How to Load Utensils in a Dishwasher

Load utensils in the dishwasher carefully so they get clean.

The main benefit of a dishwasher is sparkling clean dishes that you do not wash manually. Although many kitchens come equipped with a dishwasher to ease a cook's workload, if you do not load utensils in a dishwasher properly, they may not emerge as clean as you desire. Take the time to place utensils into the dishwasher carefully to ensure they receive the most spray possible during the wash cycle.

Instructions

1. Rinse the utensils under warm water to remove any caked-on food particles.

2. Place butter knives, forks and spoons into the utensil basket with the handles facing down and the used ends of the utensils facing up. This will ensure that the dirty parts receive full water spray during the wash cycle. Separate the like utensils by mixing them up as you place them into the basket. This will prevent the spoons, knives and forks from nesting into one another (which would keep them from getting clean).

3. Insert small, sharp cutting knives into the utensil basket with the handles facing up and the blade facing down. This will keep hands safe when unloading the dishwasher after the wash cycle finishes.

4. Lay long serving utensils and long, sharp knives across the top rack of the dishwasher or onto folding racks designed to hold these utensils. Do not place long utensils into the utensil basket because their height may interfere with the rotation of the spray arm above.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult the dishwasher manual and wash sharp knives by hand if the care instructions recommend this.

• Washing sharp knives in the dishwasher may dull the blades.

References

• MyThings: Load Your Dishwasher This Way for the Best Cleaning
• Consumer Reports: Proper Loading = Cleaner Dishes
• Cookthink: How to Load a Dishwasher