How to load the dishwasher “the right way” – TikTok tips to “get clean dishes every time”

Christmas is a busy time for hosting and gathering for family dinners, but with that comes a mountain of dishes to be done. If you want to save time, TikTok home and lifestyle influencer Mallory Hudson has shared a simple method to ensure all your dishes and cutlery come out sparkling ‘every time’.

Mallory shared the hack on her page @malloryhudsonxo where she has an audience of 158,000 followers. In the video caption, she said the method will “get clean dishes every wash”.

She said, “I’m going to show you how to put in the dishwasher so our dishes actually get cleaned. Your top rack should have all the glasses, mugs, bowls and all plastic or Tupperware.”

Mallory begins by placing the glasses along the right side of the dishwasher rack and setting them upside down. She then begins lining the bowls p along the center, using the pins to hold each item.

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Her video has so far amassed nearly 7,000 “likes,” with users sharing their hacks in the comments. A user post under the handle Toronto Dahlias said: “The only right way. I even divide cutlery into individual dividers so nothing touches.”

However, other users pointed out that they believe the method wastes space. “I have to do four loads a day if I load it like this,” wrote @jjmacch89.

User @tacjwr added: “I do everything the same as you except for the silverware. I put them pointing down so the forks and knives don’t poke my hands as I unload the silverware.”

Some users also suggested that you should not put pots or pans in the dishwasher as this could damage them.

“I never wash my pots [in the dishwasher]said Holly.[I] hand wash only.”

How to load a dishwasher correctly

Experts from white goods manufacturer Whirlpool have shared a handy guide to “set a dishwasher correctly”. They pointed out that the way you configure plates, bowls and cups inside the appliance will vary depending on the model you have. However, there are some universal guidelines that should work in any dishwasher.

They recommend placing the dishes with the dirty sides facing the center of the dishwasher. This way they will be hit by the rotating spray arm. Angle the dishes downwards will ensure efficient cleaning and help with drainage.

Larger items, such as mixing bowls and pans, should be placed at the back of the bottom rack and angled towards the center of the dishwasher. Small slabs can be loaded to fill any gaps for a full load.

Be careful not to overcrowd your dishwasher as this can mean dirt and debris get trapped between the items. Place objects between the tines of the dishwasher. These are the protrusions on the upper and lower racks that hold and separate your crockery.

To properly load a dishwasher, secure the items between the tines of the rack to prevent them from knocking into each other or tipping over during the wash cycle.

The experts suggest that you don’t need to rinse items before putting them in the dishwasher, as this wastes time and energy doing a job that dishwasher rinse aid can do for you.

Be careful not to block the spray arms. Whirlpool said: “The spray arms contain the nozzles that wash and rinse your dishes, and blocking them can affect the washing performance of the laundry.”

Finally, make sure you don’t put anything in the dishwasher that should only be washed by hand. This usually includes kitchen knives, fine china, crystal or delicate glass, nonstick cookware, cast iron pans and wooden items.