Does a Full Load Strain My Dishwasher?

General Information

• Generally speaking, using full loads in your dishwasher won't cause strain. In fact, dishwasher manufacturers and the California Energy Commission recommend only using full loads in the dishwasher. Because full loads and partial loads consume equal amounts of energy and water, smaller loads actually cause you to run the dishwasher more frequently and wear out the appliance faster. If you're not loading your dishwasher correctly, you may be straining it or causing other problems.

Preparing Dishes

• Dishwashers are efficient today, so dishes don't require a lot of preparation work. Scrape off any large food particles but don't rinse the dishes, recommends "Good Housekeeping." Use a detergent that is specially formulated for dishwashers. Look for ingredients such as non-ionic and sodium carbonate, which soften the water and remove grease. Using the right kind of detergent and preparing your dishes appropriately will help avoid overstraining your dishwasher.

Loading the Dishwasher

• The goal when loading your dishwasher is to expose each item to the spinning arm that shoots out water. A full load consists of eight place settings and six sets of silverware, according to the website Horizon Services. Any more than this could cause overloading and performance issues. Angle your dishes so they face the water spout. Glasses and coffee mugs should be between the tines on the top rack; place dishes and bowls on the bottom rack. Any pots or pans should be placed on the bottom rack of the dishwasher so they don't block water and detergent from reaching the plates behind them.

Other Problems

• Loading your dishwasher incorrectly can cause additional problems such as broken or dirty dishes and glasses. Place any plastic items securely between tines so they don't become loose during the washing cycle and melt. Melt causes problems with the heating element. Clean out the filter according to your manufacturer's instructions to further avoid straining your dishwasher.