TIL I've been loading the dishwasher wrong for 15 years

My roommate walked in on me last night and just stared. I was putting bowls face up on the bottom rack, you know, like a normal person. She pointed out that the spray arm can't hit the inside of the bowl that way, so all the gunk just pools instead of washing off. I tested it on one greasy bowl - put it face down - and it came out spotless for the first time ever. Now I'm questioning every other basic life skill I thought I had. Has anyone else had a low-key embarrassing 'wait, what' moment like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

stellanelson24d ago

Oh goodness, I had this exact same realization about two years ago with my own dishes. I always put the silverware handle-up in the basket and never understood why the spoon bowls still had food stuck on them after a cycle. My sister finally told me to put them handle-down so the water actually hits the dirty part, and it was like a light bulb went off over my sink. Makes me wonder what else I've been doing wrong all these years.

ellis.susan24d ago

Light bulb went off over my sink" - that's the perfect way to describe it, @stellanelson! I had that same moment with my cutting boards. I used to just toss them in the top rack however they fit, but they'd always come out greasy. Turns out you're supposed to stand them on their side against the rack so water can hit both sides. I switched and now they're actually clean. Makes you wonder how many other little tricks we're all missing, doesn't it?

martinez.kim24d ago

A buddy of mine did the same thing with his forks for years before someone told him.