If only high school had covered the things we really need to know. We would have had a full semester on the right way to do laundry, run the vacuum and set out the recycling. Or we’d have had to take an Advanced Placement test on how to load the dishwasher, which for most of us would have helped our daily life more than knowing how to find the length of the missing side of a triangle.

But we live in a world where trigonometry gained dominance over home economics. No wonder we can’t all get along, with everyone quarrelling about which direction silverware should face in the little flatware basket. With the goal of restoring a modicum of domestic harmony, we talked to home and cleaning experts about all things dishwasher related.

The experts offered reassurance that the struggle is real.

Morgan Eberhard, a leading principal scientist for Procter & Gamble’s North America Home Care business, hears the bickering all the time. “It’s one of the most argued-about chores between partners and roommates,” she said. “Everyone feels like their way of doing it is the right way.”

Home and lifestyle expert Jill Bauer, who is a frequent contributor on the Today show, said questions on dishwasher loading “are usually at the top of the list” from her fans.

Just in time for tonight’s after-dinner cleanup, here’s the latest on crusty pots, smeared glassware and even which way the flatware should face. No AP test required.

Load With ‘Water Reach’ In Mind

Are you always the first one to bend way over and stick that dirty cereal bowl into the far reaches of the newly empty dishwasher, thus clearing the way to more easily load the next bit of crockery? And are you expecting a medal for this?

As important as your contributions are, Eberhard said the focus on front or back pales in significance to the “water reach” issue. Considering where the water comes from is the key to proper loading, she said. “The water........

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