If you've ever opened your dishwasher after a cycle to find dishes that are still dirty, spotted, or have food residue clinging to them, the problem is often how you loaded it. Proper loading is both an art and a science, balancing maximum capacity with ensuring water and detergent can reach every surface. This comprehensive guide will transform your loading technique and help you get consistently clean dishes from every cycle.
Key Takeaway
The goal of proper loading is simple: ensure water from the spray arms can reach every dish surface without obstruction, and allow water to drain from all items. Following these principles will dramatically improve your cleaning results.
Understanding How Dishwashers Clean
Before diving into loading techniques, understanding how your dishwasher works helps explain why positioning matters so much. Dishwashers don't fill with water like a sink; they use rotating spray arms that shoot jets of water mixed with detergent upward and outward. The spray arms are typically located at the bottom of the dishwasher and sometimes in the middle or below the upper rack.
Water pressure is strongest toward the centre of the machine where the spray arms are located. Items need to be positioned so the soiled surfaces face toward the spray arms, usually meaning dirty sides face inward and downward. Proper spacing between items allows water to circulate freely, reach all surfaces, and drain away.
Lower Rack Loading Techniques
The lower rack receives the most powerful water spray and is designed for your dirtiest and largest items.
Plates
Position plates in the slots provided, facing the centre of the dishwasher where the spray arm is located. Most dishwashers have angled tines specifically designed to hold plates at the optimal angle. Alternate large and small plates rather than grouping by size, which helps prevent nesting and improves water circulation.
Pots and Pans
Place pots, pans, and large bowls face-down and at an angle along the sides and back of the lower rack. The soiled interior surfaces should face the spray arms. Position items so water can drain out during the cycle; a completely inverted pot can trap dirty water inside. For particularly large items, placing them at an angle helps them fit while allowing smaller items to fit alongside.
Baking Dishes and Cutting Boards
Large flat items like baking dishes and dishwasher-safe cutting boards should go along the sides or back of the lower rack. Never place them in the front, as they can block the detergent dispenser door from opening during the cycle or prevent water from reaching the upper rack.
Check the Spray Arm
After loading, spin the lower spray arm by hand. If it hits anything, reposition that item. A blocked spray arm means poor cleaning for the entire load.
Upper Rack Loading Techniques
The upper rack is designed for smaller, more delicate items and receives slightly less powerful water spray.
Glasses and Cups
Place glasses, mugs, and cups upside down and angled on the tines. The angle is crucial because it allows water to drain out rather than pooling on the base, which creates spots and can leave residue. Position glasses between the tines rather than over them when possible, as this provides more stability and better cleaning.
Wine glasses and stemware require special care. Many dishwashers have fold-down stemware holders or special sections with wider spacing. If yours doesn't, position stems between tines and ensure glasses can't touch each other, as vibration during the cycle can cause chips or breaks.
Bowls and Small Containers
Small bowls, food storage containers, and lids fit well on the upper rack. Place them at an angle facing downward and toward the centre. Plastic containers should always go on the upper rack where they're further from the heating element, reducing the risk of warping.
Adjustable Racks
Many dishwashers allow you to adjust the upper rack height. Lower the rack to accommodate taller glasses or containers; raise it to fit taller items like stock pots in the lower rack. Some models have fold-down tines or sections that can be repositioned for different load configurations.
Cutlery and Utensils
How you load cutlery depends on whether your dishwasher has a cutlery basket or a third-rack cutlery tray.
Cutlery Basket Loading
When using a basket, mix different types of cutlery throughout the compartments. If you group all spoons together or all forks together, they tend to nest and won't get clean. Alternate handles up and down to prevent nesting further. Knives should go handle-up for safety when unloading, though this can result in spots on the blade.
Don't overcrowd the basket. Cutlery that's packed too tightly won't get clean. If the basket has a cover, use it to help keep items upright and prevent them from blocking the spray arm.
Third Rack or Cutlery Tray
If your dishwasher has a third rack or cutlery tray at the top, lay items flat with handles toward you for easy unloading. This position typically provides better cleaning results than basket placement, as water can reach all surfaces more effectively. Ensure items don't overlap.
Sharp Knives
Quality kitchen knives should generally be hand washed to protect their edges. If you do use the dishwasher, place them in the basket with handles up or in the cutlery tray with blades facing away from you.
Special Items and Considerations
Heavily Soiled Items
Items with baked-on or dried food need the most water exposure. Position them in the lower rack facing the main spray arm. Consider running a heavy or intensive cycle for loads with significant soiling. For extremely stubborn residue, a brief soak before loading can help.
Large Serving Pieces
Platters, serving bowls, and large items should go in the lower rack along the sides. Ensure they don't block the spray arm or prevent water from reaching the upper rack. Sometimes it's better to hand wash one or two large items rather than compromise the cleaning of an entire load.
Mixed Loads
Most loads contain a mix of lightly and heavily soiled items. Position heavily soiled items in the lower rack and lighter items in the upper rack. The lower rack receives stronger spray action suitable for tough cleaning, while the upper rack provides sufficient cleaning for less soiled items.
Common Loading Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding: The number one mistake. Items that touch don't get clean, and blocked spray arms affect the entire load
- Nesting items: Bowls stacked inside each other or spoons grouped together won't get clean
- Blocking the detergent dispenser: Large items in front of the dispenser prevent it from opening and releasing detergent
- Placing lightweight plastics in the lower rack: They can flip over and fill with dirty water
- Dishes facing outward: The soiled surface should face the spray arms, typically meaning inward and downward
- Items touching the spray arm: Even slight contact can stop rotation entirely
Maximising Capacity Without Overcrowding
Learning your dishwasher's capacity takes practice. Here are strategies to fit more without compromising cleanliness:
Use Every Zone
Many people underutilise the edges and corners of racks. Smaller bowls and containers often fit well in corners that won't accommodate plates.
Adjust Tines and Racks
Fold down tines to create space for larger items. Adjust upper rack height based on your load. These adjustments are meant to be used regularly, not set once and forgotten.
Load Strategically
Start with the largest items first, then fill in gaps with smaller pieces. This is more efficient than randomly loading as items become available.
Know When to Split Loads
If items don't fit without touching or blocking spray arms, run two half loads rather than one overcrowded load. You'll use more water but actually get clean dishes.
Practice Makes Perfect
After running cycles, note which items came out perfectly clean and which had issues. Look for patterns in positioning that work best for your specific dishwasher model.
Loading for Specific Dishwasher Types
Drawer Dishwashers
Drawer-style dishwashers like Fisher & Paykel DishDrawers have shallower racks. Load plates and bowls at more extreme angles, and use the cutlery tray rather than trying to fit a basket. Large pots and pans may not fit and require hand washing.
Compact and Benchtop Dishwashers
Smaller dishwashers require more creative loading. These units typically hold 6-8 place settings, so prioritise essential items. Large cookware usually won't fit. Focus on everyday dishes and cutlery, hand washing larger items.
Full-Size Freestanding
Full-size dishwashers (60cm width) offer the most flexibility with typically 12-15 place settings. Use the guidelines above, taking advantage of adjustable racks and fold-down tines to accommodate varying load compositions.
Mastering dishwasher loading takes some experimentation with your specific machine. Pay attention to what works and what doesn't, adjust your technique accordingly, and you'll quickly develop an efficient loading routine that delivers sparkling clean results every time.