TikTok's Ultimate Guide to Proper Dishwasher Loading

It all started with learning how to clean the filter, then figuring out where to place detergent pods, and even what type of detergent works best; it's no exaggeration to say TikTok has taught me everything about my dishwasher.

Maybe it's the bite-sized nature of TikTok videos, or the fact that I’d probably get laughed at if I asked my landlord for the dishwasher manual. Whatever the reason, I’ve realized that the video platform is the source of nearly all my knowledge about using, cleaning, and maintaining my appliance—and I’m not complaining about it one bit.

The most recent game-changing tip was a video on the proper way to load a dishwasher. This topic tends to spark debates—every household seems to have its own way of doing things. But this video isn't focused on preferences. Instead, it offers practical advice on loading the dishwasher in a way that ensures the best and most efficient cleaning results. And, of course, it's delivered by none other than our beloved TikTok grandma.

How to Load a Dishwasher the ‘Right’ Way

The video from @brunchwithbabs, aka "TikTok’s favorite grandma," is a collection of tips I’ve seen all over the internet and the app, neatly packaged into one helpful guide. Babs covers a lot in this video, so let’s break it down into manageable pieces.

To Rinse or Not to Rinse?

That's the question. According to Babs (and other dishwasher repair experts I follow), dishes can actually be too clean when they go into the washer. You shouldn’t rinse them before loading! Not only will it save water, but the detergent needs some residue to attach to in order to clean properly.

But that doesn’t mean you should load up your dishwasher with chunks of dried oatmeal—that will just clog the filter and lead to a stinky machine. Instead, wipe off any large food particles before loading. If your dishwasher can’t clean off stubborn food, it might be time for a repair or to start using a rinse aid.

What Not to Put in the Dishwasher

There are certain items that should never, under any circumstances, go in the dishwasher. The combination of heat and moisture can damage wood, dull knives, and degrade ceramic and nonstick coatings, among other issues. For a complete list of what to avoid, you can read here.

How to Load Your Dishwasher

Now for the tricky part: loading the dishes. Everyone—seriously, everyone—has their own opinion on the best way to arrange things. But Babs' tips focus on what will actually get your dishes the cleanest, so I'm sticking with her advice!

First, let’s talk about mugs and cups. Always place them face down (this one’s a classic) and at an angle. Facing down allows the water jets from the bottom of the machine to clean them properly. The natural angle of the rack sides also helps prevent water from pooling on the bottoms of curved mugs. There was even a viral TikTok a while back that showed just how annoying that leftover water can be when you're unloading the dishwasher.

For the best cleaning results, arrange mug handles between the prongs rather than putting them over the prongs. Placing them over can block the water jets from fully reaching inside the mug.

Now, here’s the real game-changer: if you have tall glasses or wine glasses that don’t quite fit on the top rack of your dishwasher, guess what? The top rack actually lowers. That’s right, most dishwashers have a top rack with two height settings. Let that sink in for a moment.

To lower the top shelf, simply place your hands on either side of the shelf, locate the plastic rack adjusters, press them in, and gently push the shelf down. To raise it back to the original position, just pull it up until it clicks into place. Depending on the model, you may just need to push it up or down, so always check your manual for specific instructions.

For stemmed wine glasses, Babs suggests placing them over the prongs and then positioning the stems on the plastic stabilizer if your dishwasher has one.

On either rack, bowls should be placed face down, and avoid stacking them to make sure they get cleaned properly. Place all items on the lower rack facing toward the center to get the most efficient jet stream during the pre-rinse cycle. If you’re washing pots and pans (but no cast iron or nonstick!), position them toward the front of the machine.

For utensils, always place knives pointing down for safety, and keep all other cutlery facing up to ensure they get cleaned thoroughly. Arrange spoons, forks, and knives into their respective compartments for easy unloading later on.

If your dishwasher comes with a pull-down separator for utensils, make sure to use it! It ensures that each utensil gets properly sprayed, preventing forks or spoons from getting stuck together so they can’t be fully cleaned. And if you have any utensils that are too tall for the utensil rack, just place them on the top shelf.

Final Takeaways

The biggest lesson I learned is that I’ve been overcrowding my dishwasher—and I bet you are too! Waiting until your dishwasher is “full” often leads to stacking dishes inefficiently, which means your dishwasher can’t clean them as effectively. So, try these tips and let your dishwasher do its thing because these machines can do so much more than we give them credit for. Big thanks to TikTok once again!