Don’t end up with broken, warped, or unclean dishes ever again.

Thankfully, dishwashers make this chore far more manageable.

However, using a dishwasher isnt always as simple as it seems.

Open built-in dishwasher machine with clean cutlery, dishes, plates in white modern kitchen. front view

Photo:Erstudiostok/Getty Images

This is the most common setting for regular, everyday dishwashing," Steckel says.

“[It] works well for typical, lightly soiled dishes like plates, bowls, and glasses.

However, there are times when you may want to use the eco-cycle.

Dont want to pre-rinse those dishes?

Theyre also ideal for outdoor meals.

Steckel advises putting melamine and plastic on the top rack because the heat can cause warping.

Then, run a Normal cycle.

Silicone is also a common material for spatulas, cutting mats, and reusable storage bags.

Steckel says the top rack is best for silicone items.

If they’re lightly used or clean, the eco cycle can also work.

Now, for those fancy China dishes, they deserve the delicate or china cycle, says Steckel.

These parameters use a gentler approach to protect your fine plates and glasses.

And remembertop rack only.

Thats where the less intense water pressure can reach them without risk of chipping or breakage.

What About All the Other prefs?

The water will not hit your dishes as hard, requiring more cleaning time, she says.

Then theres the air-dry setting.

Juneau says its ideal for plastic but can take much longer than the other drying cycles.

It’s also more energy efficient, she adds.

Your dishwasher may have other prefs not listed here, too.