To take the fuss out of cleaning small items in your dishwasher, take a note from your laundry process and buy one simple product that will change the game.

To wash in the dishwasher, place sponges on the top rack or in the silverware basket and run a regular wash cycle with a "heated dry" setting. Sponges should be replaced every two weeks. 7.

As to whether cutlery facing up in the dishwasher basket gets cleaner than if it’s facing down, Ek says the difference is likely marginal. Instead, how you load them is more of a safety issue.