Tips for Optimal Dishwasher Loading

If the sprayer arms are blocked, it hampers the dishwasher's performance.

Dishwashers have become a must-have kitchen appliance for every home. But, a dishwasher purchase can be a costly investment for most homeowners. For this reason, they need to understand how best to operate their dishwashers to enhance their efficiency and save time. Improper loading can leave a homeowner with dirty dishes even after running them through a dishwasher cycle. Maintaining dishwasher best practices is the key to obtaining clean dishes after each cycle. It also helps to extend the dishwasher's lifespan.

This guide will provide tips on properly loading a dishwasher for optimal performance.

Avoid pre-rinsing dishes

Whirlpool, a popular dishwasher manufacturer, advises that cleaning may be hampered during a cycle due to pre-rinsing. Dishwater detergent interacts with the food particles for effective cleaning, and pre-rinsing makes this difficult to achieve. Avoiding pre-rinses helps homeowners save both time and energy.

Load dishwasher-friendly items

Homeowners need to know the type of dishes they can load into the dishwasher. They can check for a dishwasher-safe label on their plates and glasses to confirm that they can be loaded into the dishwasher. Loading items without this symbol can not only ruin the dishes but also cause damage to your dishwashing unit.

Learn how to organize the dishwasher

There are general guidelines that homeowners should follow to organize and load their dishwashers properly:

Homeowners should ensure the dishes' dirty surfaces face toward the dishwasher's middle. The washer jets spray upward for the rinse and wash cycles.

Dishes loaded into the dishwasher should be angled downward. Placing them at an angle helps to guarantee complete drying as well as enhance proper cleaning.

Avoid overcrowding the dishwasher. Overcrowding is one of the reasons why dishes still end up dirty even after running a load in the dishwasher. Homeowners should keep items separated for optimal cleaning cycles. Dishes should also not be placed over the tines but in between the spaces. This helps to ensure that items don't knock against each other and break.

Items such as utensils, cutlery, bowls, plates, cutting boards, and pots should go on the dishwasher's bottom rack. Homeowners should place forks and spoons with the handles facing down to avoid accidents. Keep knives away from the dishwasher because they can easily bend and get dull.

The top rack should hold all drinkware, long utensils, bowls, and plastic Tupperware that is dishwasher safe.

Keep the sprayer arms open

If the sprayer arms are blocked, it hampers the dishwasher's performance. To avoid this, homeowners need to ensure that they load their dishes properly. Keeping larger items on the side and angled down can help keep the jets open.

Load the dishwasher correctly

To optimally load a dishwasher, homeowners should always check their manual and follow instructions carefully. Considering this appliance's cost, they should also speak to a qualified dishwasher appliance technician who can help them through any issue, answer any questions about the appliance, and advise appropriately.

Freedom Appliance of Tampa Bay has 13 years experience in professional repair and installation of all laundry and kitchen appliances and dryer duct cleaning. Call 813-302-7672 today!