How to load a dishwasher? And you thought it is an easy task dint you? Well, just like everything else, loading a dishwasher also requires a certain amount of ‘skills.’ If done carefully, it can go a long way in ensuring that your dishwasher keeps you happy for as long as possible. So, how do you do it right? Let us find out:
1. For The Plates
Your fine dinner set is your prized possession and needs to be treated likewise. So, to make sure that your dishwasher does not cause any irreparable damages, you must load it just fine. For this, please keep all of them facing downwards, inwards, and towards the centre. This is an important step as the jet stream and the rotating device eject water at high pressures from the centre, downwards, and towards the ‘outside’ from the top, outwards, and towards the upside from the bottom of the machine. Also, make sure that all the surfaces are kept separate and are easily exposed to the stream of the water jet from all the sprayers at all sides.
2. For The Glasses, Cups, And Bowls
As this group of cutlery has a concave surface within, the water spray must be able to reach the insides as well. For this, it is necessary that you ‘incline’ them in such a manner that the water spray reaches all surface and also drain likewise. The best position for this is the ‘upside down’ so that each piece of the cutlery is exposed correctly to the ‘washing action.’ Also, this is the most efficient way to place the ‘dome-shaped’ bowls and cups without too much overcrowding.
3. For The Plastics
Now, your Tupperware and Plastics also need a place within the dishwasher. Just because these are Plastics doesn’t make them any less valuable. Place them ‘exclusively on the top rack.’ This is extremely important, both for the maintenance of your machine and your Plastic-wares. The bottom rack is close to the ‘heating element’ of the machine and can cause your plastics to melt.
4. For The Pots And Pans
As for the pots and the pans, it is important that you ‘place’ them in a manner that no overcrowding occurs. This can be easily achieved by placing the ‘open-side’ facing downwards. Also, the best place for the pots and pans is the very last rack of the dishwasher. For best results when dealing with large pots and pans, you can also consider running your machine a second time.
5. The Cutlery
These might be thin and tiny, but they need the most attention. For the best cleaning solutions of the cutlery, you need to:
- Space them as much as possible.
- Be sure to place them in such a manner they are ‘handle down’ in the cutlery basket.
- Do not wash wooden utensils in the dishwasher.
- Make space in such a manner that the ‘dirty surface’ of the forks and knives faces the water jet.
- For ladles and long stirring spoons, it is best to place them on the top rack, as they can block the water jet easily.
- The spoons should lie facing downwards, just like the bowls, so that water does not collect within them.
6. The Cutting Boards
Yes, there is a place in the dishwasher for your chopping boards as well; you simply need to find them. Firstly, try fitting them onto the Plate-slots provided. If they do not fix there, then you need to place them on the ‘outside of the bottom section of your machine. However, for the safe side, simply hand wash them.
7. A Place For The Wine Glasses
Have you spotted the mesh-like structure, which is foldable on the top rack? This is where the wine glasses go. Also, this is the best place to park the delicate pieces, as they can be protected from getting scratched or broken.
A Few Pointers
Now that you know the best positions for all your cutlery pieces, it is important to follow a few essential pointers for best results:
- Make sure that the spinning arms and the rotating devices ‘move’ freely within your machine.
- Make sure to fill the soap container located on the bottom of the door with powdered detergent.
- It is recommended not to use the Pellet-size soap, as these may not dissolve completely after a single wash-cycle and clog the drains.
- For best results, fill in the soap container located on the door first. It ‘releases’ the detergent after the pre-rinse is done.
- Fill the second soap container, if any’ only if you need to run the machine the second time or if the dishes are too dirty.
- To show some love to your dishwasher, do it a favour by scrapping the stubborn pieces of food-off the dishes before you load them. These include bones, seeds, peels, stuck-up cake, various grains, and gravy. For this, you simply need to get hold of a knife or a fork and do some gentle scraping.
- Never allow the dirt to ‘harden onto the surface of your dishes; it is best to either run a ‘pre-rinse or do it yourself.
- If you are tired of ‘water’ streaks or your dishes getting dull, it is best to use a rinse agent or a pre-wash fluid.
- Remember, Vinegar is just as good as your regular commercial rinse aid.
- However, you need not use a rinse aid if your water is soft naturally.
- Keep in mind that your residual dishwasher water drains through the same route as your garbage disposal. So, be sure to run your garbage disposal before you run the machine.
- You need not use hot water if your detergent is ‘Phosphate-free.’ This is because modern detergents replace the Phosphates with enzymes and can react with the ‘dirt compounds’ on your dishes at any temperature. Thus, helping you save money and energy.
- In case you need to use hot water for your dishwasher, be sure to run the hot water on the sink for some time. This is to make sure that the water is hot enough before it runs within the machine cycle.
The Conclusion
How to load a dishwasher? Well, now you know exactly the how-to. Your dishwasher is a ‘ton-of help,’ but it needs care and love too. So, for this, be sure to follow a few simple tips to make sure your machine continues to love you for years to come. As the dishwasher is a machine at the end of the day, make sure you ‘switch’ it the right way.