How to properly load a dishwasher with three racks

Today’s dishwashers offer more loading flexibility than ever with adjustable racks that move up and down to accommodate tall or odd-sized items and third racks to hold more dishes. KitchenAid offers Third Level Utensil Rack dishwashers designed to hold large, flat items like spatulas and serving utensils to free up space in the lower racks. The KitchenAid® FreeFlex™ Third Rack Dishwasher is the largest third rack dishwasher available2 and provides great, versatile loading options. In addition to prep bowls and coffee mugs, this is the only dishwasher that can hold glasses up to 6" tall.

GUIDE TO PROPERLY LOAD A DISHWASHER FOR BEST RESULTS

Do you want your dishes to be as clean as possible and shine after each wash? To achieve this level of cleaning for your dishes, cutlery, glasses and other items, you’ll need to master the proper placement for each item in your dishwasher. It’s all about adopting the best loading technique.

This guide will introduce you to some proven tips to effectively load a two-rack or three-rack dishwasher. Use these tips to ensure your dishes and cookware are ready to use for your next meal.

Person picking up dirty bowl to load into dishwasher

DISHWASHER LOADING TIPS

The first step to learning how to properly load your dishwasher is to review these tips and start using them right away.

Remove all hard items, such as food, toothpicks and bones from your dishes and bowls.
Always load from back to front on the upper and lower racks. But you want to unload from bottom to top, as this will ensure that water pooled on the upper rack doesn’t drip on lower rack items.
Peel off labels from jars or containers

Position items facing the dishwasher’s centre, angling them toward the spray jets. Angling helps them get more clean and ensures effective draining and drying.

If you find that dishes aren’t drying in the dishwasher, it could be due to the poor configuration of your items.

IS THERE A RIGHT METHOD TO LOAD A DISHWASHER?

For the best results, load smaller items like stemware and small plates in your dishwasher’s top rack. You want to load larger items like dinner plates and cookware in the bottom rack. The spray arms can more easily reach food residue and clean items that are facing downward near the centre of your racks.

EXPLORE IDEAL DISHWASHER LOADS

Whether your dishwasher has two or three racks will determine the best loading method.

KitchenAid^® Dishwashers with a Third Rack free up valuable rack space courtesy of a convenient additional rack designed to fit items like measuring cups, spatulas and silverware.

Illustration of a properly loaded dishwasher

_{1. For more information on loading the KitchenAid^® FreeFlex^™ Third Rack Dishwasher, see your Use and Care Guide.}

TIPS FOR LOADING A DISHWASHER

The first step to loading a dishwasher is to scrape off excess food and waste from each dish, bowl or piece of cutlery. Next, remove labels where necessary such as containers and jars. You then want to load items top to bottom, angled downward and toward the centre of the rack to give the spray jets a better chance of reaching the surface of your items.

Person placing a glass cup into a dishwasher

1. LOAD THE UPPER RACK FIRST

Load items like mugs, small plates, plasticware or stemware in the upper rack, securing them in the appliance’s tines as needed. Make sure to angle items downward to avoid overlapping and so nothing falls through the openings.

WHAT ITEMS BELONG ON THE TOP RACK?

Mugs, stemware, cups and drinking glasses belong on the top rack. Place them face down along the sides. Secure these items between the tines—not on top of them. Certain dishwashers are conveniently equipped with stemware holders to help protect more delicate items like champagne flutes and wine glasses. KitchenAid brand offers dishwashers with two, four and six stemware holders to help prevent your fancier glasses from breaking.
Position ladles, large utensils and spatulas flat on the top rack. Never place these items in the cutlery holder, as they may block a lower-level spray arm. You can also load smaller utensils on the top rack. You must ensure they’re placed in a way that they won’t fall through the spaces in the rack.
Plastic containers can be loaded on the top rack, away from the heating element, so they don't melt or warp. Only wash plastic items that are clearly labelled as “dishwasher safe.”
To properly load small plates and bowls, place them between the tines and angled downward toward the centre of the dishwasher. Careful not to “nest” or overlap bowls as this may block them from the spray arms.

Person placing a white dish into a dishwasher

2. LOAD THE LOWER RACK

The bottom rack should be used for larger items, such as dinner plates, bowls and cookware (if it’s dishwasher-safe). You need to alternate large and small items to allow the spray arms to reach the surface. When loading large items like pans, do so in a way that won’t impede the spray arm. If items are too large, you may have to lay them on their sides or place them around the perimeter of the dishwasher.

WHAT ITEMS BELONG ON THE BOTTOM RACK?

The bottom rack of a dishwasher should be reserved for larger items like plates, dishwasher-safe casserole dishes, stainless steel cookware and large bowls.
Plates need to be placed between the tines with room between them. If possible, alternate small and large plates to allow for greater exposure to the surface area. The plate’s surfaces must be angled toward the jets, located at the bottom of the dishwasher.
Place bowls, pans and casserole dishes on their sides. This is even more important for older models with only a spray arm in the bottom of the tub that may get blocked by a dish placed face-down.
Load pots and pans with their handles pointed away from the spray arms to not impede the cleaning action.
Platters and dishwasher-safe cutting boards must be loaded along the lower rack’s perimeter. Don’t block the spray arms and avoid placing them in the front of the rack, as this may stop the detergent from dispersing as needed.

Clean plates and silverware in a dishwasher after a cycle

3. LOAD THE UTENSIL HOLDER

Cutlery should be loaded in the utensil holder with handles down except for knives. If your utensil holder isn’t equipped with covers, alternate the handle placement of forks and spoons to avoid overlapping, which will prevent the water and detergent from reaching all surfaces. Load the knives and skewers with blades down to help avoid your fingers getting cut during unloading.

LOADING A DISHWASHER WITH A THIRD RACK

Depending on the configuration of your third rack, place items face down, leaving enough room between dishes or utensils for water and detergent to reach each item.

KitchenAid brand offers Third Level Utensil Rack Dishwashers. This feature can hold large, flat items like spatulas and serving utensils, freeing up space in the lower racks. If you’re looking for versatile loading options2, then consider The KitchenAid^® FreeFlex^™ Third Rack Dishwasher, the largest third rack dishwasher on the market.

A deep, angled design fits mugs, bowls and 6" glasses. Items on the Third-Level Rack are cleaned by rotating jets while a drying bar wicks away moisture.

Watch this video to get a closer look at the KitchenAid^® FreeFlex™ Dishwasher, and witness its amazing loading possibilities.

_{2. Among leading brands based on usable volume.}

3 COMMON MISTAKES WHEN LOADING A DISHWASHER

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when loading a dishwasher.

1. PRE-RINSING DISHES

Many people still get carried away with pre-rinsing, which is unnecessary. If your dishwasher is less than 10 years old, there’s no point in rinsing your dishes before loading them into your dishwasher. Not only is pre-rinsing a waste of time and water, it can impede the cleaning process.

Most modern dishwashers are equipped with built-in sensors designed to measure the soil level of a load. If your dishes are free of soil, the dishwasher may shorten the cycle, resulting in less than sparkling dishes.

2. Overloading Your Dishwasher

Overloading your dishwasher may not be as environmentally friendly as you think. Dishes need some space to allow water to reach them and get the thorough cleaning they need. It’s recommended to avoid stacking and nesting dishes to ensure they don’t require a second cleaning and to not overflow the dishwasher.

One option for large households that frequently cook or entertain and consistently run large loads is the KitchenAid^® FreeFlex^™ Third Rack Dishwasher, This model is designed to handle large loads.

3. WASHING NON-DISHWASHER SAFE ITEMS IN A DISHWASHER

Confirm an item is dishwasher-safe before you load it into your dishwasher.

Here are a few items that must be hand-washed:

Wooden cutting boards, utensils and bowls: They’re porous and could warp during a cycle.
Silver or enamel: Detergent and heat can harm these finishes.
Fine china: Certain models have cycles specifically engineered for fine china, but remember that these items can easily chip or break.
Cast iron and non-stick pans: Detergent and hot water can damage these coatings beyond repair.

IS THERE A WRONG WAY TO UNLOAD A DISHWASHER?

Technically, there is no wrong way to unload a dishwasher, but there are efficient ways to do it.

Start by unloading the bottom rack so that the water pooled on top rack items doesn’t drip onto them. Also, unloading heavier items first and sorting dishes and utensils as you unload is a great way to stay organized.

Dishwasher Unloading Tip:

Many dishwashers have a clean indicator light that lights up to notify you that the cycle is complete. The light will often remain on until the dishwasher is opened, so you don’t have to wonder whether the load is clean or dirty.

EXPLORE DISHWASHERS FROM KITCHENAID

KitchenAid^® Dishwashers are thoughtfully designed with intuitive features that simplify loading after a day of making. Select features like the FreeFlex^™ Third Rack provide the adjustable space needed, freeing you up to focus on what you create rather than what needs to be cleaned. With dishwashers that come in black stainless steel, stainless steel, panel-ready and more, you get to choose from a variety of styles to find the ideal fit for your kitchen.