Loading the dishwasher is a polarizing task that many people have a strong opinion on. So much so, that it is comedically known as one of the main causes of arguments between families and housemates alike.
Although the attention is usually on the many ways people stack pans or the best place to put mugs, cleaning experts say your flatware should be at the forefront of your mind. Most notably, should you point your silverware up or down in the dishwasher?
Here, they explain how to load a dishwasher properly with your finest silverware to keep them looking their best and achieve a superior clean.
Should you point your silverware up or down in the dishwasher?
While it might not seem like too big of a deal, the direction your silverware points in a dishwasher can have a big impact both on how clean it comes out, and how long it lasts. Stack them incorrectly, and you might start to notice the signs it’s time to replace your flatware sooner than you should. It is, therefore, a big dishwasher mistake that experts urge you to avoid.
According to Marcela Valladolid, celebrity chef and cleaning ambassador at Pinalen, Cloralen, and Ensueno Laundry, ‘Your silverware should be loaded downwards so that the handles are exposed and sharp points on forks and knives are tucked away.
‘This is your best bet for a few reasons,’ she says.
1. It keeps them sharp
(Image credit: Alamy)
Pointing your flatware downwards in a dishwasher is the best way to keep your best flatware sets sharp without the need to sharpen them yourself.
Marcela Valladolid, chef and cleaning expert says, ‘Most importantly, it will extend your flatware’s lifespan. When loaded upwards, silverware can clink against each other during the wash cycle and create scratches. Another thing to consider is that hot water, while necessary to clean, can actually dull edges and warp blades so loading your silverware face down into the cages will act as a shield to prevent direct exposure and protect from damage.’
How you stack your silverware in the dishwasher is only one part of this. You also need to know how to store flatware correctly to prevent long-term damage and keep your sets looking and functioning at their best.
Amazon’s Choice
Universal Dishwasher Cutlery Basket Replacement
Ensure all your flatware fits in your dishwasher with this large universal dishwasher basket.
2. It is safer for you
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Pointing your flatware downwards is also a safe choice, helping to keep you from cutting your hand when unloading a dishwasher and organizing a kitchen at the end of each day, adds Elizabeth Brown, certified holistic chef and owner of The Kitchen Vixen.
She points out, ‘If you hastily grab a bunch of flatware out of the dishwasher basket, and the sharp sides are sticking up, there can be detrimental consequences to your fingers, hands, or arms. There is also the issue of depth perception and being distracted as you unload a dishwasher. When I was a child, a friend of my parents was unloading the dishwasher, bent down to grab a cup, and did not see the knife sticking up out of the basket. A sharp knife went into his eye. It is a small detail, but it really matters.’
3. It is more hygienic
(Image credit: Anthropologie)
There is little point in washing your silverware and cleaning a kitchen to avoid food contamination if you are going to handle your flatware by the prongs when unloading, says Marcela Valladolid, chef and cleaning expert.
She says, ‘Another top reason to load your flatware down is that it’s simply more hygienic. When you’re unloading the dishwasher and organizing them back into drawers, you don’t want to grab the edges with your hands (yuck!). If your utensils are already loaded face down then you can grab them from the handles and keep everything clean and sanitary.’
Of course, it also helps to invest in a high-quality dishwasher detergent, such as the best-selling Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pacs, available at Walmart, which are designed to prevent hard water marks and stains on your flatware, plates, and glasses for sparkling results every cycle.
All prices are correct at the time of publication.
Highly-rated
Mikasa, Harmony Flatware Service, 65pcs
The complete flatware set includes 12 each: dinner fork, salad fork, dinner knife, dinner spoon, and teaspoon, plus one of each serving tablespoon, pierced tablespoon, cold meat fork, butter serving knife, and sugar spoon.
Five piece setting
Villeroy & Boch La Classica
These sleek stainless steel flatware will add a contemporary edge to any table. The elongated silhouette adds a designer touch. 18/10 stainless steel for strength and durability.
Three color options
River 20-Piece Gold Stainless Steel Flatware Set
With 20 pieces, this flatware set has everything you need to set a table for four people. It also comes in traditional silver, gold, and black colorways.
Not all the best dishwashers are made alike, however. Some appliances have baskets designed specifically for utensils to slot in the handle down, with little to no space to stack them in the safest way. It is always a good idea to check your appliance’s instructions first if you think this is the case to avoid damaging your silverware or your appliance.
Loading the dishwasher can be a divisive task, often leading to arguments between families and housemates. While much attention is given to how pans are stacked or where mugs are placed, cleaning experts emphasize the importance of properly loading your flatware in the dishwasher. One key question that arises is whether you should point your silverware up or down in the dishwasher.
Experts explain the proper way to load a dishwasher with your best silverware to maintain their appearance and achieve a thorough clean.
Should you point your silverware up or down in the dishwasher?
Although it may seem minor, the direction in which your silverware is placed in the dishwasher can significantly impact its cleanliness and longevity. Incorrect stacking can result in premature wear and tear, prompting the need to replace your flatware sooner than expected. Therefore, it is a crucial dishwasher mistake that experts advise against.
Celebrity chef and cleaning ambassador Marcela Valladolid recommends loading your silverware downwards so that the handles are exposed and sharp points on forks and knives are tucked away.
She explains, ‘This approach has several benefits.’
1. It keeps them sharp
(Image credit: Alamy)
Placing your flatware downward in the dishwasher helps maintain the sharpness of your best flatware sets without the need for manual sharpening.
Marcela Valladolid points out, ‘Most importantly, it will prolong the lifespan of your flatware. When loaded upward, silverware may clang against each other during the wash cycle, causing scratches. Additionally, hot water, while essential for cleaning, can dull edges and distort blades. By loading your silverware face down, you create a shield to prevent direct exposure and protect them from damage.’
Properly stacking your silverware in the dishwasher is just one aspect; knowing how to store flatware correctly is equally important to prevent long-term damage and ensure your sets remain in top condition.
Amazon’s Choice
Universal Dishwasher Cutlery Basket Replacement
Ensure all your flatware fits in your dishwasher with this large universal dishwasher basket.
2. It is safer for you
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Placing your flatware downward also enhances safety by reducing the risk of cutting yourself when unloading the dishwasher and organizing a kitchen daily, notes Elizabeth Brown, certified holistic chef and owner of The Kitchen Vixen.
She emphasizes, ‘If you hastily grab a handful of flatware from the dishwasher basket and the sharp edges are facing up, you could injure your fingers, hands, or arms. There’s also the issue of depth perception and distractions while unloading a dishwasher. I recall a childhood incident where a family friend, while unloading the dishwasher, bent down to grab a cup and accidentally encountered a knife sticking up from the basket, resulting in a serious injury. It may seem trivial, but it’s crucial.’
3. It is more hygienic
(Image credit: Anthropologie)
According to Marcela Valladolid, chef and cleaning expert, there’s little point in washing your silverware and cleaning a kitchen to prevent food contamination if you’ll handle your flatware by the prongs when unloading.
She adds, ‘Another significant reason to load your flatware downward is for hygiene. When unloading the dishwasher and returning flatware to drawers, you don’t want to touch the edges with your hands. If your utensils are already loaded face down, you can grab them by the handles, ensuring cleanliness and sanitation.’
It’s also beneficial to invest in a high-quality dishwasher detergent, such as the top-selling Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pacs from Walmart, designed to prevent hard water marks and stains on your flatware, plates, and glasses for a spotless finish after every cycle.
All prices are accurate at the time of publication.
Highly-rated
Mikasa, Harmony Flatware Service, 65pcs
The complete flatware set includes 12 each: dinner fork, salad fork, dinner knife, dinner spoon, and teaspoon, plus one of each serving tablespoon, pierced tablespoon, cold meat fork, butter serving knife, and sugar spoon.
Five piece setting
Villeroy & Boch La Classica
These sleek stainless steel flatware will add a contemporary edge to any table. The elongated silhouette adds a designer touch. 18/10 stainless steel for strength and durability.
Three color options
River 20-Piece Gold Stainless Steel Flatware Set
With 20 pieces, this flatware set has everything you need to set a table for four people. It also comes in traditional silver, gold, and black colorways.
Not all the best dishwashers are created equal. Some appliances feature baskets designed for utensils to be placed handle down, with limited space for safe stacking. It’s advisable to consult your appliance’s instructions if this applies to avoid damaging your silverware or your dishwasher.