7 things that should always go in the top rack of your dishwasher – pro cleaners urge you to get this essential step right

After a meal, putting the dishes, cutlery, and glassware into the dishwasher is usually the first thing people do. But do you know exactly where things should be going?

Whether you're a staunch neat loader or prefer to haphazardly throw it all in and press on, there actually is a right and a wrong way to load your dishwasher and some things – from bowls to baby bottles – should always go up top.

Here, cleaning experts reveal all, so you'll know how to load a dishwasher properly and protect your tableware from damage.

Things that should always go in the top rack of your dishwasher

Loading the top rack of your dishwasher correctly is one of the best ways to avoid some common dishwasher mistakes that usually lead to breakages.

1. Mugs

If you're an avid tea and coffee drinker, you'll know how quickly mugs can accumulate, especially if you work from home, with mugs often becoming one of the items cluttering your desk. The quickest way to clear these away is to pop them in your dishwasher.

Dishwasher expert and Cascade principal scientist, Morgan Eberhard, explains, 'Your best coffee mugs need to be placed face-down on the top racks to prevent rattling or damage, ensuring they are secure. This way, they'll also be cleaned better as water jets from below wash off stains and they do not end up full of dirty water from items above.'

It also helps to use an effective detergent, such as the Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Pods available at Walmart.

All prices correct at time of publication.

2. Baking sheets

There's nothing better than freshly baked treats, but cleaning a baking sheet can be a tiresome chore. Luckily, they can go in the dishwasher, provided you lie them flat on the top rack.

Elizabeth Shields, operations manager of Super Cleaning Service Louisville, says, 'I prefer putting thin baking sheets on the top rack for safety. But, to avoid blocking the water jets, which can leave you wondering why your dishwasher isn't cleaning properly, I lay them flat.'

This will also prevent them from jamming the racks and door, important as forcing these is one of the main ways you are shortening the lifespan of your dishwasher.

3. Bowls

Sometimes when cleaning a kitchen after use, jamming bowls onto the lower racks meant for plates seems like a fine thing to do to keep kitchen counters clear. But, dishwasher expert Morgan Eberhard warns this can leave them dirty and damaged.

She advises, 'Bowls should be placed face-down on the top rack, between prongs. They must be positioned securely to prevent them from getting filled with water, improperly cleaned, or even damaged.

'When placed on the top rack, bowls move around less, and are positioned for optimal cleaning.'

If there's no space for them left in your dishwasher, you can always hand wash them with dish soap, such as the Dawn Original Scent Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap available at Target, armed with our expert tips for washing dishes.

4. Glassware

Whether you've enjoyed a glass of wine or a tumbler of water, your glassware should always be washed in the top rack of your dishwasher, says Morgan.

She explains, 'To clean wine glasses and other delicate glassware, it should be loaded into the top rack, about a finger-width apart, utilizing the stemware holder if your dishwasher has one,' she recommends. 'Wine glasses and delicate glassware are prone to breakage. The top rack helps reduce the risk of them tipping over, or getting knocked into other dishes, minimizing the chance of damage.'

Cleaning expert Elizabeth adds that the top rack has softer, more direct spray jets, minimizing the danger of things getting smashed by heavy, strong streams.

This will also help to prevent your glasses from going cloudy in the dishwasher, but it may be necessary to add a water softener, such as the Finish Dishwasher Salt for Dishwashers and Water Softeners available at Amazon, if hard water deposits are causing your best glassware to look lackluster.

5. Small items

Any small items, such as saucers, spoon rests, and spatulas, or surprising things you can clean in the dishwasher like toothbrushes and combs, should also always go in the top rack of your dishwasher.

Dishwasher expert Morgan explains that they're more likely to be securely positioned for effective cleaning there, adding 'If placed on the bottom rack, they could tip over or fall through, resulting in the product getting damaged or stuck.'

6. Baby bottles and accessories

Baby bottles and accessories are not just necessary – they're often expensive, too.

To protect them, Alicia Sokolowski, green cleaning specialist and president and co-CEO of AspenClean, says, 'Keep them on the top rack to ensure they are secure, and not exposed to excessive heat that could weaken them.'

We recommend using an all-natural detergent in this instance, to prevent exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals.

7. Plasticware

Finally, plasticware, such as tupperware, water bottles, or dishwasher-safe plastic toys always belong on the top rack.

Dishwasher expert Morgan explains, 'Plastic is more heat-sensitive and can warp or melt if exposed to intense heat in the bottom rack, where the dishwasher’s heating element is usually located. Items will remain cooler on the top rack.'

Keeping Tupperware lids with their bases will also make organizing your plastic containers afterward easier.

FAQs

Should you put stainless steel pans in the dishwasher?

Stainless steel cookware can go in the dishwasher, but that's not to say that it should. Certain types of stainless steel can become damaged, warped or corroded by the high temperatures, so, to avoid any stainless steel cleaning mistakes, it's best to clean stainless steel pans with vinegar instead.

Can you put wooden spoons in the dishwasher?

Wood is a highly porous material, meaning putting wooden spoons in the dishwasher can leave them water-logged and cracked. Instead, clean wooden spoons by handwashing with warm soapy water.

Do you know there are several things you can't put in the dishwasher at all? Avoid ruining your expensive kitchenware, like high-quality knives, non-stick pots and pans, and antique pieces by washing by hand.