How to load a dishwasher: Seven things you should only put in the top rack of the dishwasher

The dishwasher makes life easier by cleaning most of the things we use in the kitchen, plus some items from other rooms as well.

But it’s not as simple as tossing them inside the machine and hoping for the best, the way you load the dishwasher matters.

That’s because the bottom rack of the dishwasher encounters higher heat and more aggressive water sprays to help clean dirtier and larger items.

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The hotter temperatures and stronger washing action mean certain items can get damaged if put in the bottom rack for cleaning making the top rack safer.

Here are six things you should only put in the top rack of the dishwasher:

Plastics

Whether it’s plastic containers, baby bottles, plates, bowls or cups, these pieces should only be washed in the top rack, but that’s only if the product says it is dishwasher safe in the first place. 

This will prevent the high heat in the bottom rack from warping the plasticware.

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Long utensils

Using the dishwasher for those long tongs and spatulas can sometimes be a godsend given the bits of food that can get stuck on them. These have to be washed in the top rack because if placed in the cutlery basket their height can stop the spray arm from moving.

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Glasses and mugs

There are a few reasons drinkware can’t go in the bottom rack. Firstly, the aggressiveness of the spray arms means these shorter items can be moved from the tines you placed them on.

Secondly, the delicate nature of glass and ceramic means they could get damaged by the strong hot washing in the bottom rack.

And finally, if there are prints and designs on the glasses and mugs they are more easily removed from the aggressive washing and high temps in the bottom rack. Though if you’re concerned about designs washing off in the dishwasher it’s best to handwash them anyway.

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Delicate items

Whether it’s wine glasses, a glass dish, or a small vase, the top rack is always better than the bottom to prevent damage.

But if you’re ever concerned about the possibility of items being damaged in the dishwasher, avoid both racks and handwash instead.

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Small bowls and plates

The top rack is set up to hold these items making it the sturdiest place for them as they could get dislodged by the strong water sprays in the bottom of the appliance.

Silicone bakeware

This kind of baking accessory has been a game changer, especially for popping muffins out of their holes easily. But if you want to put them in the dishwasher the top rack is best to stop them warping and degrading from high heat in the bottom rack. They also fit best here due to their floppy nature.

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Plastic toys

Yep, there are some toys that can go in the dishwasher such as bath toys and Lego, which makes cleaning individual blocks so much easier. Not only are these best cleaned in the top rack to keep them in top condition, they should also be popped into a mesh laundry bag before being put in the dishwasher to stop them going everywhere during the cycle.

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