How to properly load dishes in the dishwasher for maximum cleanliness

Incorrectly loading dishes is the #1 reason why dishwashers don't clean properly. Even if you use the best detergent tablets, the wash water still needs to reach the dirty surface to clean it. This article provides detailed instructions on how to load dishes correctly for all types of dishwashers (60cm and 45cm).

Golden rules for loading dishes

• Dirty side facing inwards and downwards to receive water from the spray arm
• Minimum 1cm gap between items – water must be able to pass through
• Heavy items on the bottom rack, light items on the top rack
• Do not block the spray arm – check that the spray arm rotates freely before closing the door
• Do not let small items fall through gaps to the bottom of the machine → this will clog the filter

1. Bottom rack: Pots, pans, large plates

The bottom rack is for large items and can withstand high-pressure water:

Pots, pans

• Place upside down, opening facing down
• Tilt 15-30° for water to drain after washing
• DO NOT stack pots and pans
• Deep pots: place at the edge of the rack, opening pointing towards the center of the machine

Large plates (diameter >15cm)

• Place upright between the tines
• Dirty side facing outwards (towards the side spray arm)
• 1cm gap between plates

Baking trays, oven film sheets

• Lean against the side of the bottom rack
• Dirty side facing inwards

2. Top rack: Glasses, cups, small bowls

The top rack is for small, light, fragile items:

Glassware

• Place UPSIDE DOWN, opening facing down
• Clip into glass holders (if available) to prevent tipping
• Avoid glasses touching each other → may cause cracks
• Use Largo All In One with glass protect to protect your glasses

Coffee mugs, ceramic cups

• Place UPSIDE DOWN, opening facing the bottom of the machine
• Handles facing inwards
• Tilt slightly for water to drain from the bottom of the cup

Small bowls, breakfast bowls

• Place UPSIDE DOWN, opening facing down and inwards
• 1cm gap between bowls
• DO NOT stack → the inside will not get clean

Small containers, plastic containers

• Clip securely into holders (if available) → prevents them from flying around the compartment
• Plastic items only on the TOP rack (lower heat below)

3. Third Rack (if available)

The third rack is on the very top level (found on Bosch Serie 6+, AEG, Whirlpool 6th SENSE, Samsung WaterWall…):

• Cutlery, chopsticks: lay flat, DO NOT stack
• Note sharp knives: place blade down → safe to remove
• Small spoons: alternate facing up and down to prevent stacking
• Small kitchen utensils: peelers, mashers → place on this rack

4. Cutlery when there is no third rack

If the machine does not have a 3rd rack, there is a cutlery basket on the bottom rack:

• Place chopsticks, spoons with the handle UP → easy to remove when done
• Except for sharp knives: blade DOWN → for safety
• DO NOT overcrowd a single compartment → stacking will prevent proper cleaning

5. Items NOT to put in the dishwasher

6. Loading tips for small households

If you only have a few dishes (1-2 person household), do not run the machine with a partial load → wastes water and electricity.

Solutions:

1. Use the Half-Load function (if available) → washes only the top or bottom rack
2. Use the FlexiDuo function (Smeg) → divides the compartment into 2 sections
3. Collect dishes for 1-2 days then run a full cycle → saves 30%
4. Use the Quick 30-minute program for freshly eaten dishes (not dried-on food)

7. Common mistakes

• ❌ Stacking dishes too tightly → water cannot reach dirty surfaces
• ❌ Placing light items on the bottom rack → spray arm blows them away
• ❌ Placing tall glasses that block the middle rack spray arm
• ❌ Placing sharp knives with blades pointing up → dangerous when removing
• ❌ Placing plastic items near the heating element on the bottom rack → melts, deforms
• ❌ Starting the machine when the spray arm is blocked by a large item → cycle error

8. Final check before closing the door

30-second checklist before pressing Start:

1. ✅ Manually spin the spray arms → they must rotate freely
2. ✅ Salt level: check indicator light → refill with Largo 2kg Salt if low
3. ✅ Rinse aid level: check indicator light → refill with Largo 1L Rinse Aid if low
4. ✅ Place Largo Classic or All In One tablet in the correct dispenser
5. ✅ Check if the dispenser lid is closed?
6. ✅ Select ECO 50°C program for normal washes

9. Economical combo for families

For a family of 4 washing dishes daily, the most optimal supply set:

→ Largo 3-item Combo – 555,000đ (Classic 60v + Salt 2kg + Rinse Aid 1L)

Lasts 2-3 months, saves 38,000đ compared to buying individually. Purchase at www.sieutietkiem.com or www.largo.vn.

Summary

Proper dish loading = 50% of clean wash results. The other 50% depends on supplies (detergent tablet + salt + rinse aid) and the wash program. Apply the 8 principles above and you'll never complain about "dishes still dirty" again.

Need detailed advice for a specific dishwasher brand? Inbox our fanpage facebook.com/largovietnam. Purchase: www.sieutietkiem.com or www.largo.vn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to pre-rinse dishes before putting them in the machine?

A: No. Just scrape off large food scraps (bones, paper, large seeds). Largo tablets have strong enough enzymes to handle stuck-on food.

Q: Why do bowls still have water in them after being placed upside down?

A: 99% of the reason is that the bowl was placed too flat. Tilt it slightly (15°) for water to drain. Or use an All In One tablet with rinse aid + sufficient Largo rinse aid.

Q: Can plastic containers be washed in the dishwasher?

A: Yes, if the plastic is labeled "Dishwasher Safe". Only place them on the TOP rack (do not place on the bottom rack near the heating element). Clip securely to prevent them from flying around.

Q: Should the spray arm be able to rotate fully?

A: Important. Before pressing Start, manually spin the spray arms. If blocked by a large item (tall pot, tall glass), rearrange. A blocked spray arm = dishes in that area won't be clean.