Careful placement, plus an enzyme detergent and a rinse aid, can make the difference between glistening dishes and grungy ones. But skip prerinsing. It wastes time, energy, and as much as 6,500 gallons of water per year.

1

Keep large items at the sides and back, so that they don't block water and detergent from reaching other dishes.

2

Load dirtier side of dishes toward the center for more exposure to the spray.

3

Use the top rack for plastic and delicate items that are dishwasher safe.

4

Rest glasses on prongs to prevent breakage.

5

Put silverware handles down, but knife handles up. If your dishwasher has an open basket, mix spoons, forks, and knives to prevent them from sticking together.

6

Place items with baked-on food facedown and toward the sprayer in the bottom rack.