How to load silverware in a dishwasher for great results

When putting your utensils in a dishwasher basket, there’s an optimal way to do things. For instance, when it comes to placing silverware up or down in a dishwasher, forks and spoons should be placed in a silverware basket handle down so eating surfaces point up toward the spray jets for thorough cleaning. Knives should be placed blade down to help protect your hands when unloading. Direction varies by utensil type, so when it comes to the dishwasher, and utensils up or down, pay attention to what you’re loading while you’re loading and be sure blades go down. 

A few loading checks, done in sequence, can help you get the most from each cycle. Start by confirming each item is suited for the dishwasher, then work through scraping, placement, spacing and a clearance check.

Before loading, confirm that each piece is suited for the dishwasher. Tableware and dishes made of materials like hard plastic, stainless steel, glass or ceramic are generally dishwasher suitable, but always consult the care symbols on your tableware first, before running them through a wash cycle. This first step is the foundation of how to load cutlery in a dishwasher with confidence.

Some pieces may call for a gentler approach. Antique silverware, delicate flatware, or anything made of wood will likely need to be hand-washed.

Start by scraping off excess food and waste from your cutlery. A quick scrape helps large food scraps stay out of the wash. There's no need to pre-rinse exhaustively. Silverware is supposed to be dirty. Just get the biggest bits. Then, load dirty silverware into the silverware basket, taking care to avoid nesting, as this can cause some utensil surfaces to not get cleaned. Some pieces may call for a gentler approach. Antique silverware, delicate flatware, or anything made of wood will likely need to be hand-washed.

Load spoons and forks with their handles facing down so the utensils can get a proper clean. With the eating surfaces pointing up toward the spray jets, water and detergent can reach the fork tines and spoon bowls more directly. If you’re considering whether to place fork tines up or down, be aware that pointing them up helps the spray reach the surfaces that matter most. And a similar approach holds true when you’re deciding how to put spoons in a dishwasher. Pointing the bowl of the spoon upward helps give the water access to do its work.

When learning how to load knives in a dishwasher, the rule is simple: handles up, blades down. Load knives and other cutting utensils with handles up and blades down to help protect your fingers when emptying the dishwasher. The blades will still be cleaned in this position, so there's no need to place them blade-up.

Nesting is one of the most frequent dishwasher cleaning challenges. Avoid grouping too many of the same type of silverware together in one section of the basket, as they can possibly stack snugly together. This keeps water and detergent from reaching all surfaces, leaving utensils less than fully clean. Instead, try to mix silverware —place forks alongside knives and spoons instead of grouping all the forks together, to help avoid nesting.

If your utensil basket doesn't have covers, alternate the placement of forks and spoons and knives to try to avoid nesting. When spoons stick together facing the same direction, it becomes nearly impossible for the water and detergent to clean the entire surface of the spoon.

Before closing the door, confirm that nothing blocks the rotating spray arms in your dishwasher. Large utensils, spatulas and ladles can often be laid flat on the upper rack, since placing these items in the utensil holder can potentially block a lower level spray arm. A quick scan before you start your dishwasher, to make sure all the spray arms have adequate clearance, is a good habit to get into.

Different silverware basket styles call for different loading approaches. Whether your dishwasher has an open basket, a divided basket or a third rack, a few considerations can help you make the most of your space.

In an open basket without dividers, keep utensils separated and spread out across the basket as much as you’re able, alternating the placement of forks, spoons and knives to help avoid nesting, so water and detergent can reach all surfaces. Make sure nothing extends high enough to block the spray arm, and avoid overfilling so utensils don't end up nesting or blocking the water spray from each other. Remember, when it comes to loading knives up or down in a dishwasher, it’s always down. 

Divided baskets use individual slots to separate forks, spoons and knives. The dividers are meant to help prevent overcrowding and nesting. Some silverware baskets have lids that can be flipped up or removed if your handles do not fit into the slots in the lids, so you can adjust the dividers to suit the pieces you're loading.

If you've ever wondered, can you put silverware on a third rack, the answer is yes. If your dishwasher has a third rack, it's often a good place for large utensils and items like measuring cups, depending on the model. Wider, longer or unusually shaped utensils often fit well arranged flat on a third rack.

Select KitchenAid^® Third Rack Dishwashers feature a 360° Max Jets^™ Third Rack that is the only third rack with 360° wash jets to clean pint glasses, coffee mugs and cereal bowls inside and out. It also has a removable utensil caddy for cooking tools and moisture-wicking tines for table-ready dishes.

Not every piece of flatware belongs in the dishwasher. A little attention to material and construction can help you protect the utensils you use most and help keep them looking their finest.

• Stainless steel flatware: Generally dishwasher suitable. Check packaging to be sure.

• Sterling silver and silver-plated flatware: May require hand-washing. Check packaging.

• Wooden or wood-handled utensils: May not do well in high heat. Antique silverware, delicate flatware, or anything made of wood is best washed by hand.

• Reusable plastic utensils: Generally dishwasher suitable, but check packaging to be sure. If labeled for the top rack only, place them on the upper rack to keep them away from the heated dry element.

• Hollow-handle or glued utensils: High heat can sometimes cause adhesive to loosen, so it may be best to hand wash these items. Consult the care instructions before loading. 

• Dishwasher-safe chopsticks: Check the care labels first. If you're trying to figure out how to put chopsticks in a dishwasher, they generally fit in silverware baskets, but on some dishwasher models, they may be able to lay flat on the upper (or third) rack if they're too tall for the silverware basket.

• Dishwasher-safe tableware with long handles: Lay flat on the upper rack to avoid blocking the spray arms.

How you unload matters just as much as how you load. The following tips may help you out:

1. Remove sharp items carefully. Knives and sharp utensils should be loaded with blades down to help protect your fingers when emptying the dishwasher.

2. Don’t overload. Don’t pack too many utensils into your silverware basket. This encourages nesting and makes it hard for all the surfaces to get clean.

3. Dry damp pieces before storing. Wait for the load to dry thoroughly or else check for remaining moisture before putting pieces away, so items are stored dry.

4. Unload the bottom rack first. Start with the lower rack, then move to the upper rack to help avoid drips from above settling on the pieces below.

When it comes to the best way to load silverware in a dishwasher, it depends on the dishwasher—and the silverware involved. The table below troubleshoots some common issues in this area, likely causes and steps that may help.

A few practical questions often come up when loading silverware, from alternative placement options to basket care. Here are some answers to help you make the most of your dishwasher setup.

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^{This article includes AI-generated content that our human team has reviewed and edited to ensure quality.}