Whether bowls should be placed face down or face up in a dishwasher can vary depending on the specific dishwasher model and the design of the bowl. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide:
Face Down (Recommended): Placing bowls face down in the dishwasher is the more common and recommended practice for several reasons:
Better Cleaning Performance: When bowls are placed face down, water and detergent can reach the interior and underside of the bowl more effectively, leading to better cleaning results.
Stability and Security: Placing bowls face down helps keep them stable during the wash cycle, reducing the risk of them flipping over or filling with water, which could happen if they are face up.
Space Efficiency: Bowls are generally more compact when placed face down, which allows you to fit more items in the dishwasher and maximize its capacity.
Avoid Water Collection: If the bowls have concave bottoms or any indentations, placing them face down prevents water from collecting in those spaces, which could lead to poor cleaning and potential bacterial growth.
Face Up (In Specific Cases): There are some instances where placing bowls face up may be necessary or preferable:
Delicate or Hand-Painted Bowls: If your bowls have delicate patterns, hand-painted designs, or fragile surfaces on the interior, placing them face up can help protect them from potential damage during the wash cycle.
Nesting Bowls: When you have nesting bowls, placing them face up can prevent them from becoming suctioned together during the wash, making it easier to separate them when unloading.
Water Collection on Rims: In some bowls, water might collect on the rim or lip when placed face down. In such cases, it's better to place them face up to avoid water pooling and potentially spilling over.
It's essential to consider the shape, material, and design of your bowls when deciding how to load them into the dishwasher. Additionally, refer to the dishwasher's user manual for any specific loading recommendations provided by the manufacturer.
In general, if your bowls are standard, durable, and without intricate designs on the interior, placing them face down will likely result in better cleaning performance and more efficient use of space. However, for delicate or unique bowls, you may want to place them face up to ensure their protection during the wash cycle.