Have you ever debated with your spouse or roommate about how to load a Whirlpool dishwasher correctly? You may have your own patented techniques, but in order to maximize cleaning efficiency, you’ll need to learn about the dos and don’ts of Whirlpool dishwasher loading.

While most dishwashers are similar, each manufacturer has its own unique features and design options. The key to getting cleaner dishes is to follow these guidelines and use your model as it was intended.

For Whirlpool dishwashers, follow these simple steps to load your upper rack, lower rack, and silverware basket properly.

One of the most important steps for getting cleaner dishes is learning how to load silverware in a Whirlpool dishwasher. These models conveniently allow you to load the basket while it’s inside the unit, or it can be removed for easy countertop loading.

For forks and spoons, use the silverware slots to place them head-up. Be sure to avoid overloading the cutlery basket, and don’t let any items nest together. Knives should always be placed head-down though for safety, or hand-wash quality cutlery to maintain sharpness.

Basket Position Options

One of the most convenient parts about how to load a Whirlpool dishwasher is that the silverware basket can be placed in the door to maximize space. If you need to wash larger items in the lower rack, simply remove the basket and hang it from the inner door.

The upper rack in your Whirlpool dishwasher is designed to hold smaller items like cups, bowls, and plastic containers. Place all items face-down to allow the water jets to reach the dirtiest areas. Bowls should be at an angle in the central rows, while cups can go in the outer rows.

Whirlpool models also come with an adjustable upper rack feature. This gives you the option to raise the top rack to provide more room for big post and pans underneath.

Be sure to avoid stacking or overlapping items. It’s tempting to squeeze in as many items as possible, but it can leave dishes dirtier and reduce drying.

The bottom dishwasher rack is ideal for larger items like plates, pots, pans, and mixing bowls. These should also be placed face-down so that the bottom spray arm jets can reach them.

Your Whirlpool model also has the advantage of adjustable lower rack tines. Slide the tines to allow plenty of space for even the biggest pots and pans. Just be sure to avoid putting Tupperware or other plastic items in the bottom rack as the heater can cause them to melt.

There are several common mistakes that people make when loading their Whirlpool dishwashers. For silverware, make sure not to overload the basket or allow items to nest with each other. You should also lay longer utensils flat on the top rack to avoid them blocking the upper spray arm.

And believe it or not, Whirlpool dishwashers don’t require you to pre-rinse your dishes! In fact, modern detergents work better if there are food particles to attack with their food-cleaning enzymes. So go ahead and just remove any large food chunks or non-food items, then throw them in for a wash!

Now that you know how to load a Whirlpool dishwasher, your dishes should come out cleaner than ever. And if you find yourself in need of dishwasher repair in Englewood or the surrounding areas, call Reliable Appliance Service for fast, dependable service.