The correct way to place cutlery in the dishwasher is still divided. But who is right? Should you put them up or down?
Is it better to place cutlery side up or down in the dishwasher? This debate seems eternal… If some recommend putting them up, others are certain that they should be put down. Among the main arguments: cleanliness and safety are put forward. The answer to this question is not as absolute as it seems.
The position of the cutlery can significantly influence the final cleaning result. This is why some advocate for placing cutlery upwards, especially spoons and forks. In fact, this position exposes dirty parts more to jets of water and detergents, thus increasing the chances of eliminating food residue. Additionally, downward-facing handles allow for better space distribution, preventing cutlery from overlapping and blocking water.
However, this provision has limitations. This is where the debate intensifies. Placing cutlery upwards can pose hygiene problems, especially when loading or unloading the dishwasher. Touching the part that will be in direct contact with the food may be perceived as unhygienic, especially if the cutlery is handled with dirty hands before washing. But that’s not all, doing this can increase the risk of cuts, especially when unloading the dishwasher, and if you have young children.
Orienting the cutlery downwards reduces this risk of contamination. This method is also recommended for added security. Knives, in particular, should ideally be placed blade side down to prevent any risk of injury when loading or unloading the dishwasher. Handling pointed blades placed upwards can quickly turn into a tragedy if you are not careful. But be careful of the risk of perforation. Do not throw your knives in the basket, place them carefully in it to avoid puncturing it.
However, such an orientation could reduce cleaning effectiveness for certain utensils, such as spoons, whose convex side accumulates dirt. In this case, it is essential to properly distribute and space the cutlery and utensils in the basket to allow maximum circulation of water and detergent.
The debate is therefore not so simple and reveals that each method has its advantages and disadvantages. An ideal solution would therefore be to combine the two approaches depending on the type of cutlery. Knives and other sharp objects can be placed blade side down, while forks and spoons can be placed blade side up for optimal cleaning. It’s up to you to find the perfect balance for a clean, efficient and safe dishwasher.