Loading the Dishwasher

A properly loaded dishwasher will result in a better clean. Load the dishwasher with plates, bowls, pots and pans on the bottom, facing the center and angled down. Load glasses and dishwasher-safe plastic on the top.

How should dishes be prepared for the dishwasher?

For dishwashers made in the past 10 years, simply scrape off food. You do not need to rinse. This wastes water. Many dishwashers have a "quick rinse" setting that will take the place of rinsing in the sink (and, again, save water.)

How should the dishwasher be loaded?

• Don’t overload the dishwasher. Make sure the dirty part of every dish, bowl, plate and glass has a clear path to the sprayer arm.
• It’s safer to put knives and forks head down in the utensil basket or bin.
• Speaking of utensils, don’t "nest." Meaning, don’t put spoons with spoons and forks with forks. Mix them up so they get cleaner.
• Load dishes along the back and sides so that they face the middle of the dishwasher.
• Glassware, coffee mugs and plastic ware should go on the top rack. There is higher water pressure on the bottom which could break some glasses, and the water on the bottom is higher temperatures, which could melt the plastic.
• Always load glasses and mugs upside down, between the tines instead of over them. Carefully place glassware to prevent breaking/chipping. Make sure they can’t rattle against each other when the dishes and glasses are sprayed with the water or when you slide the rack in or out.
• After loading or unloading the dishwasher, close the door, so others don't trip on it.

How should the dishwasher be emptied?

Empty the bottom rack first so that any water that pools in the glass and cups bottoms doesn’t spill onto the dry dishes.

What should NOT go in the dishwasher?

Anything fragile that can be damaged by the force of water spray and heat inside the dishwasher; cast iron; crystal; decorated glassware; plastics; wooden spoons; silver. If you're not sure, check our list of what to wash by hand.

What else can be cleaned in the dishwasher other than silverware, dishes and cookware?

Always check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions first. But here are some other household items you may not realize can be washed in the dishwasher:

• Pet Bowls
• Plastic Toys
• Vases
• Baseball Caps
• Fridge Drawers
• Silicone Baking Mats
• Lunch Boxes
• Brushes and Combs
• Rubber Shoes
• Small Wastebaskets

When should the dishwasher be run?

Once you have eight dishes, it is more water and energy efficient to just run the dishwasher than to wash dishes by hand. Many families run the dishwasher every evening. At a minimum, you should run the dishwasher every couple of days so that food does not sit for a long time on dishes.

Updated: August 11, 2026