I always keep the utensils facing up because I believe the dishwasher is better able to clean them that way. However, I've encountered a number of roomates who prefer the utensils to face down for safety reasons (especially the knives).
2006-11-12 15:49:43 · 20 answers · asked by Ryan L 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
It does not matter which way you put them in as long as they do not protrude down far enough to stop the wash arm from turning. If the wash arm cannot spin freely you will not get clean dishes and possibly have water churn up and cause leaking onto the floor.
The only thing that will prevent the utensils from getting clean(beside the wash arm not turning freely) is what is referred to as "cupping" of the utensils. In other words forks, spoons, knives and spatulas laying against each other to prevent water from spraying between them to get them clean.
2006-11-12 16:15:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They go down for two reasons. One is for safety (as you noted, especially with knives) and the second is for sanitation. It is impossible to take a utensil from the dishwasher without putting your fingers on the part you use for eating. If a spoon is handle down, you grab the bowl of the spoon. If the fork is handle down, you grab the tines of the fork. It's much more sanitary to pick the utensil up by the handle, don't you think? Especially if different people might be unloading the dishwasher. Perhaps it wouldn't matter if you were the only one using it and using the utensils you put in it, but when other people are involved, keep the handles up.
2006-11-13 00:00:14 · answer #2 · answered by old lady 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've heard that the utensils do get cleaned slightly better when placed face up into the dishwasher, but the difference isn't too great, and for that reason you put the knives down (to prevent cuts).
However, i believe that it depends on the model of your dishwasher, as some have jets specifically placed to clean silverware.
It is very likely that you'll find more information if you look in the manual for your machine.
2006-11-12 23:58:28 · answer #3 · answered by compuike 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I place my utensils blade-side up because I do think they clean better and my children are now old enough to understand the safety aspect.
Another reason I place them up is because with wear and tear over time sharp blades can cut into the plastic utensil basket if I place them face down.
2006-11-13 05:34:06 · answer #4 · answered by Sara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Blade side down. Why? Because 1. You dont stab yourself if you have to reach for something. and 2. If the blade is down, The water squirts directly on it, and not the handle first. It will clean better.
2006-11-13 02:17:56 · answer #5 · answered by Christina W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are supposed to be up, but if you have children or pets, keep them down. Knives are never supposed to go into the dishwasher: it dulls the blades.
2006-11-12 23:52:56 · answer #6 · answered by vze2wy4t 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Blade side down unless you like to cut yourself while taking them out. This is important especially if children help with the dishes.
2006-11-12 23:58:33 · answer #7 · answered by HSB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you've ever been cut bad, by a knife that was put in a dishwasher face up, you wouldn't be asking that question. Face down!
2006-11-13 01:40:15 · answer #8 · answered by Sandyspacecase 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well I put them up and down and separate them to make it easy to unload I have noticed no difference in the cleaning though But I ALWAYS PUT THE SHARP KNIVES AND OTHER POINTED THINGS DOWN. I cut myself too many times when I was young
2006-11-13 00:02:55 · answer #9 · answered by Psycmixer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I place utensils used-side up so that they can be cleaned better.
2006-11-12 23:55:38 · answer #10 · answered by sugar candy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋