A device and a method enable items disposed in at least one dish rack of a dishwasher and having different degrees of dirtiness or soiling to be cleaned in an optimum manner, according to the degree of dirtiness or soiling. The device for washing items includes a control mechanism for controlling specific areas of a spraying device during a washing process. The spraying device is integrated into the at least one dish rack. The method for washing items includes supplying washing liquid from specific areas of the spraying device disposed below the dish rack to regions of the dish rack disposed directly above in a targeted manner through blocking devices respectively associated with the specific areas. Each specific area is controlled by a control mechanism.