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
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.
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.
2. ADD LARGE DISHES AND COOKWARE
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 toward the center so they can be easily reached by the spray arm.
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.
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:
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 organize all your utensils and other small items, such as 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 help 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 between the tines and at an angle for proper water drainage.
Make sure that there is enough space 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.
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SHOP MAYTAG® THIRD RACK DISHWASHERS
Maytag® dishwashers with the 3rd Level Rack Wash Zone offer a specialized wash zone and wash arms, as well as more room for mugs and bowls. This distinct design brings more loading space and cleaning power straight to the top of the dishwasher.
DISHWASHER LOADING FAQS
Whether you’re unsure about dishwasher-safe items or want answers about pre-rinsing dishes before a wash cycle, use the frequently asked questions below to help you keep kitchen cleanup on track.
WHAT ITEMS ARE NOT DISHWASHER SAFE?
Some items to avoid placing in the dishwasher include, but are not limited to, certain cutting knives and chef’s 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. 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.
CAN YOU PUT PLASTIC ON THE BOTTOM RACK OF THE DISHWASHER?
Water in a dishwasher 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 YOU PRE-RINSE DISHES BEFORE LOADING?
Many dishwashers have a sensor that lets the machine know how much water to dispense and for how long to run the cycle. 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. Discover the benefits of dishwashers vs. hand washing.
HOW DO YOU LOAD GLASSES IN A 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.
HOW DO YOU LOAD BOWLS IN A DISHWASHER?
For an optimal clean, place your bowls between the rack tines. Make sure bowls are facing at a downward angle toward the center of the dishwasher.
SHOP MAYTAG® DISHWASHERS
Maytag brand offers dishwashers that help you get the job done. Browse features on select models like Dual Power Filtration that lets you skip soaking, scrubbing and pre-rinsing, Rapid Sani to add a high-heat final rinse to sanitize dishes and glassware or 3rd Level Rack Wash Zone that makes room for mugs, bowls and more.
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