How to Organize Your Dishwasher for the Cleanest Dishes

The best way to organize your dishwasher for clean dishes is to leave space between items, face dishes toward the middle, keep tall items from blocking the spray arms, and put delicate items on the top rack. Turn bowls, cups, measuring cups, and other concave items upside down so water can drain, and make sure nothing blocks the soap dispenser or spray arms. 

How you load your dishwasher can make a big difference in how well it cleans. Overloading the racks, nesting dishes together, or placing a pan where it blocks the spray can leave food and residue behind. A few simple changes can help water and detergent reach more of your dishes during each cycle. 

Key takeaways 

• Don’t overload the dishwasher. Leave gaps between dishes so water can reach them. 
• Don’t block the soap dispenser. Keep large pans away from the dishwasher door so detergent can circulate. 
• Face dishes toward the middle. This helps direct the spray toward the surfaces that need cleaning. 
• Keep tall items from blocking the spray arms. Spin the spray arm by hand before starting the dishwasher to make sure it can move freely. 
• Put delicate items on the top rack. Plastic cups, glassware, and baby bottles generally belong on the second rack, following the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• Turn concave items upside down. Bowls, measuring cups, ladles, and serving spoons can collect water if they’re facing upward. 
• Keep utensils from nesting together. Separate spoons and forks so water can reach them. 
• Follow your dishwasher’s manual. Rack layouts and recommended placement vary by model, especially for plastic and baby items. 

Don’t block the detergent

Make sure to never put large pans flat against the door of the dishwasher. This can block the detergent and rinse agent from dispersing throughout the dishwasher and reaching all the dishes. Your best bet is to put plates in the area right in front of the door. Make sure they are placed between the tines, vertically towards the door instead of horizontally to it. 

Don’t overload 

If the water can’t reach the dishes, they won’t get clean. It’s important to leave gaps between your dishes, especially plates and sheet pans. Don’t nest bowls and cups, and don’t let spoons and forks stick together. 

Face the middle 

Face all of your dishes towards the middle of the rack. This will give them the full force of the spray, making them cleaner. 

Make sure your dishes aren’t too tall 

Baking sheets and pots can be tall enough to block the spray arms of your dishwasher. If they don’t spin properly, then all of your dishes won’t get clean.  

Some dishwashers have a side area meant to accommodate taller baking pans. You’ll notice a little part on the bottom of the second rack that’s raised to make room. This is where you’ll want to put tall, flat pans like pizza pans, cookie sheets, and baking pans. 

When in doubt, spin the spray arm to see if it hits anything. If it does, you may need to wash that pan by hand. 

Put your delicates on top 

Pots, pans, plates, and silverware can handle the heat and harder spray that the bottom rack provides. Things like plastic cups, glassware, and baby bottles should be put on the second rack. This gives you more room for harder-to-clean items on the bottom rack and prevents damage. 

Turn it upside down 

If an item is concave, turn it bowl-side down. This goes for ladles, serving spoons, measuring cups, and, of course, bowls. 

If you put it on its side or right-side-up, it can fill with water and not drain. Then you’ll be left with a dishwasher soup of suds and food particles you’ll need to wash away when the cycle is over. 

Handles down 

Ever unload your cutlery and find food gunk still stuck to it? The best way to ensure your cutlery gets clean is to put it in the silverware basket with the handles down, facing the bottom of the basket.  

The only exceptions to the rule are butter and steak knives. Put those with the tip down so they don’t poke your hand when you’re unloading the dishwasher. 

Where you should put everything is a dishwasher cheat sheet 

Here is a quick and easy list you can refer to when you want to know where to put a certain item in your dishwasher. Take a screenshot, print it out, or bookmark it so you can use it later. 

Remember, though, exact placement can vary by dishwasher, so the appliance manual should take precedence, especially for plastic and baby items. 

Quick rule: Put larger, heavier items on the bottom rack and smaller, lighter items on the top rack. 

What should you not put in a dishwasher? 

Here’s a list of items that generally shouldn’t go in the dishwasher, although the manufacturer’s care instructions should always take precedence: 

• Wooden cutting boards  
• Wooden utensils  
• Wooden bowls  
• Cast iron cookware  
• Carbon steel cookware  
• Copper cookware  
• Fine china  
• Antique dishes  
• Hand-painted dishes  
• Crystal glassware  
• Leaded crystal  
• Gold- or silver-trimmed dishes  
• Silver flatware, unless specifically labeled dishwasher-safe  
• Sharp kitchen knives  
• Nonstick cookware that isn’t labeled dishwasher-safe  
• Aluminum cookware that isn’t dishwasher-safe  
• Insulated travel mugs  
• Insulated water bottles  
• Vacuum-sealed containers  
• Items with glued-on decorations  
• Items with delicate decals  
• Certain plastics that aren’t labeled dishwasher-safe  
• Disposable plastic containers  
• Takeout containers  
• Containers with paper labels  
• Electronics or battery-powered items  
• Anything made with electrical components  
• Items with natural fibers, such as some brushes or sponges  
• Anything labeled “hand wash only”  

Dishwasher loading tips FAQs 

Should you rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher? 

You generally don’t need to thoroughly rinse dishes before loading them. Scrape off large pieces of food and other debris, then put the dishes in the dishwasher. Excessive rinsing can make some dishwasher sensors think the dishes are cleaner than they are. 

Why are my dishes still dirty after the dishwasher runs? 

Dirty dishes can be caused by overloading, blocked spray arms, food debris on the filter, or using the wrong cycle. Check that water can reach all of the dishes and that nothing is preventing the spray arms from rotating. Cleaning the dishwasher filter regularly can also help. 

Why do my glasses come out cloudy? 

Cloudy glasses can be caused by hard water deposits, detergent buildup, or etching from repeated dishwasher cycles. Using the right amount of detergent and a rinse aid may help reduce mineral deposits. If the glass has been permanently etched, the cloudiness won’t wash away. 

Can you put knives in the dishwasher? 

Some kitchen knives are dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is often recommended for sharp or high-quality knives. The heat, detergent, and movement inside the dishwasher can dull blades over time. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions. 

Where should large utensils go in the dishwasher? 

Large utensils such as serving spoons, spatulas, and tongs can go in the utensil basket or on the top rack, depending on your dishwasher’s design. Position them so they don’t block the spray arms or prevent other dishes from getting clean. 

How do you keep plastic containers from flipping over in the dishwasher? 

Place plastic containers upside down and, when possible, secure them between the rack tines. If lightweight containers keep flipping over, use the dishwasher’s clips if available. Putting them on the top rack can also help prevent warping from the heating element. 

Why do dishes come out of the dishwasher wet? 

Some dishes retain water because they’re positioned in a way that creates pockets where water can collect. Angle bowls, cups, and other concave items so they can drain. Using a rinse aid and choosing a heated-dry setting, if available, can also help. 

How often should you clean your dishwasher? 

Clean the dishwasher filter regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, especially if you frequently wash heavily soiled dishes. Wipe down the door seals and interior as needed, and run a dishwasher-cleaning cycle or use a dishwasher cleaner when buildup or odors develop. 

Can you put wood in the dishwasher? 

Wooden utensils, cutting boards, and other wood items generally shouldn’t go in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer specifically says they are dishwasher-safe. The heat and prolonged water exposure can cause wood to warp, crack, or split.