Should you point your silverware up or down in the dishwasher? Experts warn getting it wrong could ruin your silverware, and even be fatal

Loading the dishwasher is a polarizing task that many people have a strong opinion on. So much so, that it is comedically known as one of the main causes of arguments between families and housemates alike.

Although the attention is usually on the many ways people stack pans or the best place to put mugs, cleaning experts say your flatware should be at the forefront of your mind. Most notably, should you point your silverware up or down in the dishwasher?

Here, they explain how to load a dishwasher properly with your finest silverware to keep them looking their best and achieve a superior clean.

Should you point your silverware up or down in the dishwasher?

While it might not seem like too big of a deal, the direction your silverware points in a dishwasher can have a big impact both on how clean it comes out, and how long it lasts. Stack them incorrectly, and you might start to notice the signs it's time to replace your flatware sooner than you should. It is, therefore, a big dishwasher mistake that experts urge you to avoid.

According to Marcela Valladolid, celebrity chef and cleaning ambassador at Pinalen, Cloralen, and Ensueno Laundry, ‘Your silverware should be loaded downwards so that the handles are exposed and sharp points on forks and knives are tucked away.

‘This is your best bet for a few reasons,’ she says.

1. It keeps them sharp

Pointing your flatware downwards in a dishwasher is the best way to keep your best flatware sets sharp without the need to sharpen them yourself.

Marcela Valladolid, chef and cleaning expert says, ‘Most importantly, it will extend your flatware's lifespan. When loaded upwards, silverware can clink against each other during the wash cycle and create scratches. Another thing to consider is that hot water, while necessary to clean, can actually dull edges and warp blades so loading your silverware face down into the cages will act as a shield to prevent direct exposure and protect from damage.’

How you stack your silverware in the dishwasher is only one part of this. You also need to know how to store flatware correctly to prevent long-term damage and keep your sets looking and functioning at their best.

2. It is safer for you

Pointing your flatware downwards is also a safe choice, helping to keep you from cutting your hand when unloading a dishwasher and organizing a kitchen at the end of each day, adds Elizabeth Brown, certified holistic chef and owner of The Kitchen Vixen.

She points out, ‘If you hastily grab a bunch of flatware out of the dishwasher basket, and the sharp sides are sticking up, there can be detrimental consequences to your fingers, hands, or arms. There is also the issue of depth perception and being distracted as you unload a dishwasher. When I was a child, a friend of my parents was unloading the dishwasher, bent down to grab a cup, and did not see the knife sticking up out of the basket. A sharp knife went into his eye. It is a small detail, but it really matters.’

3. It is more hygienic

There is little point in washing your silverware and cleaning a kitchen to avoid food contamination if you are going to handle your flatware by the prongs when unloading, says Marcela Valladolid, chef and cleaning expert.

She says, ‘Another top reason to load your flatware down is that it’s simply more hygienic. When you’re unloading the dishwasher and organizing them back into drawers, you don’t want to grab the edges with your hands (yuck!). If your utensils are already loaded face down then you can grab them from the handles and keep everything clean and sanitary.'

Of course, it also helps to invest in a high-quality dishwasher detergent, such as the best-selling Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pacs, available at Walmart, which are designed to prevent hard water marks and stains on your flatware, plates, and glasses for sparkling results every cycle.

All prices are correct at the time of publication.

Not all the best dishwashers are made alike, however. Some appliances have baskets designed specifically for utensils to slot in the handle down, with little to no space to stack them in the safest way. It is always a good idea to check your appliance's instructions first if you think this is the case to avoid damaging your silverware or your appliance.