How to Load a Dishwasher

Scrape, but don t pre-wash Your dishes need to be dirty in order for the detergent to ciean them properly. (Enzymes in the detergent are made to cling to food particles.) Plus, pre-washing can waste up to 6,000 extra gallons of water per year. 

Hr Insert plates in the slots in the bottom rack, facing center. If they lean, lean them inward. Make sure there are spaces in between so sprayers can do their job. 

Hr Glasses, crockery, and delicate items go on the top rack—don t position them with the prongs inside the items. Instead, use the prongs to hold them in place like fences. When possible, stack bowls on an incline. 

Hr Yes, even wineglasses, all but the super-thin type, can be dishwashed. Either lower the top rack to make space for the stems or make sure they don t butt up against other dishes. Even crystal can go in, if your dishwasher features a crystal mode or a temperature setting under 149° E 

Hr Plastic items like storage bowls with lids go on top. Heating elements on the bottom might melt them. 

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