Dishwasher manufacturers and home style maven Martha Stewart agree on some basics for the right way to load a dishwasher:
1 If the washer has a third, shallow rack on top, load flatware and large utensils there to free up space below.
2 Put glass and plastic on the top rack where water pressure and heat are less intense.
3 Point knives down for safety. Mix utensils in the basket so spoons and forks don't nest together.
4 Martha Stewart advises never to wash nonstick or cast iron pans in the dishwasher but stainless steel pans get cleaner in the dishwasher.
5 Read the manual to find out about specialized settings. Nearly 70 percent of user just press 'normal.'
