You're unloading your dishwasher in the wrong order - expert reveals where to start

If you're usually the one doing it in your household, save some time with this simple trick

someone unloading a full dishwasher
(Image credit: Getty)

Nothing divides us more than how to load and unload the dishwasher. And that's not even going into the pre-rinsing debate.

A professional home organizer trained by Marie Kondo has revealed a tip for when it comes to unloading your best dishwasher. She says we should work from the bottom to the top to avoid water dripping on the dishes on the bottom shelf. 

Her advice comes just in time for the holidays when our kitchens will be busier than usual.

inside a dishwasher with plates and cutlery

(Image credit: Fisher & Paykel)

Global appliances manufacturer Hisense has teamed up with Sue Spencer, founder of A Life More Organised. As a certified KonMari™ Consultant, she helps clients to declutter their homes and businesses.

Dishwasher unloading tip

'It’s a good idea to unload the bottom of the dishwasher first to prevent items from the top layer dripping onto the plates,' says Sue. We tend to work from top to bottom, but doing the opposite is bound to speed up this household chore over the holiday season.

It goes without saying that knowing how to clean a dishwasher helps to keep it functioning properly. To avoid any problems over Christmas when it'll be working harder than usual, it's worth and stocking up on the best dishwasher rinse aid.

dishwasher ready to be unloaded with cutlery and plates

(Image credit: Getty)
Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Aid, Dishwasher Rinse Agent and Drying Agent, 23 fl oz | $10.16 at Amazon

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Leave dishes and glasses gleaming with this popular rinse aid on Amazon. It helps get rid of stugbborn stains and gives crockery extra shine - just pour some into your rinse aid compartment each month

'The bottom rack of the dishwasher benefits from a hotter wash, and stronger water jets so it's ideal for cleaning plates, saucepans, and roasting tins,' Sue adds. 'On the other hand, the top rack is cooler and offers a slightly gentler wash, which is ideal for glasses, mugs, cups, any plastics, and large utensils.'

Dishwasher manufacturers Hisense spoke to 1,500 people across to find that over a third (38%) had fallen out with a friend or family member over the dishwasher. 70% said they think that there is a ‘right way’ to stack the dishwasher.

dishwasher ready to be unloaded of white plates

(Image credit: Alamy)

A whopping 50% said that they were the only person in their household that took on the responsibility of loading this kitchen appliance. Howard Grindrod, Vice President of Hisense UK, says, 'Almost all of us have a clear idea of how we like to stack the dishwasher. 

'But the key to clean crockery is making sure you’ve selected the right program and spaced out your crockery and pots so the detergent can be as effective as possible.'

Millie joined Real Homes in early 2021 as a homes news writer. When she isn't writing about trends, makeovers and houseplant care, she spends her free time making tweaks to her rented flat in North London. Her next project is a very basic armchair reupholstering job to help create a cosy reading nook in her living room. She loves browsing antique centres, tending to her small front garden, and is never without some fresh flowers at home.


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