Step 3: Mastering the Top Rack – The Gentle Zone
If the bottom rack is the power zone, the top rack is the gentle zone. It receives a less intense spray, usually from the middle spray arm below it and sometimes from a smaller water source above it. The temperature here is also slightly lower because it’s further away from the main heating element. This makes it the perfect spot for more delicate items.
What Goes Here
The top rack is designed for glasses, mugs, small bowls, and dishwasher-safe plastics. Its tines are typically spaced more closely together to accommodate these smaller items securely.
Glasses and Mugs
Place all glassware and mugs upside down to ensure they fill with water for cleaning and drain completely. It’s best to position them between the tines, not over them. Placing a glass over the tines can leave water spots and may even cause the glass to vibrate and chip during the cycle. Angle them slightly if your rack allows, which can further help with draining and drying. Avoid letting glasses touch each other; the vibrations of the wash cycle can cause delicate rims to knock together and crack.
Small Bowls and Saucers
Small dessert bowls, ramekins, and saucers fit perfectly on the top rack. As with the larger bowls on the bottom, place them with their soiled surfaces facing down and angled toward the center to catch the spray from the arm below.
Plastics: Top Rack Only
This is one of the most important rules of dishwasher loading. All dishwasher-safe plastic items, such as food storage containers, lids, and travel mugs, must go on the top rack. Most dishwashers have an exposed heating element at the bottom of the tub used for drying. Placing plastic on the bottom rack puts it at high risk of melting or warping from the intense, direct heat. The top rack is significantly cooler, making it a safe haven for plastics. Always check the bottom of a plastic item for a “dishwasher safe” symbol before washing. For general information on product safety, you can consult resources from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Long Utensils
Long, flat utensils like spatulas, ladles, tongs, and serving spoons should be laid flat on the top rack. Placing them upright in the silverware basket can cause them to block the spray arm or fall through the bottom of the basket. Most top racks have indented sections or fold-down shelves designed specifically for this purpose. If you have a third-level rack, that is an even better place for them.
Accessibility Pro-Tip
When it’s time to unload the dishwasher, always start with the bottom rack first. The tops of mugs and the concave bottoms of glasses on the top rack often pool a small amount of water. If you pull the top rack out first, this water will inevitably spill down onto all of your clean, dry dishes below. By emptying the bottom rack first, you avoid this frustrating shower, making the entire process quicker and more efficient.
