The only type of pan that’s technically dishwasher-safe is stainless steel—and while this cookware can go in the dishwasher, that doesn’t mean it should. Exposure to excess humidity can cause the pan to corrode over time; you’re better off washing it by hand. Save the prime bottom-rack real estate and give your pots and pans the TLC they deserve.
If your favorite pan gets destroyed in the wash, shop some of the Test Kitchen’s favorite pans for an upgrade.
5. Location, location, location.
There is an art to organizing the dishwasher. We recommend streamlining the process by dividing the dishwasher into zones: Reserve the lower rack for larger items, such as plates and large bowls. The top rack should house small bowls, cups, mugs, and dishwasher-safe utensils, like silicone spatulas and spoons. Thin plastic items (like quart containers and takeout bowls) should live on the upper rack to prevent them from melting. Utensils go in their designated zone (either the utensil basket or a third rack, depending on your dishwasher model). Whirlpool even has a handy dishwasher-loading chart to guide you on your journey.
A few tidbits of dishwashing wisdom: The best way to load the dishwasher is from back to front, which helps fit more in. But avoid overcrowding, which prevents the water jets from reaching each and every crevice of those marinara-stained pasta bowls. Place items between, not on top of, the dishwasher’s tines; the grid is meant to keep everything in order. Don’t nest things like Russian dolls; if the water can’t reach something, it won’t be cleaned. Bosch recommends placing bowls and cups at an angle, but if you’re out of slanted rack space, make sure any vessels face downwards so they don’t harbor puddles of food particle-infused water.
6. Utensils up.
Most modern dishwashers have either a built-in rack or basket to hold your cutlery. If your machine has a retractable third rack, position each utensil on its side between the tines (except for knives, which should face blade-down). If your dishwasher has a silverware basket, position the tines of forks and the bowls of spoons upright (for maximum cleaning capacity), but keep knife blades stabbing downwards (for safety). Storing your forks and spoons handle-up will clean just that: the handle. Not exactly the desired outcome.
For the water to properly clean every surface, don’t cram too many utensils into the basket at once. Spoons have a tendency to, well, spoon, so try to keep them in different compartments.
7. Don’t block the jets.
In most modern dishwashers, the main spray arm sits at the bottom of the dishwasher, right above the heating element. The rotating spray arm shoots out a mixture of hot water and detergent—not unlike a lawn sprinkler—to wash your dishes clean. But in order for your dishes to get clean, it’s important to ensure that bulky items don’t block the jets. Large items go on the sides, and need to sit at an angle. (Like the cups, remember?)
8. A little detergent goes a long way.
You can use less than the recommended amount of detergent if your dishes aren’t too feral (our friends at Epicurious advise filling the detergent dispenser a third of the way or less). Just don’t use more than what’s recommended in your user guide: That’ll leave a filmy residue on your everyday glassware.
9. Always run it full.
Please, for the love of our planet. But you knew that one already, right? And if you don’t mind your dishes dripping dry, skip the heated dry cycle, which saves time and energy.
Following these few best practices will help you make the most of this whiz of an appliance. Now that you know how to load the dishwasher the right way, head on over to our kitchen cleaning central for all the ways to help the hub of your home sparkle.
More cooking, more cleaning.
Once you’ve cleaned up, it’s time to make a mess again. What’s for dinner? We’re thinking roast chicken.
