Have you ever found yourself in a disagreement with a spouse, parent, or roommate over the “proper” way to load a dishwasher? The classic dilemmas arise: Should knives go blade or handle up? Can glassware be placed in both the bottom and top racks? Which soap is the best to use? If these questions sound familiar, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve consulted an expert from GE Appliances, based in Louisville, Kentucky, to shed light on how to rectify your dishwashing blunders once and for all.
**Meet The Expert:**
Justin Bovard, the Executive Director of Dishwashers at GE Appliances in Louisville, Kentucky.
**On Pre-Rinsing:**
If pre-rinsing is your idea of a Shakespearean tragedy, fear not. We have a definitive answer for you. According to Bovard, pre-rinsing dishes is unnecessary in today’s innovative dishwashers. He explains, “Today, a few minutes of rinsing dishes uses the same amount of water as the Normal Cycle in an automatic dishwasher.” Instead of wasting water, Bovard recommends simply scraping off food residue and letting the dishwasher work its magic.
**Related: Should You Point Silverware Up Or Down In The Dishwasher?**
**On Loading:**
While the basics of loading a dishwasher are straightforward – glasses on top, plates on the bottom – Bovard emphasizes a few additional considerations. Ensure that items are loaded in a way that allows the spray arm to rotate freely. Proper loading is crucial for effective cleaning, as inadequate water circulation can impede the process. Just like with laundry, the size of the load matters. Bovard offers these loading tips:
– Cups and bowls on the top rack should face downwards towards the wash arms.
– On the bottom rack, orient all dishes towards the silverware basket, with spoons and forks facing up and knives or sharp utensils pointing down.
– If your dishwasher has a third rack, utilize it for serving utensils or lids, and take advantage of cup shelves for additional storage.
**On Detergent Tabs:**
Are detergent tabs as effective as liquid detergent? In short, yes. Bovard confirms that quality detergent tabs are just as effective as liquid detergent. To determine the best option for your dishwasher, consult the user and care manuals for recommendations.
**On Dishwasher-Safe Items:**
While it’s clear that electronic kitchen gadgets should avoid the dishwasher, Bovard notes that there are other products with gray areas. He dispels the myth about knives, stating, “Many people think you shouldn’t put knives in the dishwasher, but there are actually many knives that are dishwasher-safe. GE Appliances’ dishwashers often feature a third rack ideal for stacking knives.”
**Related: 22 Things You Should Never Put In The Dishwasher**
**Bonus Tip:**
When asked to share a lesser-known tip about dish
