How to Load a JennAir Dishwasher for Best Results

Why Loading Matters

The JennAir TriFecta wash system is designed to reach every dish from three spray arm positions — bottom, middle, and top. However, the spray arms can only clean what the water jets can reach. Improper loading blocks water flow, leaving food residue on dishes and forcing you to re-run cycles. Taking a few extra seconds to load correctly saves water, energy, detergent, and time.

Bottom Rack — Large Items

• Plates — face the soiled side toward the center of the rack, where spray pressure is strongest. Alternate large and small plates to prevent nesting.
• Pots and pans — place at an angle, open side down, along the sides or back of the rack. Do not lay them flat, as they will pool water and block the spray arm below.
• Baking sheets and cutting boards — stand them along the sides or back edge. Do not place them in front of the spray arm or they will block water to the entire rack.
• Do not block the spray arm — before pushing the rack in, spin the bottom spray arm by hand to confirm it rotates freely without hitting any loaded items.

Middle Rack — Bowls and Medium Items

• Bowls — angle them downward so water drains off rather than pooling inside. Alternate orientation for best coverage.
• Serving dishes — place along the sides if they are tall enough to interfere with the middle spray arm.
• Plastic items — load on the middle or top rack only. The bottom rack is closest to the heating element and may warp plastic items. Use a secure rack position so lightweight items do not flip over.

Top Rack — Glasses, Cups, and Small Items

• Glasses and mugs — place upside down and at an angle so water does not pool in the base of the cup. Avoid letting them touch — contact between glass items can cause chipping.
• Wine glasses — if your JennAir dishwasher has fold-down tines or stemware holders, use them to secure stems and prevent movement during the cycle.
• Small items — use the third-level silverware tray (if equipped) for small utensils, measuring spoons, and lids that would fall through rack tines.

Silverware and Flatware

• If your JennAir dishwasher has a third-level tray, lay silverware flat for the most thorough cleaning and best drying.
• If using a basket, alternate handles up and handles down to prevent nesting — spoons stacked together will not get clean.
• Place sharp knives with handles up for safety.

Items That Should Not Go in the Dishwasher

• Cast iron cookware — the dishwasher strips the seasoning
• Non-stick pans — dishwasher detergent can degrade the coating
• Crystal and hand-painted china — the harsh cycle can cause etching or fade paint
• Wooden utensils and cutting boards — wood warps and cracks
• Insulated mugs and bottles — water trapped between layers causes damage