Loading the dishwasher isn’t just about finding room for everything. Proper loading can lead to cleaner dishes and prevent appliance malfunctions. What’s the best way to load the lower rack on an LG dishwasher? Make sure dishes are facing inward and towards the center for better access to the spray arm. Learn how to load an LG dishwasher with these rack-by-rack tips for optimum performance.
Tips & Tricks for Cleaner Dishes: How to Load an LG Dishwasher
Each rack on an LG dishwasher was designed for a specific purpose and to accommodate certain items. The following tips and tricks detail how to load each rack so it’s used correctly, resulting in cleaner dishes. But before we detail how to load an LG dishwasher, here are some pre-loading tips that can also improve its function.
Before Loading Your Dishes…
LG dishwasher loading instructions begin before you place a single item in the dishwasher. Some simple pre-loading tips can set the stage for better performance.
What to do before loading your dishes:
- Scrape off large food particles like bones, seeds, and peels.
- Soak any dishes with burnt or baked-on food.
- Make sure all items are dishwasher-safe.
- Use these dishwasher maintenance tips to make sure your dishwasher is clean and odor-free before loading.
How to Load Silverware in an LG Dishwasher
Eating utensils are best contained and washed in the silverware basket. This basket can be removed for easier loading by lifting up on its handle. It can also be placed on the top rack as well as the bottom rack, to maximize space where it’s needed. Lastly, most baskets are made of three detachable compartments that can be removed to save space when washing small loads of cutlery.
Here’s how to load silverware in an LG dishwasher silverware basket:
- Only place one item in each slot.
- Alternate forks and spoons next to each other, with their handles down, to prevent nesting.
- Position knives upside down, with their handles upward, to avoid injury.
Loading the Cutlery Rack
If your LG dishwasher has a cutlery rack, it can hold extra silverware, small plates and cups, and long-serving ware. A third rack maximizes space in the racks below, avoiding overcrowding, and better cleaning these items.
Follow these LG dishwasher loading tips for the cutlery rack:
- Adjust the tray on the left side of the rack to a lower or higher position to accommodate taller items.
- Only place one piece of silverware per slot to avoid nesting.
- Load plastic lids and shallow plastic bowls on this rack to avoid damage from the dishwasher heating element.
How to Load the Upper Dish Rack
Your LG dishwasher manual specifies that the upper rack is for small plates and bowls, cups, glasses, and stemware. The upper rack can be raised or lowered to fit taller items and can be removed entirely to accommodate larger pieces in the lower rack below.
Here’s how to load an LG dishwasher upper rack:
- Position small plates and bowls upright and facing inward towards the upper spray arm.
- Place glasses upside down and at an angle between the tines for better access to detergent and water and improved rinsing.
- If available, use stemware holders to safely secure wine glasses upside down. Holders can be folded away to maximize space when not in use.
Lower Dish Rack Loading Tips
The lower rack is designed for large plates and bowls, serving ware, and pots and pans.
These tips detail how to load an LG dishwasher lower rack properly:
- Load one dish per slot to allow for water and detergent between each. The dishwasher doesn’t clean dishes sufficiently if they’re touching each other.
- Position dishes facing inward for better access to spray arms.
- Place pots and pans upside down for access to water and detergent and better draining.
- Fold-down the adjustable tines to best fit larger items.
Common Dishwasher Mistakes
Knowing how not to load a dishwasher is just as important as the right loading methods.
Avoid these common dishwasher loading mistakes:
- Pre-rinsing: Skip the pre-rinse for cleaner dishes. Most detergents work best with a little grease and grime.
- Overloading: The dishwasher leaves dishes wet and dirty without adequate space between each item for water, detergent, and airflow.
- Too much detergent: Too much detergent leaves spots and residue on dishes. Refer to your user manual or detergent package re: detergent measurements and use the least recommended amount.
Knowing how to load an LG dishwasher can improve performance and prevent malfunctions but sometimes a repair can’t be avoided. Call Callahan’s Appliance whenever you need a dishwasher service and repair!
