Top rack
- Cups, mugs, small bowls, dishwasher-safe plastics, silicone, and lightweight items.
- Angle bowls downward so water drains instead of pooling.
Kitchen
Dishwasher Cheat Sheet
What goes in, what stays out, how to load it, and which cycle to use so dishes come out clean without warped plastic or cloudy glass.
Scrape, do not prewash
Face dirty sides inward
Rinse aid helps drying
Keep sprayers clear
Check first
What Can and Cannot Go In
| Item | Dishwasher? | Why | Better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic plates and bowls | Usually yes | Most glazed everyday dishes handle heat and detergent. | Keep hand-painted, antique, or metallic-trim dishes out. |
| Glassware | Usually yes | Heat and detergent are fine for most glass, but hard water can spot. | Use rinse aid; hand wash crystal. |
| Plastic containers | Only if labeled | Heat can warp plastic or loosen lids. | Top rack only; skip heated dry if possible. |
| Wood boards and spoons | No | Water and heat split wood and weaken glue. | Hand wash, dry upright, oil occasionally. |
| Cast iron and carbon steel | No | Detergent strips seasoning and water causes rust. | Hand wash, dry fully, oil lightly. |
| Sharp knives | Prefer no | Edges dull, handles loosen, and unloading is risky. | Hand wash blade away from you; dry immediately. |
| Insulated mugs | No unless labeled | Heat and pressure can ruin the vacuum seal. | Hand wash cap and body. |
Layout
Load So Water Can Reach Everything
Bottom rack
- Plates, large bowls, sturdy pans, baking dishes, and heavily soiled items.
- Face dirty surfaces inward toward the spray arm.
Utensils
- Mix spoons, forks, and knives so they do not nest together.
- Put sharp knives point-down or hand wash them.
Supplies
Detergent Types and Rinse Aid
Pods
Easy dose for normal full loads. Keep dry before use and place in the dispenser, not loose in the tub.
Powder
Flexible dose and often cheaper. Works well if kept dry and measured for load size.
Gel
Convenient, but can be weaker on baked-on starch and tea or coffee stains.
Rinse aid
Not extra soap. It helps water sheet off dishes so glass spots less and plastic dries better.
Settings
Cycle Meanings
| Cycle | Use for | Avoid for | Typical heat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auto or sensor | Mixed everyday loads | Very delicate items | 45-65 °C |
| Normal | Daily plates, cups, and utensils | Burned-on pans | 50-60 °C |
| Heavy or pots | Greasy pans and baked-on food | Plastic, thin glass, fragile items | 60-70 °C |
| Quick | Lightly dirty dishes needed soon | Dried-on food, full loads | 45-55 °C |
| Eco | Normal soil when time does not matter | Rush loads | Lower heat, longer run |
| Sanitize | Baby bottles, cutting boards, illness cleanup if item-safe | Heat-sensitive items | High final rinse |
Troubleshooting
When Dishes Come Out Bad
Food left on dishes
Check sprayer clearance, clean the filter, avoid nesting bowls, and use normal or heavy instead of quick.
Cloudy glass
Use rinse aid, confirm salt if your machine has a softener, and avoid too much detergent in soft water.
Wet dishes
Add rinse aid, open the door after the cycle, angle cups, and use heated dry only for items that tolerate heat.