How to Run a Dishwasher (Without Messing It Up)

so you’ve got a dishwasher. That’s great. But do you actually know how to use it properly? Maybe you do, maybe you just shove dishes in and hope for the best. No judgment. But if you want spotless dishes and a dishwasher that doesn’t smell like a science experiment, let’s go over how to run it the right way—without overcomplicating things.

Step 1: Load It Like a Pro

Yes, there’s a right way to load a dishwasher. No, it’s not just tossing everything in like a game of Tetris.

• Plates go on the bottom rack, facing the center. Why? Because that’s where the spray arms hit them best.
• Bowls & cups go on the top rack, tilted so they don’t fill up with nasty dishwasher water.
• Utensils should be mixed up—handles up, handles down—so nothing sticks together.
• Pots & pans? Check the manual. Some dishwashers can handle them, some can’t.

Oh, and for the love of clean dishes, don’t block the spray arms. If water can’t reach it, it ain’t getting clean.

Step 2: Use the Right Detergent (No, Not Regular Soap)

You’d think this is obvious, but trust me, people have tried dish soap before. That’s how you end up with bubbles all over your kitchen floor. Stick with dishwasher detergent—pods, powder, or liquid, whatever works for your machine. Just don’t overdo it. More soap doesn’t mean cleaner dishes; it just means more residue.

Step 3: Pick the Right Cycle

Not all dishwashers are the same, but most have some common settings:

• Normal – The go-to for everyday loads.
• Heavy – For those nights when you really went all out in the kitchen.
• Quick – If you need clean dishes fast (but don’t expect miracles on super dirty plates).
• Eco – Saves water and energy but takes longer.

If your dishwasher has an auto setting, use it. Let the machine do the thinking for you.

Step 4: Hit Start and Walk Away

Yep, that’s it. Once you’ve loaded everything correctly, added detergent, and picked the right cycle, just press start and let it do its thing. No need to keep checking it—dishwashers aren’t like ovens. Just wait for the magic to happen.

Bonus Tips for a Dishwasher That Doesn’t Stink

• Clean the filter – If your dishwasher smells funky, chances are there’s gunk in the filter. Check it every few weeks.
• Run vinegar through it – Once a month, put a cup of white vinegar on the top rack and run a cycle to keep things fresh.
• Don’t overload it – If dishes are jammed in too tight, they won’t get clean. Simple.

And that’s it! You’re now officially a dishwasher-running pro. No more guessing, no more dirty dishes coming out of a “clean” cycle. Just sparkling results every time. Now go press that start button with confidence!