You just finished a great meal, and now you want to clean up fast. You open your Bosch 800 Series dishwasher, but you wonder, “How do I load it right so dishes come out clean and safe?” You’re not alone! Loading a dishwasher can be tricky if you don’t know the best way. This article will help you learn how to load your Bosch 800 Series dishwasher step by step, so every dish shines, and you save time and energy.
How to Load the Bottom Rack of Your Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher
The bottom rack is the biggest part of your Bosch 800 dishwasher and usually holds plates, pots, pans, and big bowls. Loading this part right helps your dishwasher clean well and stops dishes from breaking.
Placing Plates and Bowls Correctly
When you put plates in the bottom rack, make sure they stand upright and face the center spray arm. Plates should not overlap because water cannot reach dirty spots when they do. Bowls should lean at an angle, so water flows inside and washes them well. Avoid stacking bowls inside one another; each one needs space.
Loading Pots, Pans, and Large Items
Large pots and pans go in the bottom rack, but place them upside down so water can get inside. If you put them right side up, water might stay inside and not clean well. Also, avoid blocking the spray arm with big items. Make sure nothing stops the spray arm from spinning freely; otherwise, dishes won’t get clean.
Handling Silverware and Small Utensils in Bottom Rack
Your Bosch dishwasher has a silverware basket, usually on the right or left side of the bottom rack. Separate forks, spoons, and knives to avoid nesting (sticking together). Place knives with handles up for safety, and mix up utensils so they don’t block water flow. Avoid overloading the basket; each piece should have some space.
Tips to Avoid Water Spots and Improve Drying
To help dishes dry better, place plastic items on the top rack only. Plastics don’t dry well on the bottom because it’s hotter there, and water stays on them. Also, slightly tilt plates and bowls to let water drain off. Avoid crowding the rack, or drying will take longer.
What NOT to Do on the Bottom Rack
Don’t put wooden items, cast iron pans, or delicate glassware on the bottom rack. Wood can crack or swell, and cast iron may rust. Also, avoid putting very small items loose on the bottom rack; they can block the spray arms or fall through.
How to Load the Top Rack of Your Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher
The top rack is perfect for smaller, more delicate items. Glasses, mugs, small bowls, and plastic containers usually go here. Loading this rack right keeps fragile items safe and clean.
Arranging Glasses and Cups
Place glasses and cups upside down on the top rack. The water sprays from below, so if cups face up, water will pool inside. Keep space between glasses to avoid them bumping and breaking during the wash cycle. Your Bosch 800 Series dishwasher often has adjustable tines—use these to fit different sizes and shapes of glasses.
Loading Plastic Containers and Lids
Plastics go on the top rack because the heat is gentler here, so they don’t melt or warp. Put containers upside down to let water flow inside. Lids can be placed at an angle or on the sides where they won’t block water spray. Make sure lids don’t fall through gaps in the rack.
Using the Fold-Down Tines and Adjustable Racks
Bosch 800 Series dishwashers come with fold-down tines that let you create more space for big or oddly shaped items. If you have a tall mug or large bowl, fold down some tines to fit it in. The top rack is often adjustable in height, too, so you can lift it if you have big pots below or lower it to fit tall glasses.
Where to Place Small Utensils and Special Items
Small utensils like measuring spoons or chopsticks can go in the top rack, but keep them in a separate area or container. Avoid putting heavy silverware here. Some Bosch models have a third rack (cutlery tray) on top—that’s the best place for knives, forks, and spoons because it keeps them separated and cleans better.
Things to Avoid on the Top Rack
Do not put sharp knives, heavy pots, or cast iron items on the top rack; they might fall or damage the rack. Avoid stacking plastic items directly on top of dishes; they can block water spray and prevent cleaning.
How to Load the Cutlery Tray and Use Dishwasher Features on Bosch 800 Series
One of the best features of the Bosch 800 Series dishwasher is the cutlery tray, a third rack on top just for silverware and small kitchen tools. It helps keep your silverware clean, separate, and easy to unload.
How to Arrange Silverware on the Cutlery Tray
Spread forks, knives, and spoons out flat in the cutlery tray. Don’t pile them on top of each other; this stops water from cleaning all sides. Mix up different utensils so they don’t nest. Place knives with the sharp edge down for safety.
Loading Special Utensils and Tools
If you have small kitchen tools like spatulas, whisks, or small ladles, the cutlery tray is a good place for them. Lay them flat and make sure they don’t block water spray or prevent the tray from sliding in fully.
Using the Third Rack to Avoid Crowding Bottom and Top Racks
The cutlery tray frees space on the bottom and top racks for bigger items. It also stops silverware from sticking together, which often happens in a silverware basket. This means better cleaning and easier unloading.
Extra Features to Use on Bosch 800 Series
Your Bosch dishwasher has helpful features like flexible racks, fold-down tines, and adjustable height. Use these to customize space based on what you need to wash. Also, many models have special wash cycles like “Heavy,” “Eco,” or “Glass.” Choose the right cycle based on the load to save energy and get better cleaning.
Tips for Best Cleaning Results
Always scrape large food scraps off plates before loading. You don’t need to rinse completely, but big chunks can block water spray or clog filters. Also, load the dishwasher fully before running it to save water and energy. If you only have a few items, use the half-load or eco mode if your Bosch dishwasher has one.
Final Thoughts
Loading your Bosch 800 Series dishwasher the right way can save you time, water, and energy while making your dishes shine. Remember to load plates and pots on the bottom rack, glasses and plastic on the top rack, and use the cutlery tray for silverware. Avoid overcrowding and blocking spray arms, and use adjustable racks to fit big items. With these tips, your dishwasher will work better and last longer. Happy washing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to put knives in the Bosch cutlery tray?
Yes, it is safe to put knives in the Bosch cutlery tray as long as you place them with the sharp edge facing down. This helps avoid accidental cuts when loading or unloading. The cutlery tray keeps knives separated from other utensils, so they clean better and don’t damage other items. Avoid placing very large or heavy knives here, as they might not fit well. Always check the user manual to see if your specific Bosch model has any special instructions about knives.
Can I put plastic containers on the bottom rack?
It’s best not to put plastic containers on the bottom rack. The bottom rack gets hotter, which can cause some plastics to melt, warp, or hold water after washing. The top rack is designed to handle plastics better because it uses gentler heat. Always place plastic containers upside down on the top rack to let water flow inside and prevent water spots or pooling. Check if your plastic containers say “dishwasher safe” before washing.
Do I need to rinse dishes before loading the Bosch dishwasher?
You don’t need to fully rinse dishes before loading, but you should scrape off large food scraps. Bosch dishwashers have powerful jets and filters designed to handle food particles. Rinsing under running water wastes water and energy. However, very sticky or burnt-on food might need soaking or gentle scraping. Always clean the dishwasher filter regularly to keep it working well.
Is it okay to overload the dishwasher racks?
No, overloading the racks can block water spray and prevent dishes from getting clean. Overcrowding causes dishes to touch each other, which can lead to poor cleaning, spots, or even breakage. Make sure water can reach every surface by spacing items apart. Use the adjustable tines and racks to fit dishes comfortably without crowding. It’s better to run the dishwasher with a full but not overloaded load to save energy and get the best results.
Can I wash wooden utensils in the Bosch dishwasher?
It’s not recommended to wash wooden utensils in the dishwasher. The heat and water can cause wood to crack, warp, or lose its finish. Hand washing wooden items is better to keep them safe and lasting longer. If you must wash small wooden utensils, place them on the top rack and use a gentle cycle, but hand washing is still the safest choice.
Do I need to use special detergent for Bosch dishwashers?
You can use regular dishwasher detergent, but Bosch recommends using high-quality detergents for the best cleaning and to protect the machine. Some detergents come in pods, powders, or gels—choose what works best for you. Avoid using regular dish soap, as it causes too many suds and can damage the dishwasher. Also, consider using a rinse aid to prevent water spots and help with drying.
Is it important to load silverware separated in the cutlery tray?
Yes, separating silverware in the cutlery tray is very important. When forks, spoons, and knives nest together, water and detergent can’t reach all surfaces, leaving spots or food behind. Spread silverware flat and mix types to avoid nesting. Knives should be placed with handles up or sharp edges down for safety. Proper loading means cleaner silverware and easier unloading.
Can I wash delicate glassware in the Bosch 800 Series dishwasher?
Yes, you can wash delicate glassware in your Bosch 800 Series dishwasher. The top rack is designed for delicate items, and the dishwasher often has a “Glass” or “Delicate” cycle that uses gentler water pressure and lower heat. Use the adjustable racks and fold-down tines to secure glassware so it won’t move during washing. Avoid overcrowding glasses, and make sure they don’t touch to prevent chips or cracks. Using a rinse aid also helps prevent water spots on glass.
