How to Load & Unload the Dishwasher the Most Efficient Way

Stack Heavier Items on Bottom

I like to start bottom to top – here is my strategy on loading the bottom drawer:

1. Cooked recently? I bet there are dishes! Normally breakfast or dinner have pots and pans of some sort to clean up.
2. Per your normal routine, pick up the dishes, rinse & scrub (if necessary), and stack in the dishwasher.
3. To stack efficiently, put larger items in first. Then smaller.
4. Stack by shape, after sizing up your dishes.
5. Fill the bottom drawer first with heavy pots, pans, bog bowls, and plates.

Pro Tip: The goal is to have every item stacked so that water can touch each piece of dishware.

Stack Lighter Items on Top

To load the top drawer, read this:

1. Right after loading the bottom with heavier items, you can add lighter items to the top drawer.
2. Pick up all the cups and stack them in a row. From coffee cups to wine classes, and kid cups in between.
3. Same as the bottom drawer, stack from large to small.
4. Stack by shape for cups and cereal bowls. Include smaller items, like a spatula or tongs, on the top shelf.
5. Your top drawer should have sorted cups, smaller bowls, and smaller items.

Pro Tip: You can take a colander or strainer and put it over smaller dishes in the top drawer.

Silverware & Odd Items Last

Add odd items and your silverware last. Make sure to soak and rinse before adding to the dishwasher.

1. You can sort by category: spoon, fork, and knife.
2. Set each category of silverware in one set location.
3. Try not to mix the categories.
4. Place in a pattern that makes sense to you.
5. Smaller items, like a potato peeler, can be placed in this area as well. You can place these items at the end of the silverware row.

Pro Tip: Rinsing off all food from dishware will prevent food from cooking on it and becoming more difficult to clean off later.

By sorting your dishes in a more organized pattern, they will be clean with one wash, dry faster, be easier to put away (by category), and ultimately will save you time.

In the end, your kitchen will look as if a cleaning company has gone through it. Whatever your style, try the most efficient to load and unload your dishwasher.