How I load bowls without blocking the spray arms

I used to think loading bowls was basically just a matter of fitting as many as possible into the bottom rack. Then I noticed some loads were coming out noticeably dirtier than others.

The problem was how I was angling the bowls.

If you put several deep bowls upright and pack them tightly together, one bowl can basically shield the next one from the spray. The dishwasher may be running perfectly, but the water can't reach the inside surfaces properly.

Now I angle my bowls toward the center of the rack and leave a little space between them. I also make sure the openings aren't facing directly into the side of another bowl. Before starting the dishwasher, I give the lower spray arm a quick spin by hand to make sure nothing is sitting in its path.

That last check takes about two seconds and has saved me from a lot of rewashing.

I've found that loading a dishwasher is less about cramming everything in and more about giving the water somewhere to travel.