Dishwasher Hack Unlocks More Space

Experts share a simple trick to maximize dishwasher capacity.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 10:00pm

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Cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab reveal a little-known dishwasher feature that can create more space for loading larger items. By adjusting the top rack up or down, users can fit more dishes, pans, and glassware in their dishwasher.

Why it matters

Maximizing dishwasher capacity is an ongoing challenge for many households, especially when trying to clean larger cookware and serveware. This simple adjustment can help people load their dishwashers more efficiently and reduce the number of times they have to run a load.

The details

Many modern dishwashers have a feature that allows the top rack to be adjusted up or down to create more space. This is typically done by using levers on the sides of the rack or by removing the rack and repositioning it on different rows of wheels inside the dishwasher. Experts caution that when adjusting the rack, users should ensure the bottom spray arm has enough clearance to rotate freely without hitting any dishes.

  • The Good Housekeeping article was published on March 14, 2026.

The players

Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab

The product testing and review division of Good Housekeeping magazine that provides expert advice on home cleaning and maintenance.

Noah Pinsonnault

Home Care and Cleaning Reviews Analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

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What they’re saying

“When adjusting the rack, make sure that the rotating spray arm attached to the bottom has enough space to spin freely without hitting dishes on the bottom rack.”

— Noah Pinsonnault, Home Care and Cleaning Reviews Analyst

The takeaway

This simple dishwasher rack adjustment can help people maximize their appliance's capacity and load larger items more efficiently, reducing the number of wash cycles needed and saving time on kitchen cleanup.