Stop Fighting That Tall Serving Platter: How to Adjust Your Dishwasher Racks

Difficulty: Novice
Time: 5 minutes
Cost: Free

Why You'll Like This

Ever tried to jam a giant water bottle or an awkward serving dish into the rack, then sighed and washed it by hand anyway? Here's the thing most people don't realize, your dishwasher racks are not fixed in stone. Nearly every modern dishwasher comes with adjustable racks that raise or lower in seconds, no tools required. Yes, really. This one tweak turns your dishwasher from a rigid box into a flexible cleaning system that fits your life. Once you nail the adjustment, you'll wonder why you spent years wrestling with dishes that never quite fit.

The bottom line, your dishwasher is more flexible than you probably realized. Avoid overcrowding, which prevents proper water circulation and reduces cleaning effectiveness, and do not be shy about adjusting the racks for each load. A small change, raising or lowering the rack by a few inches, can be the difference between cramming everything in and having a dishwasher that actually works with your dishes instead of against them.