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I’ve got a confession to make. For years, I thought I was the Queen of Dishwasher Loading. Every plate had its place, cups all lined up like soldiers, silverware sorted just so. Then one day, my son—of all people—pointed out that I was doing it “wrong” because the spoons were always coming out dirty. I scoffed. Then I watched a YouTube video, did some digging, and—well, turns out he wasn’t wrong.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve always felt like loading the dishwasher is one of those tasks you do on autopilot—coffee in hand, soft jazz playing in the background, just trying to make it through the evening. But here’s the thing: how you load that machine makes a world of difference. Clean dishes, less frustration, fewer reruns (pun intended). So, let’s have a little heart-to-heart about how to do it right.
Why You’ll Love This (Yes, even if you hate dishes)
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Saves time — no more rewashing that one crusty spoon
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Protects your dishes and dishwasher
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Gets every last spot of grime, even on the sneaky corners of bowls
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Prevents funky smells (you know the ones)
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Makes you feel like you’ve got your life a little more together (honestly!)
Let’s Talk Basics: This Isn’t Just About Neatness
You might think all that matters is getting everything inside and shutting the door. I used to think that too. But dishwashers are finicky little beasts. Water has to reach every surface—if it can’t get in there, it can’t clean. It’s like trying to shower with your raincoat on. Not gonna happen.
What you really need to remember is that water sprays from the arms at the bottom (and sometimes the top), so placement is key. Angle things toward the center and don’t block the spinny bits. Trust me, your dishes will thank you.
Skip the Scrubbing — Seriously
I grew up in a house where you basically washed the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. But dishwashers today? They actually work better when there’s some food residue. Enzymes in the detergent need something to cling to. Just scrape off the big bits and toss it in.
Plus, pre-rinsing wastes water—and in this house, we’re not about that life anymore.
Bowls, Plates & Cups: It’s a Dance, Not a Stack
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Plates: Face them inward toward the spray, slightly angled. Don’t crowd.
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Bowls: Tilt to one side to keep water from pooling.
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Cups & mugs: Top rack, angled. If water pools on top, try tilting them more or rearranging.
Think of it like Tetris—but the goal is cleanliness, not high scores.
Silverware Shenanigans: Mix It Up!
Spoons love to spoon. (Sorry, I had to.) But that means they don’t get clean. Alternate them—some up, some down, and mix your forks and knives too. It keeps them from nesting and getting all cozy in there.
One big safety note: keep sharp knives pointing down or hand-wash them. No one wants a surprise jab when unloading.
Pods vs. Powder: What’s the Real Deal?
I’ll be honest—I love a good dishwasher pod. Pop it in and done. But here’s the catch: pods dissolve slowly, so they’re best for long cycles. If you’re running a quick wash, you’re better off with powder or gel. It dissolves faster and still gets the job done.
Oh—and keep your detergent dry. Humidity is the enemy here.
Big Stuff on the Bottom, Fragile Stuff Up Top
The bottom rack is your heavy-duty zone: pots, pans, dinner plates. The top rack is for glasses, delicate bowls, smaller plates, and plastic containers that don’t like high heat. If you’re lucky enough to have adjustable racks, use them. Raise the top for baking sheets or drop it for tall wine glasses. It’s all about balance.
And never—never—block the detergent door or the spray arms.
Tall Items = Trouble (But Not If You’re Smart)
Those cookie sheets and cutting boards? Stick them at the far side of the bottom rack, standing up vertically. If you lay them flat, they block the spray and nothing else gets clean. You know that feeling when you unload and find half the rack still crusty? This is probably why.
If your dishwasher has fold-down tines or a third rack up top, now’s the time to use those bells and whistles.
Cleaning the Cleaner: Yes, You Have to
Every month or so, give your dishwasher some love. Pull out the filter (usually in the bottom), rinse it under hot soapy water, and clear out any gunk. Trust me, it’s grosser than you think.
You can also run a hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar on the top rack. It zaps the odors and keeps everything running smoothly. Bonus points if you follow with a sprinkle of baking soda and another quick wash.
Don’t Ignore Your Dishwasher’s “Personality”
Some dishwashers are like quirky friends. You gotta get to know them. Read the manual—seriously. Learn what those cycles actually do. Some machines have eco-modes, sanitize cycles, bottle jets… it’s like a whole world of possibilities once you understand what you’re working with.
Viral Hacks: Fun to Watch, Not Always Smart
TikTok’s full of clever ideas, but not all of them are good ones. Putting a lemon in the dishwasher? Cute, but risky—acid can damage the rubber parts over time.
One hack I do like: a small bowl of vinegar in the top rack. Helps with hard water spots and smells. But again, moderation is key. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The Bottom Line: You’re Not Lazy, You’re Just Not Informed
I say this with love—because I was in the same boat. Loading the dishwasher isn’t just about stuffing it full and pressing start. With a little intention (and a touch of strategy), you’ll save yourself time, energy, and aggravation.
You’ll also start every morning with clean, dry dishes—and isn’t that just a lovely way to begin the day?
Talk to Me!
Do you have a favorite dishwasher trick? Or maybe a pet peeve (like people who put plastic in the bottom rack—gasp)? Drop a comment or send me a note. I’m always curious how other folks make the everyday feel a little easier.
‘Til next time—happy dishwashing, friend.