![loaded dishwasher](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/getty%2Fa1f143fc2abd43a29b39c75c782cef9a.jpg)
How to load and run a dishwasher seems like an easy task, but do you know the proper way to load and run your dishwasher?
Step 1
![scraping food off dish](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/getty%2F04ff156420ec43dcb4e16937f52bdf70.jpg)
Scrape off big chunks of food before you put dishes in the dishwasher, but don't worry about rinsing them off. Most washers are designed to handle food particles. (Don't expect the dishwasher to remove burnt-on foods, though.)
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Step 2
![large dishes loaded along side of dishwasher](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/getty%2F1dd392e05a81415595223ff76ac103e6.jpg)
Position cookie sheets and large platters along the sides so they don't prevent the water from reaching the other dishes.
Step 3
![top rack of dishwasher](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/getty%2F46892980f0be450c98fc302f25172e54.jpg)
Reserve the top rack for plastic items, glasses and mugs. (Make sure that plastic items are dishwasher-safe.) Set plates and bowls in the bottom rack.
Step 4
Be sure that glassware is put on the prongs. Loose glasses might break and make a dangerous mess.
Step 5
![pot facedown in a dishwasher](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/getty/c7ae70795c254e3595afaec306bebb99.jpg)
Put pots and dishes with baked-on food in the bottom rack facing down toward the sprayer arm.
Step 6
Set silverware handles down, except for knives, which should be handles up in the silverware basket.
Step 7
![dishwasher tabs in open dishwasher cup](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/getty/aaf7bd7c714d42f783d241a36ec630d7.jpg)
Fill both dishwasher cups with dishwasher detergent or dishwasher tabs.
Step 8
![bottle pouring rinse agent in dispenser](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/getty%2F8f7e1563c83a43b3aa4cbe02e003fd37.jpg)
Add rinse agent to rinse agent dispenser; replace top of dispenser.
Step 9
![person closing dishwasher](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/getty/08046012ce7d4946b55ad389cb848f59.jpg)
Close door securely.
Step 10
Choose a wash cycle appropriate to the load.
Step 11
![dishwasher buttons including dry cycle button](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/getty%2F92da9d4decce49e88fa01bce383302fd.jpg)
Choose a dry cycle. Air drying saves energy, but may cause spotting.
Step 12
![start button dishwasher](https://img.hunkercdn.com/375/cme-data/getty%2F67ab221adf0a41b6909bc3a734795dbd.jpg)
Start dishwasher.
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