Loading your dishwasher wrong? Here’s what you need to fix!
The dishwasher is probably one of your favorite kitchen helpers, but did you know that using it the right way isn’t just about tossing in dirty dishes, adding some detergent, hitting play, and moving on with your day?
Many of us might be using this amazing appliance the wrong way! From where you place your utensils to how you load the racks, these little missteps can really affect how well it cleans. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a better way to load your dishwasher, here’s the answer—there is!
While dishwashers come in all sorts of layouts, the basic rules are quite similar. So, could you be loading your dishwasher the wrong way? No wonder your dishes aren’t coming out squeaky clean! Let’s dive in and explore how to sidestep these common mistakes together!
1. Pre-rinsing your dishes
Many people think that pre-rinsing their dishes before a cycle will help them protect their appliances, but let’s consider this for a second. Modern gadgets, particularly those with certified efficiency, are designed to handle greasy and dirty dishes like pros.
Depending on your handwashing style, you could actually be consuming more water than your appliance. It might sound hard to believe, but avoiding pre-rinsing the dishes and allowing your gadget to do its job can save you up to 100 gallons of water a week.
However, it’s still important to get rid of large food scraps from your dishes. The food bits that stick to your plates and bowls can clog your dishwasher, preventing water from draining and causing a mess.
Simply scrape the leftovers into the trash with a knife, spatula, or fork. It only takes a couple of minutes and will keep your machine in top-notch condition. There are many other ways you could be loading your dishwasher wrong, so keep reading to find out if you make any of these mistakes!
2. Overcrowding your machine
When loading your dishwasher, it’s important to avoid cramming too many plates, bowls, and glasses inside. We know how tempting it is to get rid of all those dirty dishes in one go, but doing so might not save you as much water, time, or money as you think! In fact, it can lead to some unexpected results.
If you stuff your machine beyond its limits, the spray arms—which are in charge of distributing soap and water—might not be able to reach every nook and cranny of your dishware. This means you could end up with some dishes that are still dirty after the cycle.
Not to mention, you may notice scratches and chips because your items might bump into each other during the wash. So, take a moment to load your dishwasher wisely for the best results!
Instead of loading your dishwasher wrong, it’s best to leave some room between items so water and soap can reach every spot. This way, you protect your dishware and machine and save water at the same time!
3. Putting plastic on the bottom rack
While plastic items are safe in the dishwasher, you should avoid loading them on the bottom rack, because it could turn into a potential kitchen disaster. Since the heating elements of your machine can get very hot, they may damage your plastic containers by warping or destroying them, which could also create a significant mess in your appliance.
So, are you loading your dishwasher wrong? I used to think that putting my plastic container on the bottom rack saved me space, but I stopped it once I took the container out and it melted. To avoid a potential mess, place your plastic items on the top rack of your machine, where they’re further from hot water and the elements.
This rule applies to all types of plastic items, including reusable water bottles, Tupperware, and measuring cups. It will save you time and money because you can use your items for a longer period!
4. Putting dishes wherever
Another sign you’re loading your dishwasher wrong is when you simply place your dishes wherever you find space, instead of following a proper layout. Your machine is designed to do a fantastic job when your dishware is loaded properly. The top rack is perfect for plastic items or smaller objects, like mugs, glasses, saucers, ramekins, bowls, and cups.
Since the bottom rack is closer to the heat and oftentimes roomier as well, it’s a great place for plates and heavier cookware, like baking trays, pans, and pots. Another tip to keep in mind when using your appliance is putting taller things, such as baking sheets, along the sides so the detergent can easily reach all your dishes.
When it comes to cleaning your utensils, don’t forget to give them a little love in their special basket! Always place knives with the blades facing down—this keeps everyone safe and protects your other utensils. For forks and spoons, try to load them heads up so they can get a good wash. And even though the basket might look spacious, it’s best to avoid overcrowding it—soap and water love a little room to flow and reach every nook and cranny!
5. Loading dishes that aren’t dishwasher-safe
Even though your dishwasher does a marvelous job at making your kitchen items sparkle, there are a few things you should handwash. Some items can be ruined by the high heat and powerful jets inside the machine.
For example, crystals can crack, chip, or shatter due to the force of the water and intense heat. Wooden bowls and cutting boards can warp and lose their finish. And cast iron cookware? It’s best to handwash that too, to avoid rust and protect its seasoning.
Another thing you should never put in your dishwasher is insulated mugs. Since they have a tiny gap between their inner and outer wall to keep your drinks cold or hot, water can easily seep into this space during a cycle, so your beloved mug is more likely to lose its properties.
To make sure you don’t damage your dishes or machine, check for “dishwasher-safe” on the bottom of your items. If you can’t find anything, you’d better handwash them.
6. Using the wrong detergent
Not all dishwasher detergents are created equal! If you want your dishes to shine and your dishwasher to run like a dream, it’s worth taking the time to choose the right detergent. I learned this the hard way after a few cycles—using the wrong detergent can leave unwanted residue on your dishes, leave your glasses looking dull and streaky, and might even harm your machine in the long run.
Regular dish soap isn’t a good choice either! It can create too many suds, which might lead to messy overflow and leaks. Finding the perfect balance is key because skimping on detergent can mean your dishes don’t get properly cleaned.
The best tip is to pick a detergent that works well with your machine and stick to the recommended amount. If your water is on the hard side, a rinse aid can help keep mineral buildup at bay. Trust me, just switching detergents can make a world of difference in how clean and sparkling your dishes look!
If you’re looking for a great dishwasher detergent, I recommend you check out this one. It does a wonderful job, and your dishes will be clean and sparkly! So, what are your thoughts on these mistakes? Are you loading your dishwasher wrong? Let me know in the comments below!
There are many other useful posts on The Home Team, so check out this one too: Transform Your Apartment: 5 Genius Tips to Upgrade Any Space on Any Budget
