Should You Point Silverware Up or Down in the Dishwasher? We Asked a Chef to Explain

As far as household chores go, it seems like how you load the dishwasher can be cause for some playful controversy.

Even within the same household, people often have wildly different opinions about everything from what goes on the top shelf to which items should be hand-washed, and whether or not pre-rinsing is a requirement.

One question that usually leads to debate is whether or not silverware should be loaded up or down. While we can see the argument for either approach, we decided to turn to the experts to ask for their opinions.

As it turns out, there is a right answer—and it might not be what you think.

Short Answer: Most Cutlery Should Be Pointed Down

If you’re dealing with any keen items, then professional organizer Jane Stoller says there’s no question: these should be pointed down to avoid any accidents or injuries.

“It’s best to load them facing down or facing away from us to avoid accidental cuts,” she says.

Celebrity chef Marcela Valladolid agrees. “I recommend positioning handles up and keen edges pointed down,” she says.

Like Stoller, Valladolid notes that it can be hazardous to keep the keen edges of knives and forks aimed up, especially if you have children helping out with chores like unloading the dishwasher.

It’s More Hygenic

Along with safety concerns involving the pointier ends of your cutlery, Valladolid says she prefers pointing of her flatware down, handles up. That’s because it’s more hygienic during the unloading process. 

“You don’t want to pick up flatware by the edges that you eat on with unclean fingers,” Valladolid says. “It can negate all of the good work your dishwasher does.”

Avoid Overloading

No matter which way you load your cutlery, Stoller says one thing is key: don’t overload the machine. If you’re guilty of overloading, you’re not alone—Stoller says it’s a common mistake.

This is especially true if you’re hosting a dinner party or you’ve had a busy day in the kitchen, but it only leads to inefficiency. 

“It actually puts a lot more pressure on your dishwasher and things will not get immaculate,” Stoller says.  

Valladolid agrees, noting that aiming your flatware down helps you avoid overloading.

“Because the part of the spoon or fork that you eat with takes up more space than its handle, loading them facing down can prevent you from overfilling, leading to a more effective immaculate,” she says. 

Hand Wash as Needed

While we all love our dishwashers, Stoller notes that sometimes, handwashing might be preferable. This can depend on how the item was used, as well as what material you’re working with.

“Consider hand-washing if you ate something that smears or hardens, such as rice, cakes, and greasy food,” Stoller says.

Similarly, if you’re using classic silverware, exquisite flatware, or anything made of wood, Stoller says this is best washed by hand.

Valladolid agrees, noting that these materials are best kept out of the machines because they don’t do well in high temperatures or heavy-duty detergents.

Don’t Nest Your Flatware

Whether you opt to load your utensils pointed up or down, Valladolid has one final word of warning: don’t nest—meaning don’t stick your spoons together facing the same direction.

“This makes it virtually impossible for the water and detergent to get to every spot it needs to,” she says.