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How to Properly Load a Dishwasher

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How to Properly Load a Dishwasher #CascadeCleanDisclosuregraphiccompensation

When it comes to using the dishwasher I will be the first to admit that I follow the “throw it in and go” approach.  I do not spend a huge amount of time trying to strategically place items.  I honestly try to cram in as much as I possibly can while still maintaining the integrity of the dishes.  Even my 9 year-old son will accuse me of “slinging dishes”.  Yes, he has decided that he is now an expert because one of his chores is to unload the dishwasher.  That same dishwasher that mommy so lovingly jammed full of last nights supper mess.

So, how DO you properly load a dishwasher?  So many people have their opinions, but I am here to tell you that I saw it work first hand in the very labs of Cascade just a few years ago.  I was even swayed (a little) to try to take the time to load things properly now that I had all the facts before me.  The truth is, overloading the dishwasher just means more work in the long run.  It means you are going to have dirty dishes in your dishwasher that will have to be cleaned “again” one way or the other.  Ok, ok… I won’t overload… but now what?

HOW TO PROPERLY LOAD A DISHWASHER

  1. Scrape off excess food.  You can’t just leave your full piece of cake on that dish and expect the rest of your dishes to come out clean.  It’s just not going to happen.
  2. DO NOT pre-rinse.  I just heard an audible gasp from several of you folks.  Seriously, I saw this in action and it is true.  When you are using the Cascade Platinum Action Pac™ you are good to go once you have scrapped that plate off.  RESIST the urge!
  3. Place plates in the bottom rack in the direction of the prongs (prevents them from leaning on each other awkwardly).
  4. Place cups face down in the top rack between the prongs in order to prevent rattling.
  5. Plasticware goes on the top as well so that it will not melt.
  6. Pans go mess side down on the bottom rack.
  7. Leave space between silverware and make sure your spoons are not stuck together!  A safety tip is to put your cutlery blade down so that you or your kids are not cut.
  8. Use dry hands when you place the Cascade Action Pac™ in the dispenser.  Make sure not large pots or pans are blocking the opening.

I think the biggest kicker for most people is the fact that you do not have to pre-rinse.  We actually learned that your dishwasher (if new enough) determines how hard to work based upon the amount of grime on the dishes.  So, if there is still stuck on mess, your dishwasher is going to work a little harder.  You also need to make sure to use a premium dish detergent like Cascade.  It really is true that not all detergent is created equal.  We have been using Cascade for years and trust it on our dishes.

So, there you have it!  It is not rocket science, but  believe me, I really want to put as many dishes in as possible.  Resist the urge and remind yourself that you will only create more work.  What are your best tips for loading the dishwasher successfully?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. I should fly you out to my house so you can tell this directly to my husband. I’ve told him over and over again about how to load the dishwasher, but it’s like there’s a misfire in his brain or something…

  4. This is great information. I am going to have a hard time with not doing the pre-rinse.

  5. It always surprises me how many people don’t actually know how to load a dishwasher. Even worse, I am related to some of them!

  6. My mom is left-handed, so she always puts dishes in backwards (well, what is backwards to me). It took me a while to perfect how I like the dishwasher after moving into my own home.

  7. These are great tips. I will definitely be referring back to these during the holidays when we use our dishwasher!

  9. When I read step 2 I was like nooooo I have to pre-rinse! I would have serious issues resisting the urge but if Cascade works that well I might need to look into it!

  10. It’s like a huge step not to pre-rinse the dishes, that makes a lot of sense but it’s still part of the whole process that you’re so used to doing. Anyway, thanks for the tips!

  11. Instructions on things you feel like you should instinctively know make good sense to share. I didn’t know not to rinse first!

  12. My family needs to watch this! They never load the dishwasher right. And rinsing? I think I’m the only one to think of it.