checklist you can stick inside a cabinet.