How to Load a Dishwasher the Right Way | Consumer Reports

How To Load A Dishwasher The Right Way | Consumer Reports 1

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Dishwashers that make our list of top picks deliver sparkling results every time — but even the very best won’t get the job done if they’re loaded improperly. Here's how to do it the right way.

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20 Comments on "How to Load a Dishwasher the Right Way | Consumer Reports"

  1. How about adding: face the dirty side down, and toward the center, (that’s where the water comes from) some in my house can’t seem to remember that!

  2. You tell her: load the damn dishes or I’m gettin a divorce.

  3. Thanks, do you know why the dish soap doesn’t get dispersed in the cycle and just piles up on the the bottom of the door?

    • Few questions first. Are you using gel, detergent, pods?

    • @jpadgr8 I’m using Cascade dishwasher detergent with a Samsung dishwasher. Sould I be using gel or pods instead?

    • It might be that the dishwasher water isn’t getting high enough or that you might be adding too much. Or it could be both. Try setting the water temperature higher if you can. For a general tip, you need about maybe halfway up the actual dip for the soap but reading the instruction/owner’s manual will give you more detail on how much to use! The manual will also tell you how hot it’s getting in each cycle if you don’t have a dedicated heat setting. For example, an eco setting may be the culprit since it’s trying to save energy. Good luck and remember to use dishwasher cleaning pods!

    • @AF98 M perfect. detergent is best and pods. Here are a few reasons why detergent stays at the bottom of you dispenser. Make sure ur detergent box is clean a dirty dispenser box cause the lid to stick closed. The lid has a gasket it will seal closed. Check if you have the proper water temperature best temp. Should be 125 degrees. You may want to purge the water first at the sink to help hot water flow. This is only optional. Clean ur dishwasher filter. A dirty filter cause low water spray. Do not over load your dishwasher it will cause the spray arm not spray directly to the soap dispenser. Check both spray arms bottom and middle for cracks or clog especially the tip of the spray arm. Clog or crack spray arms will cause in adequate water flow. Also check the middle dishwasher rack that it’s not causing the dispenser lid to open properly. Check for proper water levels. Low water levels will cause poor washing. Don’t forget to refill rinse aide that’s important. Check your expired date to your dishwasher detergent. Believe it or not expired detergent will cause poor washing. Also use a dishwasher cleaner every now and then. If you have a water softener built into your house remember to use less soap. Last but not least you may have a faulty soap dispenser box. Keep me posted. Appliance tech. 35 years of experience.

    • @Rezzy Thank you. Why pods though and not cascade gel?

  4. new2000car | July 17, 2023 at 6:49 PM |

    “avoid” prerinsing? Because modern dishwashers have a dirt sensor? Be more factual and accurate. DO NOT prerinse. People brainlessly run 10 gallons of hot water down the drain, literally doing the job of the dishwasher. Let the dishwasher do its job! Its job is to wash dirty dishes. Its job is not to wash 95% clean dishes. Also it was wasteful and wrong to prerinse dishes 50 years ago, the dishwashers back then were built to wash dishes that were only scraped off (like with a butter knife). They had food grinders (still do) that dispose of food particles.

    • 50 years ago your dishwasher washer detergent had a chemical call PHOSPHATES. It wasn’t because back then a dishwasher was built better. Phosphate is an additive cleaning agent to help remove stains, grease and spots. They also suspend food particles and kept them from sticking to the dishes during the wash cycle and softened the water allowing for the formation of soap suds. It is important to not let food dry on your dishes. Scrape or rinse your glasses and plates before placing in the dishwasher when you don’t plan on running it right away. Always clean your dishwasher filter. Tip of the day use a shorter wash cycle when pre-rinsing since you remove all food particles 😉. Food for thought a dishwasher is to sanitize your dishes 🤯

  5. William Jaskoski | July 17, 2023 at 7:00 PM |

    Pay Attention! There will be a test!

  6. Amazing. Next, I need a lecture on how to go to the bathroom.

  7. Love, love, love, grabing my clean forks and spoons by the business end with fingers instead of the handles…WTF CR?

    • 😂 I know right? Why do forks and spoons need to be loaded handles down? They made an exception for the knives, so it doesn’t make sense.

  8. Cath Hughes | July 18, 2023 at 1:14 AM |

    Your instructions act like everyone has a top and bottom sprayer instead of just a bottom sprayer.

  9. Kathleen McBride | July 18, 2023 at 1:58 AM |

    Did anyone else notice how old and nasty this dishwasher was?

  10. For tupperware, We discovered if you plan ahead, by opening the dishwasher door just after it finishes, and leave it over night, the tupperware will have a chance to dry!

  11. I was also told to load the interior of the top rack rows first because consistently load the exterior when the interior is empty will dent the handles that hold the upper rack

  12. Paul Carbaugh | July 20, 2023 at 6:40 PM |

    Back in the day load the dishwasher means get your wife drunk

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