If you’ve ever pulled a “clean” pan out of the dishwasher only to find stuck-on food, you’re not alone. Loading your dishwasher correctly makes all the difference in getting pots and pans sparkling clean. Here’s how to do it properly:
1️⃣ Prepping the Pots and Pans
✅ Scrape Off Food Residue – No need to rinse, but get rid of large food chunks.
✅ Check if They’re Dishwasher-Safe – Some nonstick, cast iron, and aluminum cookware should be hand-washed.
✅ Avoid Overloading – Pots and pans take up a lot of space, so don’t cram too many in at once.
2️⃣ Where to Place Pots and Pans in the Dishwasher
📌 Bottom Rack: Always place pots and pans on the bottom rack, as it gets the most powerful water spray.
📌 Angle Them Properly:
- Face the dirtiest part downward (toward the spray arms).
- Don’t nest them inside each other—water won’t reach stuck-on food.
📌 Secure Large Items: If a pan is too big, lay it at an angle along the side to avoid blocking water flow.
3️⃣ Choosing the Right Settings
🔹 Heavy-Duty Cycle – Best for stubborn grease and baked-on food.
🔹 High-Temp Wash – Helps remove grease and sanitize cookware.
🔹 Extra Rinse (if available) – Good for removing detergent residue.
4️⃣ What to Avoid 🚫
❌ No Cast Iron – It rusts and loses seasoning.
❌ No Wooden Handles – They can warp or crack.
❌ No Stacking – Overlapping items won’t get fully clean.
Final Tip: If your pots and pans aren’t coming out clean, try spacing them out more and running a hot water cycle before starting the dishwasher.