The Secret Life of Your Dishwasher

How to load, run, and make the most out of your kitchen appliance.

Dishwasher Loading Tricks

Glasses should go on the top rack between the tines, not over them, so they don’t rattle or come out with tine marks.

Plates get cleanest when they face the center rather than all in one direction.

Bowls go on the top rack. Those in the rear should face for-ward; those in front should face the back, so water can get in.

Butter knives are safest (for loader and emptier) blade-side down.

Spoons and forks should be varied (some placed business-end up, some down) to keep them from nesting.

Cookie sheets and platters go along the outer edges of the bottom rack, so they don’t block water and detergent from other pieces.

Long-handled utensils that are too tall for the silverware basket can lay horizontally across the top rack. Put serving spoons facedown so they don’t collect water.

Casseroles, serving bowls, and large pots should be placed on the bottom rack at a slight angle, rather than upside down, so they don’t block the flow of water.

Plastic containers and sippy cups belong on the top rack. Plastics marked “7” or “PC,” like some flimsy takeout containers, can’t be used for food after going through a dishwasher. They contain the chemical BPA, which may leach out when heated.