How to properly load a dishwasher: 'HOW TO Friday'

The dishwasher is becoming more and more multifunctional, where once there was simply a 'start' button, you can now choose from a multitude of different programmes, and different set ups within the dishwasher. A good example of this is the Bosch Logixx dishwasher – Bosch are known for producing some of the best dishwashers on the market and this machine is most definitely a testament to that, with a total of 9 programmes and settings, 12 foldable racks, a height adjustable upper basket and a third drawer especially for cutlery… although this dishwasher did excite me greatly (yes, it excited me and I’m not ashamed of it!) when I first came across it, there is no point in have all these fantastic options at your disposal if you are not loading the dishwasher correctly. So here is my step by step guide on how to properly load a dishwasher.

Pre-rinse any heavily soiled pots and pans, otherwise the dishwasher will have to work extra hard to remove the dirt, therefore using more energy. It is not necessary to pre rinse everything, as the dishwasher will do this for you, and rinsing by hand will use more water

Place larger items such as full sized plates, chopping boards and pans in the bottom basket – this should be a pretty obvious one, as the dishwasher has been cleverly designed with more height in the bottom basket than the top.

Put smaller items and delicates in the top basket – such as small bowls, cups, delicate glassware and dishwasher suitable plastics. The bottom rack is the hottest part of the dishwasher, so placing Tupperware here could warp or melt it.

Make sure plates are properly separated when they are stacked – If they are touching the water will not be able to penetrate properly hence the dishes will not come out as clean as they should.


Stack items on their side or inverted side down – otherwise the dish will fill with water and again won’t be cleaned properly

Mix up the cutlery in the cutlery basket – if just spoons are placed within a segment of the basket the cutlery will not separate, and not be washed properly.

Don’t half load dishwasher, unless your appliance has a specific half load programme, otherwise you will be wasting water and energy

What not to put in the dishwasher:

Wooden spoons and cutlery with a wooden handle – extended exposure to damp will warp the wood, and for cutlery with wooden or plastic handles, the heat could loosen the glue holding them on

Best cutlery & crockery – The dishwasher could dull and fade the patterns on your 'save for best' crockery

Cast iron pots and pans – extended water exposure could rust them

Non stick pots and pans – the special coating used to make them 'non-stick' could be damaged in the dishwasher