DEAR ABBY: My husband and I argue over which way to put the silverware in the dishwasher. He says when he worked in restaurants he was told to put the handles down. I was taught by my Gramma to put the handles up, so when you grab the utensils to put them away you're not touching the part that goes in your mouth.
I said, "Well, when you're doing the dishes, do them your way, and when I do them, I'll do it my way." But, of course, we spend a lot of time rearranging each other's silverware. What's the correct way? -- JOELLE IN WASHINGTON
DEAR JOELLE: The answer to your question should be as simple as consulting the user handbook that came with your dishwasher. Most, if not all, brands caution owners to put knives in the basket with the points facing down. However, to prevent "nesting," spoons and forks will get optimum water pressure if they are facing up.