HOW TO LOAD A DISHWASHER THE RIGHT WAY
Whether you have two racks or three, you can fit more dishes and enhance cleaning performance by learning how to properly load a dishwasher. Get the most out of your dishwasher by learning how to position dishes for maximum cleaning coverage.
HOW TO PROPERLY LOAD A DISHWASHER STEP-BY-STEP
Though the configuration of your dishwasher may vary depending on the make and model, you can use this step-by-step guide as a general outline for loading a dishwasher properly.
STEP 1: REMOVE HARD ITEMS FROM DISHES
Before you can place your dishes in the dishwasher racks, remove hard items like bones, toothpicks or any leftover fibrous produce from your dishes as these items may clog your dishwasher filter.
STEP 2: ADD LARGE DISHES
Start by loading your dishwasher with your large dishes and cookware. Larger items should only be loaded on the bottom rack as they need additional room. Be sure to place the soiled sides of your dishes towards the center so they can be easily reached by the spray arm.
STEP 3: ADD SMALL DISHES AND CUPS
Use the upper rack to load shallow items like bowls, small plates, mugs and cups. Make sure bowls and cups are loaded facing down to prevent water from pooling inside them.
STEP 4: LOAD UTENSILS INTO THE UTENSIL BASKET
Utensils like forks, knives and spoons should be placed in the utensil basket. Load spoons and forks with their handles facing down so the utensils can get a proper clean. Sharp knives should be loaded with the blades down to protect your hands while unloading the dishwasher.
TIPS FOR LOADING THE BOTTOM RACK
Properly loading the bottom rack of your dishwasher can help ensure that your dishes are getting cleaned thoroughly during the wash cycle.
When loading dishes in the bottom rack, you should:
Place larger items in the back of the rack, near the wall of the tub.
Fill in any gaps with smaller dishes.
Use the utensil basket to space out all your utensils and other small items like reusable straws.
- Avoid putting plastic items on the bottom rack as this rack is closest to the appliance’s heating element.
TIPS FOR LOADING THE TOP RACK
Like the bottom rack, there are a few guidelines to follow when loading the top rack that can optimize each cleaning cycle.
When loading your items, make sure they stand at an angle for a thorough cleaning.
Anything plastic should be placed farthest away from the heat source.
Place your items in between the tines and at an angle for proper water drainage.
Make sure that there is enough space in between the mugs and bowls so that they don’t overlap.
Avoid blocking the spray arms.
TIPS FOR LOADING A THIRD RACK DISHWASHER
If your dishwasher has a third rack, it's a good place for large utensils and items like measuring cups. Maytag brand's 3rd Level Rack has extra loading space for mugs and bowls, and features a specialized wash zone that sprays water along the full length of the rack.
Third racks are also a great place to load taller utensils like ladles and other awkwardly-shaped items that may be harder to fit elsewhere. You can use this guide on dishwasher parts to get more familiar with all the different dishwasher parts. Find out how to wash items like plastic or stainless steel dog bowls in the dishwasher.
WHAT ITEMS SHOULD NOT GO IN THE DISHWASHER?
Some items to avoid placing in the dishwasher include, but are not limited to cutting knives, nonstick or aluminum cookware or some pots and pans, cast iron, antiques, insulated drinkware, wood, fine china with metallic trimmings or ceramics with hand painted decorations shouldn’t go in the dishwasher. Additionally, plastic that does not explicitly state that it's dishwasher safe should not go in the dishwasher either.
Also, you may want to hand wash vintage or special drinkware or wine glasses instead of putting them in the dishwasher. Depending on your water, glassware can get cloudy from mineral deposits or become permanently etched from heat and chemicals in your dishwasher. Here’s how to clean cloudy glasses if they get a milky film.
WHY SHOULD PLASTIC GO IN THE TOP RACK OF A DISHWASHER?
Water in a dishwashing cycle can reach high temperatures that may cause plastic to warp or melt. For this reason, plastic should only go on the top rack of the dishwasher, as long as it’s dishwasher safe.
SHOULD I PRE-RINSE MY DISHES BEFORE PUTTING THEM IN THE DISHWASHER?
Many dishwashers have a sensor that lets the machine know how much water to dispense and for how long to run the cycle. Learn how to reset your dishwasher if you need to. If you have this type of dishwasher, it’s not necessary for you to pre-rinse your dishes. A simple scrape of any large food particles is all you really need.
CAN I PLACE GLASSES IN THE BOTTOM RACK OF MY DISHWASHER?
Since glass can be delicate and prone to breakage, glasses should only be placed on the middle or top rack of the dishwasher, since the middle and top racks are specially designed for glasses, and they get a gentler wash than the bottom rack.
GET MORE ROOM FOR DISHES WITH A THIRD RACK IN YOUR DISHWASHER
Some dishwashers have an extra, third rack at the top ideal for small, flat items like spatulas and other large utensils. The 3rd Level Rack by Maytag brand also has room for mugs and bowls along with a specialized wash zone, bringing more loading space and cleaning power straight to the top of the dishwasher.
SHOP MAYTAG® DISHWASHERS
Maytag brand offers dishwashers that do more with select models featuring options like high-pressure spray jets, hot steam wash or the 4-blade stainless steel chopper that helps break up food residue.
