You should place bowls facing down in the dishwasher. Here's why:
Effective Cleaning: Placing bowls facing down allows the water spray from the dishwasher's jets to reach the interior and exterior surfaces of the bowls directly. This ensures more effective cleaning as the water can wash away food particles and debris from the concave side of the bowl.
Avoid Water Accumulation: When bowls are placed facing up, they can trap water inside, creating a pool where water and detergent residue may collect. This can lead to incomplete rinsing and potentially leave detergent spots or residues on your dishes.
Stability: Placing bowls facing down provides better stability during the dishwasher's washing and drying cycles. Bowls are less likely to move around or flip over during the cleaning process, reducing the chance of collisions that could lead to chipping or breakage.
Proper Drainage: Placing bowls facing down allows any water that may accumulate on the dishware during the wash cycle to drain away effectively. This helps to ensure that the dishes dry properly during the drying phase.
Optimal Use of Space: Placing bowls facing down helps maximize the use of space in the dishwasher. This arrangement allows for more dishes to be loaded into the dishwasher, ensuring that you can wash a larger quantity of items in a single cycle.
It's worth noting that while placing bowls facing down is generally the recommended practice, there may be some exceptions. Very shallow bowls or bowls with certain delicate designs or decorations might benefit from being placed facing up to avoid potential damage. In such cases, it's best to consult the manufacturer's guidelines or use your dishwasher's designated rack for more delicate items.