23 Oct 2026
- Scrape plates, don't pre-rinse.
- Face cups, bowls and glasses downwards.
- Keep large plates and pans on the bottom rack.
- Make sure spray arms have room to spin.
- Run full loads, but don't cram things in.
- Keep your filter clean for better results.
We’ve probably all opened our dishwasher to yesterday’s cereal still hanging out in a bowl, or glasses that look dirtier than when they went in. It’s frustrating.
So if you want to avoid the re-wash a bit of loading-know-how can make all the difference.
Get more from your dishwasher.
Here's how to make every wash count.
1. Stop rinsing your plates.
Washing plates before putting them in a dishwasher is a common mistake.
Modern dishwashers and detergents are made to tackle dirt. So there's usually no need to rinse everything first. Just scrape leftover food into your food waste bin and load up.
Some machines even have sensors that adjust the wash according to how dirty the water is. Pre-rinsing the plates can interfere with how well this system works.
Tip: If you're not going to run your dishwasher for a few days, a rinse-only programme can help stop leftover food drying onto your dishes and causing fusty smells.
2. How to load your dishwasher properly.
Not sure how to load your dishwasher properly? The golden rule for a well-stacked dishwasher is that water needs to reach every surface.
1. Top rack.
The top rack is the best place for:
- Mugs, cups and glasses
- Small bowls
- Dishwasher-safe plastics
- Long utensils like spatulas
2. Bottom rack.
This is the area for larger, dirtier items. Plates, pots and pans.
Face the dirtiest surfaces towards the spray jets and make sure the larger items don’t block the water from reaching everything else. Pop chopping boards along the sides or back and make sure they can’t stop the spray arms from spinning.
3. Cutlery.
If you've got a cutlery basket, mix up forks and spoons to stop them nesting together so the water can’t reach the fiddly bits. Put them handle down if the machine instructions allow, but ALWAYS load sharp knives point down.
If you’ve got a cutlery tray, spread items out, with sharp edges facing down.
Lastly, check nothing is poking through the basket or tray to stop the spray arms from spinning.
4. Don't overload.
Running full loads is a smart way to save water and energy. But that doesn’t mean overloading.
If items are too squashed together the water and detergent won't reach everywhere.
5. Keep your dishwasher clean.
Food, grease and limescale can build up and impact how well your machine works.
- Clean the filter often and check it for trapped food
- Check the spray arms. The holes can get blocked by food or limescale.
- Wipe the door seals.Grime can collect in the folds.
6. Choose a hardworking tablet.
smol all-in-1 Dishwasher Tablets tackle 48hr dried-on food with performance to match the big brands and leave your dishes brilliantly clean.¹
They include salt, rinse aid, glass protector and of course detergent all while using a third less chemicals than the big brands.¹
They're also delivered in plastic-free packaging, straight through your letterbox. No bulky boxes or last-minute trips to the shop when you find you’ve run out.
7. Know what NOT to dishwash.
Some items are better off being washed by hand. It’s a good idea to always check the care instructions but as a rule avoid putting the following in the dishwasher:
- Cast iron
- Non-stick pans
- Copper, brass & aluminium
- Sharp knives
- Wooden items
- Hollow-handled/glued utensils
- Crystal, gold or silverware
- Disposable Plastics
- Insulated travel mugs
Heat, water pressure and dishwasher detergent can damage delicate finishes or cause some materials to warp.
Dishwasher FAQs.
Catherine Green, Cleaning Expert
Catherine has been on a mission to revolutionise the way we tackle chores since the dawn of smol and is an advocate for making more sustainable living accessible to all, with a strong focus in cleaning that’s heavy on dirt, lighter on the planet and gentle on the skin. Catherine has tested hundreds of hacks to make tackling chores easier, safer, and better for the planet and our homes.
ABOUT OUR AUTHORS
¹ see smol.com/our-claims