Rules for Loading a Dishwasher

Do not overload.

The spraying water must be able to reach all surfaces so laying the dirty lasagne pan face down on top of some cereal bowls is a no-no.

While dishwashers are amazing things, they cannot work miracles.

Don't try to fit a weeks worth of dirty dishes in one load. Instead, run the dishwasher more often and save yourself the frustration of having to run half the items through a second time.

Dirtiest things go on the bottom rack.

The bottom rack is typically sprayed from both sides -- the bottom sprayer, and the top sprayer. This provides better cleaning power.

Also, since the dirty water flows down, you don't want dirty items on the top rack to unnecessarily contaminate cleaner items on the bottom rack.

Pre-rinse before loading if not starting cycle immediately.

If you are not planning to start the cleaning cycle within the next 10-15 minutes, you should pre-rinse the dishes and scrape off any caked-on junk.

A full pre-cleaning is not necessary - only a pre-rinse or quick scrub-off of the goo.

You will thank yourself when you're unloading.

Do not sort silverware into bins by type.

Most silverware is designed to be nested for easy storage in drawers. However this is not a good thing for dishwasher effectiveness.

Silverware items in the same bin should be of different types so they do not nest. A spoon with a fork with a knife, for example.

Do not place 5 spoons in the same bin together - they will not be cleaned effectively.

Use good detergent.

Spend that extra $2.50 on the "good" detergent. It's worth it.

Better detergent typically provides better cleaning power, and better rinse aids. In the end, this will save you time as you'll have to re-clean fewer things, and you'll have better looking dishes.

Amortized over many cycles and considering the value of your time, the extra cost of the good detergent is one of the best investments you can make in life.

Let the cycle finish.

If your dishwasher has a drying cycle, let it finish before opening the door.

Opening the door too early will cause a large drop in air temperature within the dishwasher, which will cause immediate condensation of the moist air. The result will be wet dishes.

It is best to let the drying cycle complete, let the dishes cool down on their own, then open the door. This will save you time in the end as you won't have to dry dishes before putting them away.

Don't put big flat things in the dishwasher.

Large flat items like cutting boards and sheet pans are not great for dishwashers. Even if placed correctly during loading, they can easily become dislodged and block appropriate water flow during the cycle or block the correct spinning of the spinning sprayers.

These items are generally easy to wash by hand and provide a more reliable dishwashing outcome for the other dishes.

Don't put sharp knives in the dishwasher.

Dishwasher cycles can be a rough experience, with dishes (especially items in the silverware bins) bouncing around and hitting other things. This is bad for knives. They can easily become dull.

Sharp knives in dishwashers are also hazardous for the unloader for obvious reasons.

Use rinse-aid.

That extra hole that you never use, and the warning light that always comes on are both there for a reason. For rinse-aid.

Rinse-aid helps your dishes dry better, become less "etched", and look nicer. It is worth the money and the effort.

Get a good dishwasher.

If you find that your dishwasher is too noisy, does not clean effectively, or generally does not make you happy, you should buy a new one.

Dishwashers are meant to make our lives easier, and the technology involved in modern dishwashers is quite amazing.

In , dishwashers that are quiet, highly effective, and good looking can be had for very reasonable prices.

Spend the money and don't look back.

If you can't follow these rules, let someone else do it.

Loading a dishwasher is both an art, and a science. It requires discipline.

If you cannot follow these simple rules of loading a dishwasher, you are encouraged to go sit on the couch and let someone else do it who can follow the rules.

Proper loading of a dishwasher brings happiness for everyone.