<p>Dishwashers are a staple appliance in most North American households. They take away the time-consuming task of hand washing your dishes and makes it more efficient. However, you’re probably familiar with the long-standing<a title=" arguments" href="http://www.today.com/popculture/how-loading-dishwasher-can-fork-your-marriage-1C8768024" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">arguments</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> around proper dishwasher loading techniques, such as whether or not you need to rinse your dishes first. The tips in this post should put an end to your arguing once and for all - at least when it comes to the dishwasher!</span><br><!--more--></p> <h2>Top Tips To Load Your Dishwasher</h2> <p><strong>To Rinse or not to Rinse</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let’s settle this debate once and for all. Modern dishwashers are powerful enough, when mixed with a good quality dishwashing detergent, to completely clean your dishes without a pre-rinse. That is, as long as you follow the rest of our tips to ensure proper loading techniques. </span></p> <p><a title="Dishwasher" href="https://www.trailappliances.com/dishwashers"><img style="float: right;" src="https://www.trailappliances.com/media/wysiwyg/blog/dirty-dishes-in-dishwasher-150x150.jpg" alt="Dishwasher" width="139" height="139"></a></p> <p><strong>Space is Your Friend</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is important that you leave enough space between eating utensils, plates, and other items in the dishwasher. Overlapping items could make it hard for the detergent to hit each area, which could result in dirt spots. Keep in mind that water jets might also shake up the items in the dishwasher, which could lead to broken or cracked dishes & glassware. It is best practice to ensure that items in your dishwasher are not touching one another.</span></p> <p><strong>Don't Stop the Spin</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are rotating arms located on the top interior of your dishwasher that help distribute detergent and water throughout the entire machine. This rotation is crucial but can easily be interrupted by misplaced items; make sure to keep an eye out for anything that might get in the way.</span></p> <p><a title="Dishwasher" href="https://www.trailappliances.com/dishwashers"><img style="float: right;" src="https://www.trailappliances.com/media/wysiwyg/blog/dishwasher-rotating-arms-150x150.jpg" alt="Dishwasher" width="150" height="150"></a></p> <p><strong>Top or Bottom?</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Be sure to place items where they belong. The top shelf is for irregularly shaped items, plastic (to protect these items from heat damage), glass and cooking utensils. The bottom shelf is for bowls, plates, pots, pans and silverware.</span></p> <p><strong>Let the Detergent In</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The detergent door needs to open at some point during operation to release the soap. Some people forget this and place items right near the door. This prevents the detergent door from opening, so be sure to keep that in mind while you’re loading pots, pans and other items that might stick out & block it.</span></p> <p><strong>Silverware Stand-Off</strong></p> <p><a title="Dishwasher" href="https://www.trailappliances.com/dishwashers"><img style="float: right;" src="https://www.trailappliances.com/media/wysiwyg/blog/cutlery-rack-150x133.jpg" alt="Dishwasher" width="150" height="133"></a></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Silverware, like your knives and spoons, will likely get clean no matter how you place them in the dishwasher as long as there is space between them. Still, there are a few things to consider. For one, when knives are faced down, this makes the unloading process safer. Spoons and forks can be faced up to avoid inadvertently pulling a knife out when you pull out another utensil. Some people do not like doing this because they don’t want the fork and spoon to be touched, so it’s really up to you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These tips should help ensure your dishes always come out of the dishwasher sparkling clean!</span></p>