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📍 Introduction

Like playing a game of Tetris, loading a dishwasher is a puzzle. Once you master this skill, you will significantly reduce time spent rejiggering, & improve the odds that dishes come out sparkly & clean. No water spots, residue, or broken items for you!

✔ Instructions: 

* Scrape food off dishes & lightly rinse.

* Load sturdiest items (e.g., plates, non-stick pots) in the bottom rack

* Load plates with soiled side facing inward & down

* Place glasses, mugs, utensils, & dishwasher-safe plastics in the top rack using tines to evenly space & securely hold.  

* Load cutlery into rack or basket.

* Place XL items (e.g., cutting boards) upright along edges, so they don’t block inner dishes from getting hosed down.

* Add detergent. Run. 

📝 Notes, Tips, Tricks: 

Loading:

* For cutlery, the best order is... disorder. (A metaphor for life? 🧐) When spoons "spoon," they block one another from water & detergent.

* Make sure sharp knives are pointing down. 🙅‍♀️🔪 → 🤚

* Load bowls at an angle to save space. 

* Do not put these items in the dishwasher: wood, nonstick pots/pans, cast iron, insulated mugs/bottles, high-quality knives. 

* Chef's knives must avoid the dishwasher — heat, detergent, & knocking other items will dull the edge. This makes them unsafe to chop with since they may slip. 

* Nonstick is not dishwasher safe because the heat & detergent degrade the nonstick coating. This shortens pan life & also leads to flakes you might accidentally ingest.

* The less frequently you run the dishwasher, the more critical the rinse. Food-laden plates can mold if left to sit inside a dark, damp dishwasher.  

* The bottom rack is hotter than the top. Keep delicate items & plastic on top to avoid damage. 

* Some dishwashers have safety racks. These help keep wine glasses secured in place so they don't bang other items & crack. 

Running:

* Light/Eco Mode saves energy & time. Regular Mode is typically wasteful & unnecessary. 

* Only use dishwasher detergent—soap will overflow with suds. Too much detergent leaves a film. 

* Rinse aid helps remove spots. It goes in a dedicated dispenser compartment or in a rinse-aid basket in the upper rack. 

* To save on electricity, run the dishwasher at night, or use a cold cycle with an enzyme detergent (which doesn’t require heat) 

* Many swear by the “wash at night, unload in the morning” routine. It ensures your dishwasher is ready for new additions during the day. 

* Overcrowded dishwashers won’t clean as thoroughly since food & water can get trapped between items.

* Garbage disposals & dishwashers typically share plumbing. Make sure your drain is clear before hitting the “Start” button.

Care:

* Smell your dishwasher every so often to make sure it doesn’t need cleaning. When it does, check the seals & the gunk trap.  

* Be sure not to use too much detergent; it can clog the filter. 

🎓 Further Studies: 

* 🎬  4K Inside a Dishwasher with a GoPro Hero 7

* What Is Rinse Aid & Should You Be Using It?

* 7 Tricks to Clean Nonstick Pans (Without Ruining Them)

* How to Clean a Dishwasher in 5 Easy Steps

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