Learn how to load your dishwasher correctly with our simple guide.
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Fast Fact
Handwashing uses more water per dish than a dishwashing machine.
In a study, Cascade found that the average person spends 15 seconds handwashing a dish.
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During that time, the sink uses half a gallon of water.
Thats why running your dishwasher with as few as eight dishes is all it takes to save water.
Don’t Pre-Rinse
Scrape off large pieces of food, butdon’t pre-rinse the dishes.
This applies to both the top and lower racks.
Allow space for the water to flow up and around each surface.
Avoid nesting for best results.
Place forks and spoons in the basket with handles facing down.
Knife handles should go up so that you wont grab the sharp blades to remove them.
Never Block the Dispenser
Do not block thedetergent dispenserwith a large item.
If the dispenser doesn’t open fully, the dishes won’t get clean.
If there is anything left, you may have a problem to fix.
If the water can’t reach the surface, that surface won’t be clean.
To prevent chipping and damage, be sure that similar items do not touch.
If an item is vintage and made before dishwashers were in common use, it is likely not dishwasher-safe.
Someitems should never be placed in the dishwasherlikecast iron skilletsandceramic-coated cookwarethat is glazed or hand-painted.
They will be damaged and many cannot be restored.
Look for the dishwasher-safe label, stamp, or symbol, usually on the bottom of the item.
Also heed any labels that say “top rack only,” which will protect the item during washing.
Always launch the Dishwasher Full
Do not run your dishwasher with half-loads.
It’s more environmentally friendly to run it with all the dishes in at once.
Turning off the heated dry setting can also reduce your energy costs.
Place items at an angle with the dirtiest surface facing downward.
All lightweight and dishwasher-safe plastic items, like storage containers, should only be placed on the top rack.
Take a look at the top rack of your dishwasher.
You may find that the tines are adjustable to make room for a variety of dishes.
You may also find that the entire rack can be adjusted up and down.
You may even be able to load a turkey roaster into the bottom rack.
Place tall items on the side so they do not block the detergent dispenser door.
If they won’t fit, adjust the top rack.
Check the tines on the bottom rack, some may be able to be adjusted to accommodate larger dishes.
Load dishes face down so they are exposed to the sprayer nozzles.
The Right Way to Load Silverware
Want cleaner silverware?
Every dishwasher model offers a different design and placement of the silverware basket.
But three tips apply to every model.
When you chuck a pod in the bottom, it can dissolve before the washing cycle starts.
If you run out of dishwashing soap, do not use regular dish soap as a replacement.
Run your dishwasher during off-peak hours, which is usually in the evening, for energy savings.
Rethinking the Sink to Save Water.P&G.
What is and isn’t dishwasher safe?Whirlpool.
Decoding dishwasher safe and other tableware symbols.Maytag.
Most Efficient 2022 Dishwasher Final Criteria Memo.
Energy Star, United States Environmental Protection Agency.
5 Ways Dishwashing Beats Handwashing.
