How to use a dishwasher

Dishwashers are invaluable when it comes to cleaning dishes and cookware with a fraction of the effort of handwashing. Use this guide to learn how to properly load and operate a dishwasher, how to choose the right detergent and load it into the dishwasher and which cycle to use to ensure optimal performance.

1. Load the top and bottom racks of the dishwasher

Ensure that you get clean dishes every time by scraping any extra food off the plates before loading and evenly spacing dishes with the dirty side angled down toward the water jets. Don’t overlap your dishes, since doing so prevents the water jets from reaching the inside for thorough cleaning. 

Top rack: 

• Load items like bowls, cups, mugs, wine glasses and water bottles in the top rack.

• Position small bowls and plates between tines.

• Place plastic containers and lids on the top rack only to avoid warping. Always check the bottom of your plasticware to make sure it’s dishwasher safe.

Bottom rack: 

• Place large kitchenware like dinner plates, serving platters, dishwasher-safe baking dishes, stainless steel pots and other heavily soiled dishes in the bottom rack. 

• Position pots and pans along the sides of the dishwasher or toward the back.

• Add utensils to the dishwasher’s utensil basket, making sure to face sharp objects like knives downward to avoid injury.

• Before closing the dishwasher door, make sure there is nothing blocking the wash arms.

Some Whirlpool^® models come with a third rack where you can load extra silverware, utensils, other hard-to-fit items or even more bowls and cups. If you need more information on what to load where, use this guide on how to properly load your dishwasher.

2. Load the dishwasher detergent

While it may vary by model, most detergent dispensers are on the bottom inside part of the dishwasher door. To load detergent into the dishwasher correctly:

• Place detergent in the detergent dispenser.

• Add rinse aid to the rinse aid dispenser up to the line that says Full (available on some models). If your dishwasher doesn’t have a designated rinse aid dispenser, you can purchase a rinse aid basket or can use detergent tablets or packs that already include rinse aid.

• Close the lid and press firmly until it clicks shut. After the dishwasher completes an initial pre-wash cycle, the lid opens to mix detergent with the water. 
  

Using the correct detergent is important for the performance of your dishwasher. Only use detergent that’s specifically formulated for automatic dishwashers, and don’t use dish soap in the dishwasher, even in a pinch. There are various types of detergents to choose from, including liquid, powder, gels, tablets and packs. Determining which detergent to use is personal preference, though tablets and packs take the guesswork out of deciding how much detergent to use. If using liquids, powders or gels, fill the dispenser up to the fill line that most models have.

3. Select a wash cycle

Most dishwashers come with at least three cycles – Quick, Normal and Heavy Duty. Which cycle you should use depends on the size of your load and how dirty your dishes are. To set your cycle, use the buttons that are typically located on the top or front of your dishwasher door.

Quick
This cycle typically uses more water, energy and a higher temperature for fast results. Use this cycle when you have lightly soiled dishes you need in a hurry.

Normal
The most commonly used dishwasher cycle, it cleans everyday messes without using extra water. Use this cycle on day-to-day loads that are not heavily soiled.

Heavy Duty
For loads that include pots and pans or other heavily soiled items, the Heavy Duty Cycle will typically use extra water and higher temperatures to clean your cookware thoroughly.

For optimal performance, water temperature should be 120ºF as it enters the dishwasher. Water that is too cold may not clean your dishes as well, and if the water is too hot, it may make baked-in food harder to remove from dishes and pots. Whirlpool^® Dishwashers may also feature additional cycles like Sensor, Prewash or Sanitize, as well as various drying options. Learn more about Whirlpool^® Dishwasher cycles.

4. Start the dishwasher

Looking for more ways to keep your kitchen spick and span? Check out Whirlpool brand’s collection of trash compactors and garbage disposers here!