Expert shares tips for stacking your dishwasher effectively

Properly stacking a dishwasher is essential for clean dishes, especially during the busy holiday season. Expert Andrew Laughlin advises against rinsing plates and suggests scraping food waste instead. He emphasizes that the dishwasher will pre-wash during its cycle. Laughlin recommends loading the bottom rack with the dirtiest items, as it has the highest water pressure and temperature. Plates should face inward, while bowls and pans should face down to allow water circulation. Glasses and tupperware belong on the top rack to prevent warping. Overloading the dishwasher can hinder cleaning effectiveness. Laughlin suggests using a half load or soak option if the machine is not full. He also advises placing sharp knives in the cutlery basket, while very sharp knives should be hand washed.