The art of loading the dishwasher is a tricky one to master. It is also the cause of loads of domestic arguments (just ask anyone with a dishwasher and a sibling or two). People come up with their own systems and are willing to fight bloody battles to prove their efficiency, but we are going to get a little cocky here and say we can make your system even more efficient than it already is. Next time your washer load has some extra space, fill it with one or more of the following items.

Dish drying rack

Be aware that this doesn’t apply to wooden drying racks. Don’t put wood in the washer unless the very future of the planet depends on it. However, if your drying rack is metal or plastic, an occasional trip to the dishwasher will be great. If you place your drying rack on the top tier of your dishwasher, it can also serve as a mount for plastic containers so they don’t flip over when the washer is on.

Sink strainer

The sink strainer is one of the nastiest items in your kitchen and you don’t even know. Take it off, shake it over your garbage container to get rid of any loose food scraps (so they don’t clog your sink or dishwasher filter), and toss it in the dishwasher. You’re welcome.

Microwave turntable

Washing your microwave can be a real pain, but washing the turntable plate is unbelievably simple if you have a dishwasher. Just load it up on the bottom tier along with the rest of your plates and say goodbye to all the splatter!

A vinegar bowl

Regular use of dishwasher means your dishes are often met with hard water and possibly look a little cloudy even when they’ve just been cleaned. An easy way to combat this effect is to stick a (dishwasher-safe) bowl with vinegar on the washer’s top tier once every few loads.