Many people think they already know how to load the dishwasher. In fact, some think their way is the only way to load dirty dishes. But there’s something to be gained to learning a few dishwasher loading tips to optimize its performance. We’ll review how to load a Frigidaire dishwasher from the upper rack to the silverware basket, so cleaner dishes (and fewer household debates) result.
Want Cleaner Dishes in Less Time? Here’s How to Load a Frigidaire Dishwasher
Sure, you can squeeze as many items as possible into your dishwasher and hope for the best. But the right way to load a dishwasher can lead to cleaner dishes by providing all items access to water and detergent. These tips can also save the time of hand washing items after the dishwasher leaves them dirty and help avoid breakage from overcrowding.
How to Load the Upper Rack
How to load a Frigidaire dishwasher correctly starts with the upper rack. This rack is designed to hold cups, glasses, stemware, bowls, and small plates that could otherwise break if placed below. The tines of the upper rack can be adjusted to accommodate larger items while also keeping stemware secure. Here are some top rack loading tips to optimize performance:
- Position bowls and cups facing downward for greater access to spray arms and better draining.
- Place plastic items on the top rack so they’re removed from the dishwasher’s heating element.
- Make sure items in the top rack don’t hang down and block the spray arm.
Image Credit: Frigidaire
How to Load the Lower Rack
Your dishwasher’s lower rack is meant for dinner plates, large bowls, and cookware. As in the upper rack, the tines in the lower rack are flexible to accommodate wide or tall items. The following tips are also helpful to load the lower rack properly:
- Place larger items along the edge of the rack to avoid blocking the spray arms
- Face dishes inward for better access to water and detergent
- Place bowls and cookware facing downward for access to spray arms
Image Credit: Frigidaire
How to Load the Silverware Basket
Knowing to load a Frigidaire dishwasher includes the silverware basket. The basket safely holds silverware to keep items from falling to the bottom of the dishwasher and causing breakage during a wash cycle. The basket can also hold baby bottle caps, jar lids, and other small items. We suggest these tips when loading the silverware basket:
- Position knives with handles facing upwards to avoid injury
- Alternate forks and spoons upwards or downwards to prevent overlapping
- Place larger serving utensils on the top rack to prevent them from blocking the spray arms
Frigidaire Dishwasher Loading Do’s and Don’ts
Sometimes knowing how not to load a dishwasher can be just as helpful as knowing the right way. Dishwasher loading 101 continues with some do’s and don’ts for proper loading:
Dishwasher Do’s:
- Leave space in between each item in the dishwasher.
- Use hot water for each wash cycle to better remove dried-on food and improve detergent performance.
- Run a load only when the dishwasher is full to save water.
- Use a rinse agent to improve draining and lessen streaks and spots.
Dishwasher Don’ts
- Don’t pre-rinse. Dishwasher detergent works best with a little leftover grease and grime. Simply scrape off large particles from dishes before loading.
- Don’t overload! A full dishwasher will clean dishes. An overcrowded one will prevent water and detergent from reaching each item and leave them dirty.
- Avoid using too much detergent. Less is more and will allow for better rinsing.
- Not all items are dishwasher safe. Leave out oversized cookware and wooden utensils and read labels to determine what’s dishwasher appropriate. Our list of things you can clean in the dishwasher reviews those household items that are also safe.
If these tips on how to load a Frigidaire dishwasher still leave you in need of a Frigidaire dishwasher repair, D&T Appliance Service can help. Give us a call to schedule a service visit so you can return to better dishwasher loading!
