Q&A for How to Load a Dishwasher

It varies by manufacturer and model number, but in general, most dishwashers (on hot wash) will draw 1000-1500 watts for the majority of the wash/rinse cycle and heated-dry (if applicable). The heating element is what consumes the most amount of power, so if you can get clean dishes on cold water without the heater (assuming your dishwasher offers such an option), the power consumption goes down considerably. Without the heater, the machine will typically only draw approximately 200-300 watts. (This is for the remaining electricals; 99% of that being exclusively for the pump(s), and 1% for the timer, relays, solenoid valves, control electronics, etc.)

Make sure that the detergent door is able to open with the dishes in there, and that dishes are not stopping it from opening. If that doesn't work, just set the packet on the door before you shut it. It will fall to the bottom of the tub and will still work!

Your dishwasher may not have a drying cycle. It might also be over-packed, not allowing the air to circulate properly, therefore not drying the dishes.

Definitely. The arm is what gets the water to all the dishes. Without the arm moving freely, some dishes will not get as much water and won't be as clean.

Yes, fill the detergent door with the detergent. Your dishwasher also likely has a vented or overflow section, where a small amount of detergent will empty during the first fill, which helps in the initial run.

It's fine, but you can burn your hands, so for your own sake, it might be better to wait a little.

It's perfectly fine. The top rack has a separate wash impeller hanging from under it. This is what cleans the glasses, bowls and saucers in the top rack.

In the designated areas as shown in your user manual. Usually, the soap dispenser is in the door (inside) and the salt dispenser in the bottom of the dishwasher. You may have to lift out the bottom rack to access this.

You should be able to find dishwasher salt in the supermarket on the household cleaning aisle. It's usually located near dishwasher tablets.

Check to see if your rinse aid is empty. Rinse aid reduces the cloudiness.

You can get them from your local supermarket in the household cleaning supplies aisle.

Bottom rack, open side down. It takes a lot of space, but does the best job of cleaning bowls. If you try the same thing on the top rack, the back of the bowls won't always come clean.

You should not put bowls in the bottom, they should always go on the top unless they are too big. Then they can go on the bottom and should either face down or at an angle.

As dishwasher jets are powerful, you'll need to make sure that glasses are stable and a distance from one another when you are putting them in the dishwasher.

Bowls may go on the top or bottom rack. The bottom rack is more powerful but usually fills up quicker than the top rack.

Some of the newer dishwashers have an option to raise the upper rack. If not, try placing those places on the outer edges. If that doesn't work, they need to be washed in the sink.

Use rinse aid. Pour it into the compartment, usually on the inside of the door, next to the section where you put your washing tablet or powder.

Just put them alongside your other plates in the bottom compartment. They shouldn't break as they've been heat treated.

There should be a small compartment in the inside door of the dishwater (depending on what dishwasher you have.) It'll be labelled for what goes where.