The Genius Dishwasher Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

For years, I lived without a dishwasher, so when I finally got one, it felt like a luxury— especially when cleaning up after six kids!

That is, until the constant bending over to load and unload started wearing on me. It’s amazing how something meant to save time can feel like such a chore! Recently, though, a TikTok video completely changed my perspective.

The video, which was shared by PureWow (@purewow), gave me a life-changing way to unload my dishwasher and I can't wait to give it a try in my kitchen. I love a good cleaning hack!

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An Easier Way to Unload the Dishwasher

In the video, a woman starts unloading her dishwasher the traditional way—bending over and moving things out of the bottom basket—but then she has an "ah ha" moment. To make it easier to deal with the dishes, she takes the basket out of the dishwasher and sets it on the counter!

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Most dishwashers are designed with a pull-out lower rack that can be completely lifted out. Carefully slide it out and set it on your counter to unload the clean dishes. Mind blown!

This eliminates the constant bending and makes unloading dishes faster and easier. You can quickly grab plates, bowls, and utensils at counter height, reducing strain on your back. Once emptied, slide the basket back in place, and you’re done! It’s an effortless hack that simplifies your routine, especially when dealing with bulkier items.

When removing the bottom dishwasher basket, ensure that the dishwasher is off and lift it carefully to prevent breaking your dishes. Place it on a stable, clean surface to avoid slipping or damage. Always check for sharp edges or utensils sticking out before handling so that you don't injure yourself.

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The Even Smarter Dishwasher Tip I Found in the Comments

Another mystery in my kitchen is how my silverware keeps ending up in the garbage disposal. Okay, let's be real. That's not a mystery—it's kids!

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Every time I hear that awful grinding sound, I brace myself and pray the spoon isn’t mangled beyond recognition, and I'd love to keep this from happening.

I can't say that I'd recommend reading social media comments all of the time, but this time it really paid off. In the comments of the TikTok video shared by PureWow, someone suggested removing the dishwasher’s utensil basket and placing it in the sink. Throughout the day, you load dirty silverware directly into the basket, which can make loading the dishwasher faster and easier and it keeps the silverware out of the sink—and away from the disposal!

When it’s time to run the dishwasher, you simply pop the whole basket back into the machine! This simple hack solves two problems at once and it's a total game-changer for me—and my silverware drawer.

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