If I'm loading... I do it my way.... if the person doesn't want it done my way... I switch over and do another chore and let them do the dishwasher.

- Dana

I load too. Cause if "they" don't like it then they can rearrange later. Hubby always tries to load the dishwasher but I end up redoing some of it so that we can fit more in.

Clean dishes? If you know the layout of the kitchen, sure go ahead and unload. But if you don't, better off leaving them alone. I hate it when I can't find something that was put in some obsure place by someone else. I think Hubby does it on purpose to see how long it is before I freak out.

I ask for guidance as I go. My MotherInLaw's dishwasher is always VERY organized, so I'm scared to load hers. Instead? I offer to UNLOAD.

I learned from my Stepmonster......ALWAYS ask if the have a "preference" on how the dishwasher will be loaded followed by the half-serious-half-joking statement, "because you probably won't like the way I do it". But then again, I'm a guy and that statement usually makes women RUN to the kitchen.

I have caught holy hell for putting things in the wrong place in some kitchens.

If the homeowner/host/hostess/green monster is there, and doing stuff, I'll help. I'll ask for direction (would you like for me to wipe off the table? take out the trash? Finish the last of the wine? etc.) but if they are gone I will clear tables / clean plates etc but won't try and put things away.

I won't go NEAR the dishwasher without supervision.

I will go entertain kids, walk the dog, mow the lawn, whatever if it will help out.

always ask if you should put the stuff away. they may offer guidance "plates are in that cupboard there". as for the diswasher, load it, be helpful! it'll still get cleaned even if it's loaded 'wrong' that one time!

I have finally mastered the way my sister wants hers loaded, so I can help at her house. Monday she was at MY house, and I noticed that she loaded it HER way, not MINE. Not wanting to make an issue of it, I just "fixed" it after she left.

I usually ask the homeowner (who in my case is usually my aunt or another family member) if they would like me to load up the dishwasher. If I know their system I take a stab at it, if their system is unbeknownst to me, I leave it alone. Nothing worse than having to reload the dishwasher just to turn it on.

I avoid loading dishwashers at other's houses by busying myself wiping counters, scraping plates, removing dishes from the table, etc. Manual dish-washing can be tricky too - some are offended if you use too much detergent, too much water, too little water, water that is too hot or cold, a splash on the kitchen window, a drip on the floor, etc. etc. Knowing this I try to manipulate myself into a helping position that won't get me in trouble. Nevertheless I remain consistent in offering to help but if help is refused, that's okay by me.

I definitely ask if there is a preference to how the dishwasher is loaded. I thought I was the only one that had a preference, but I guess I am in good company. If someone wants to do my dishes, though, as long as nothing gets broken, I'm good.

If I was loading it, I'd load it the way I do at home. My mother never uses her dishwasher. The only time it's ever used is at Christmas when my sister and I load it up after the big dinner. We refuse to hand wash all those dishes. Handwashing is like Zen to my mother ;~)

Oh, and I always have clean dishes in the dishwasher. It's great for storage, isn't it?? lol

The only other dishwasher I ever loaded was my moms and she still says I do it wrong. I think if it were me I would just ask the people what they want. I would ask if they wanted me to unload the dishes first. If someone were at my house I would be ALL for them helping...even if they put stuff in the wrong places. I am not picky!! lol

Dishwashers are tricky business, aren't they? My folks' have theirs down to a science, so unless it is already partially filled with everything going in its proper place, I don't bother to try - I watch! LOL... Otherwise, everything I touch will be moved anyway. I know because I've watched them do it.

If people want to load at my place, I'm good with their being helpful, I'm not that picky, but I've been told that ours is a tough one to load - Guess it's good it is on its deathbed!

I definatly know how you feel. I stay at my boyfrieends house alot and he has a dishwasher...ell at my house I don't and when i am at his house I always help clear the table, but I never want to help load the dishwaser because I am never sure how to do it.

The only dishwasher I load other than my own is my mother's, and I am sure she redoes the whole thing as soon as I leave.

I totally freeze up at these moments probably because my mother never allowed me to do any work in the kitchen with her so I just basically panic when attempting to help at someone's house. Usually, I offer to help and try to find something not related to the dishes and putting things away. I prefer to be told exactly what to do rather than having to infer on my own what the appropriate thing is to do.

The only other dishwashers I've loaded is my mom's and my brother's. And since Mom taught both of us, I guess our way is her way. So there isn't much of a problem there.

As far as your situation. Don't just assume. Ask for direction, sometimes getting very specific if you need to. "Oh I see you have three racks in your dishwasher, where do you usually put your pots, plates, cups," etc.

If you're lending a hand...I don't care!! Just load away! No theory behind dish loading for me. Putting away is simple. Only 4 cupboards and 4 cabinets. Can't get too lost with that!!

Hey while you're at it will you do my laundry??? I hate laundry..GGGRRRRRRR

My mother has an anxiety attack if we dont do the dishwasher isnt done right or her dishes are in the wrong place. I usually try to do any little things that need do and always stay away from the dishwasher.

I want to know what your dishwashing oddities are. How bout a blog post about *that*.

I know not of what you speak. Since I don't have a dishwasher, I didn't realize people were that anal about the way it gets done. Wow. What an eye-opener. I wonder how many people I have upset while trying to help? Heh heh.

Wow, this post was an eye-opener! We've had a dishwasher in our various apartments for about seven years. But we are not dishwasher users. We store our rubbermaid and tupperware containers in the dishwasher, and B uses it in sterilizing bottles for home brew. It honestly never would have even occurred to me to load up someone's dishwasher. My (slight) OCD compels me to handwash dishes right after dinner, at home, or at other people's houses, and I guess that's how we've always done things at family gatherings. I just realized I must freak other people out in doing so! Thank you for alerting me to probable faux pas. I'll have to work on that!