Silverware in Dishwasher - UP or DOWN?

[AviatorTom]

There's a long-time debate about the correct (preferred?) way to load silverware in a dishwasher. UP (fork tines up) or DOWN (fork tines down).

Which do you do?

Please vote in the poll below.

Silverware UP

Silverware DOWN

Whatever - I don't pay attention

Something else - please tell us

Updates

+1 y

Several people have pointed out another option... silverware up, knives (and pointy things) down. That's what my SO and I do.

[ShellyB]

Down, for two reasons, one is it is easier to get knives out, the other is that you don’t touch the eating surfaces as much when taking it out.

[DeeDeeDeVour]

Everything up except knives.

[DryGermanGuy]

Down, simply for hygienic reasons: Why would you want to touch the part that goes in your food with potentially unclean hands?

[AviatorTom]

@DryGermanGuy Since you asked, my hands may be cleaner than the food particles etc at the bottom of the basket that get stuck to the silverware.

[DryGermanGuy]

They might be. But why are there food particles in your dishwasher? I have used a dozen different machines and that was a complete exception (silverware or plates too dirty).

[OlderAndWiser]

Forks, spoons, case knives up; sharp knives down.

[msmissydc]

I mean yes, I agree here for the most part. But why sharp knives in the dishwasher at all?

[abc3643]

My silverware is laid flat in a tray.

Bosch MyWay™ Rack Silverware Accessory SMZ4026

[Cuminginside]

It goes on the roof of the dishwasher

[TadCurious]

Silverware down of course. You don't want to unload them by the end that goes in your mouth.

[AviatorTom]

@TadCurious So you'd rather have the food particles etc at the bottom of the basket that get stuck to the silverware?

[TadCurious]

That's never been an issue for me.

[Miristheiss]

To make it fit better I mix them up. Some are up and some are down. More can fit (like yin and yang, or "69").

The only exception is knives. Knives always point DOWN!

[menina]

I put them down because that's what the instruction guide says.

[DJB72]

Up so the dirt and bacteria drain down to the handles instead of collecting on the tines and blades.

[bolverk]

None of the above, I do not have a dish washer, so everything is hand washed.

[OtterMan68]

spoons, butter knives, and forks up, steak knives and other pointy or sharp knives down.

[Awesomesauce2005]

Up, because i want to fall and die just like the housemaid in Chucky lol

[ArrowheadSW]

I never use my dishwasher. I just wash the dishes mostly after use.

[RebelinSteel]

Down if they have fitted handles as you don’t want the handles draining.

[Boomchakalaca]

Down… why would u wanna cut urself if they r up

[PBandJ_Nerd]

We put them downwards.

[electromagnetic]

Silverware up so the water can hit the tips

[KrakenAttackin]

Dishwashers are designed for the cutting edges and tines DOWN. Just read your owners manual.

[purplepoppy]

I don't worry too much

[OfMiceandMen]

I usually set it upright.

[Kathy1111]

we do it down

[RedInnocent69]

Knives down. Others up.

[exitseven]

forks snd spoons UP and knives DOWN

[LavLavLuv]

Silverware up

[msc545]

UP except knives which are DOWN.

[Bklynbadboy12]

Everything down