Bosch Settles the Debate: Here’s the Best Way to Load Your Dishwasher

A dishwasher is a game changer. If you’ve ever lived without one, you know the pain of scraping stubborn leftovers off your plates. But loading it right can spark debates with your roommates, spouse, or family. Is there a proper method to load a dishwasher? We asked the experts at Bosch to settle the debate.

Expert Tips for Loading Your Dishwasher, According to Bosch

Step 1: Scrape Off Large Food Debris

The worst surprise? Opening your dishwasher to find food remnants still stuck to your dishes. Before loading your dishwasher, be sure to scrape off any large food scraps. It might sound obvious, but there’s a key reason behind it. As for pre-rinsing, that’s entirely up to you.

Bosch warns that a buildup of food particles in the dishwasher filter can lead to clogs, preventing proper drainage and affecting cleaning efficiency. Leftover food in your dishwasher? It defeats the purpose of cleaning. Simply use a spoon or fork to scrape off the scraps before loading. For ease of loading and unloading, place cutlery with the handles facing upward in the baskets.

Step 2: Place Dishes Face Down

To get the best wash, load cups and bowls with the open side facing down. For mugs, position them on the top rack at an angle to prevent water from pooling on the rims. Also, ensure there’s enough space between dishes to allow water jets to reach every surface. Overlapping dishes can block the water, leaving spots unwashed. Plates should face inward to align with the spray arm.

Step 3: Organize Dishes by Type

Delicate and lightly soiled dishes, like glassware and porcelain, should go in the top rack. Heavier, dirtier items belong in the bottom basket where they’ll receive a more thorough wash. As for extremely delicate items like family heirlooms, hand-washing might be your best option.

Wait to run your dishwasher until it's full, but not overloaded. A full cycle is more water-efficient than running several smaller loads. It saves water, and it saves you money too!

Dishwasher Loading Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few key things to keep in mind when loading your dishwasher, particularly what to avoid. Never load kitchen knives, nonstick or cast-iron cookware, or delicate items like porcelain, crystal, or fine china. Think of it like laundry – you wouldn’t toss a silk shirt into a heavy-duty cycle. If in doubt, check the manufacturer’s care instructions. Some materials don’t mix well with certain detergents, especially citrus-based ones.

And remember, be patient with your roommate who loads the dishwasher incorrectly. With this new knowledge, you can work together for cleaner dishes and fewer disposable plates at dinner parties!