Just Good To Know Dishwasher Duty

My husband and I have always had the agreement whoever cooks doesn’t clean up. That means 99.9 percent of the time he loads the dishwasher. He is an expert at it!   I thought I’d share some tips with you today.

 First tip-Turn your kitchen tap on until the water runs hot before starting the dishwasher. With heated pipes the dishwasher is ready to go!

 Pre-rinse dishes only if they're going to sit in the machine all day. But, if you're running a cycle right away, just scrape off the food and load into the dishwasher.

Secure all plastics. If you don't, blasts of water may cause these pieces to flip over, fall onto the heating element and melt. You may want to just hand wash them. Never stack items. The water spray won't be able to reach the dishes that are on top.

Let’s Load!

Bottom Rack

 Load plates and bowls so that the dirty sides face the water spray. Pots, pans and casseroles should angle down for the best cleaning results.  * Watch out for utensils with long, thin handles. They might slip through the rack and prevent the spray arm from spinning freely.

Tuck flat pans and platters along the sides and back of the rack. Never place them in front, by the door -- they'll keep the detergent from reaching the dishes.  

  * Make sure the forks and spoons don't nest together. Place some handles up and others down so that all surfaces get washed.Always separate your stainless steel and silver (or silver-plated) flatware. If the two types touch in the wash, a reaction may occur and the silver could pit.

Top Rack

  Place glasses and mugs between the tines( not on top of the tines.) The tip of the prong can leave a water spot.

  Angle cups as much as the rack design will allow keeping water from pooling on the base of the upside-down cups.

Arrange wineglasses carefully. To help prevent breakage, don't let them bump against one another or the top of the dishwasher. I usually hand wash these.* crystal stemware does not belong in the dishwasher

*Katie’s Tid Bit: For extra side space, move your flatware basket to the center if possible. Unload the bottom rack first to avoid the drip-down from the top rack
**an extra note  left in a comment  from  Debby, use dishwasher soap only, giggle