Dishwashers save time by removing the need to hand-wash every fork, plate, or pan. While the appliance comes in various models and sizes, how you use it matters. Each user manual offers the ideal loading technique per appliance in addition to some common rules.
Dishwasher racks are designed so specific sections securely hold different kitchen items. Most have a top rack configured for cups and bowls and a bottom rack for dishes and bulky cookware. The top rack is typically the furthest from the forceful water jets and heating elements. Hence, it helps protect delicate items like stemware, drinking glasses, small bowls, cups, mugs, and plastics. Here are the rules of thumb to follow when loading your dishwasher’s top rack.
5 Items to Place in the Top Rack of a Dishwasher
1. Drinking Glasses and Mugs
When cups and mugs are placed on the bottom shelf of a dishwasher, the forceful water jets can easily dislodge them, leading to cracking. Alternatively, they might block the water jets from effectively reaching the top rack.
Coffee mugs with printed designs, patterns, and logos go on the top shelf to protect the artwork from fading. Place dishwasher-safe silicone or plastic measuring cups on the top shelf to preserve their shape and functionality from extreme heat or water pressure they might encounter on the bottom rack.
Some drinkware items have a vacuum seal or insulation between layers to keep beverages hot or cold for extended periods. Always verify that these cups and mugs are dishwasher safe before placing them in the appliance. The higher temperature and water pressure of the bottom rack can easily damage the insulation or break the vacuum seal. It’s better to put insulated cups and travel mugs on the top shelf to extend their life span and maintain their effectiveness.
Before loading insulated cups or travel mugs, remove any components that might trap moisture or bacteria, such as rubber gaskets, lids, or straws. Wash them separately.
2. Delicate Glassware
While many people choose to hand-wash glassware, many modern dishwashers are gentle enough to handle the process. Wine glasses, champagne flutes, crystal, and other delicate glassware are among the things you can safely place on the top rack of your dishwasher. This placement keeps them away from the powerful water sprayer, which can cause cracks.
Ensure that glass items aren’t touching, and don’t overcrowd. For tall glasses or those with stems, lower the shelf to make space or lay them on their side with a slight tilt for drainage. Crystal glasses should be marked dishwasher-safe. Avoid the risk of putting antique glasses in the dishwasher.
3. Long Utensils Like Spatulas, Tongs, and Serving Spoons
Many dishwashers have designated spaces on the top rack for long utensils like tongs, spatulas, serving spoons, and reusable chopsticks. The top rack keeps them safely in place. If they have plastic or silicone arms that are heat sensitive, the top rack protects them from harm. Lay the long utensils horizontally. If you’re unsure if the utensils will be appropriately secured, hand wash instead to avoid damaging them or the dishwasher.
4. Plastic Items
Always check that your plastic item is dishwasher-safe. The top rack is safest for reusable and dishwasher-safe plastics, such as water bottles, tableware, cutlery, baby bottles, plastic chopping boards, and acrylic glasses. In most dishwashers, the heating elements are at the bottom. Because plastics have a low melting point, they can soften, discolor, or warp in high-temperature dishwasher settings. The top rack is the best place for plastics.
Keep lightweight items secured between the spokes to prevent them from becoming dislodged during the cycle and blocking the water jets or sprayer arms.
5. Small Bowls and Plates
The top rack is designed for small and delicate items, so small bowls and plates are safest away from the powerful sprayer and high heat of the bottom rack. Place small bowls and plates between the tines, properly securing each one. Angle them slightly downward to allow water to flow out quickly for a thorough clean.
Tips for Loading the Top Rack Correctly
Place all the cups, mugs, and wine glasses upside down along the sides of the top rack. If your dishwasher has a fold-down shelf to hold stemware, use it to secure the stemware for extra protection during the wash cycle. Position the small bowls and plates between the tines, angling them to face down and toward the center of the dishwasher. Ensure plastic items fit securely on the top rack and are not small enough to fit through the gaps. Items that fall through the gaps can block the dishwasher arms or block the heating elements.
