Is there a proper way to load a dishwasher?

While you could just cram everything in helter-skelter, here are a few rules for getting the most out of every wash.

1) The used ends of forks and spoons should face up and benefit from the full force of the spray, while the knives (for safety reasons during the unload) should face down.

2) Utensils should be mixed in together in different silverware baskets. This prevents utensil "nestling" whereby spoons spoon and don’t get clean.

3) Though most of us tend to group plates together by size, a staggered, Manhattan-skylinish arrangement allows better circulation of the cleaning solution.

4) Bowls are often tricky. Usually we wedge them in with the plates. However, in most dishwashers the middle section of the top rack is designed for bowls.

5) With glassware, rather than putting glasses over the prongs in the top rack, they should go in between so they don't touch at all -- with all the heat, they are more prone to break if they are touching another glass.

Reference: What is a Dutch oven?
Reference: Cookthink PSA: Buy tongs!
Reference: Do I need a digital instant-read meat thermometer?