How to Load a Dishwasher

We have all been there – eagerly opening the dishwasher after a cycle, only to be greeted by streaky glasses, specks of food on plates, and a disappointing realisation that you'll have to scrub some items by hand.

With this Hoover guide on how to load a dishwasher, you’ll say goodbye to the frustration of dirty dishes and hello to consistently sparkling clean dishes every time! Learn expert essential tips and best practices for arranging your dishes, utensils, and cookware to maximise your dishwasher's performance, save time, and conserve water and energy below.

How to load a dishwasher correctly

It’s essential to understand how to properly load – and not overcrowd – a dishwasher to ensure that water and detergent can reach all dishes, leading to better cleaning results.

Below are the steps to correctly loading each area of your dishwasher, including information on which dishes go where, how to position your dishes, and how to optimise space for superior cleaning:

How to load the dishwasher bottom rack

Follow the steps below for the right way to load your dishwasher’s bottom rack:

1. Larger items, such as pots and pans, should be angled facing down and towards the centre of the dishwasher to ensure they receive the most water spray.
2. Load plates and bowls in the designated slots, with the dirty side facing the centre of the dishwasher.
3. Stagger large and small plates and bowls by placing larger plates and platters towards the sides and back of the dishwasher and smaller plates and saucers toward the front. Bowls can be placed in between the plates or in a designated bowl section (if your dishwasher has one).
4. Unusually shaped items, such as cutting boards, baking sheets, or large serving utensils, can be placed on the sides of the bottom rack (around the perimeter). However, ensure large or unusually shaped items don’t block the spray arm or any other dishwasher components.

How to load the dishwasher top rack

Follow the steps below for the correct way to load your dishwasher’s top rack:

1. Glasses, mugs, and cups belong on the top rack. Position them upside down and at an angle to prevent water from pooling in them.
2. Ensure glasses and cups are secure and not touching each other to prevent any breakage during the cycle.
3. Smaller bowls and containers can be loaded on the top rack as well, facing downwards and at an angle.

How to put cutlery in dishwashers

Follow the steps on how to put cutlery in the dishwasher below for clean utensils after every cycle:

1. Utensils should be placed in the silverware basket or any other designated silverware slots or compartments.
2. Place forks and spoons in the designated slots or compartments with their handles facing down so that the water spray best cleans the dirtiest part of the utensil and what will go in your mouth.
3. It’s recommended to load sharp knives with their handles facing up to avoid injury. However, if your dishwasher has specific slots for knives, follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe loading.

Expert tips on how to stack a dishwasher

Below are some essential tips, tricks, and best practices for arranging your dishes, utensils, and cookware to maximise your dishwasher's performance. By following these expert tips, you can help ensure that your dishes come out clean and spotless every time:

• Before loading the dishwasher, check the machine’s filter and spray arms for any debris or trapped food.
• Remember to always check your dishwasher's user manual for any specific loading instructions, as different appliances may operate differently. This will help ensure you’re loading your dishwasher the way the manufacturer intended for the best cleaning!
• When putting utensils in the compartments, try to mix the different types of utensils to prevent the same ones from nesting or sticking together, as this can prevent them from getting cleaned properly.
• Do not stack items on top of each other, as this can prevent water from reaching all surfaces and leave some items dirty.
• Ensure that tall items like cutting boards or baking sheets are not blocking the spray arms, as this can prevent water from reaching other dishes in the dishwasher.
• Similarly, ensure that your dishes aren’t blocking where the soap is dispensed, such as the door or flap for soap. Sometimes, large items can prevent the compartment from fully opening, and when the soap isn’t dispensed, you’ll have to readjust and rerun the cycle.

FAQs about loading a dishwasher

Explore some frequently asked questions about how to load a dishwasher below:

Why is my dishwasher not cleaning the top shelf?

Below are some reasons your dishwasher may not be cleaning the items on the top shelf:

• The dishwasher spray arms are clogged or blocked.
• The water pressure is too low.
• The dishwasher is overloaded.
• You are using the wrong type or an insufficient amount of detergent.

To fix the issue, we recommend cleaning the spray arms, checking the water pressure, loading your dishwasher properly, using the right amount and type of detergent, and cleaning your dishwasher filter.

Can you put baking trays in the dishwasher?

Baking trays can generally be placed in the dishwasher for cleaning. However, it is important to check that your specific baking tray is dishwasher-safe, as some materials, such as non-stick or cast iron, may require special care.

Keep in mind that over time, the dishwasher may cause some wear and tear on the trays, potentially affecting their non-stick or protective coating.

How do you put wine glasses in the dishwasher?

To put wine glasses in the dishwasher correctly, carefully place the glasses upside down on the top rack of the dishwasher, making certain that there is enough clearance between the top of the glass and the dishwasher's upper spray arm. Be sure to space the glasses apart to prevent them from knocking into each other.

Get clean dishes every time

Mastering the art of stacking a dishwasher effectively not only ensures spotlessly clean dishes but also saves you time and water. By following this guide on how to load the dishwasher correctly, you can transform your dirty dishes into sparkling clean tableware, making every meal an enjoyable and hassle-free experience!

If you’re in the market for a dishwasher, we invite you to explore all the options available at Hoover, where each one promises a supreme washing experience.