The dishwasher is one of the greatest kitchen conveniences, but not everything is dishwasher-safe. Some items can get damaged, lose quality, or even damage your dishwasher if washed this way. Knowing what doesn't belong is essential to avoid ruining your favorite kitchen tools or causing a dishwasher disaster. Here are some things that should never go in the dishwasher.
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Cast Iron Skillets
Cast iron skillets are durable, but they need special care. Dishwashers can strip away their seasoning, which is essential for non-stick cooking. The hot water and harsh detergents can also cause rust, ruining your skillet.
Instead, hand wash with warm water and a little salt, then dry thoroughly. Always reapply oil to keep it seasoned and ready to use. Protecting your cast iron ensures it lasts a lifetime!
Wooden Utensils and Cutting Boards
Wooden items don’t fare well in dishwashers. The high heat and water can cause the wood to crack or warp over time. This leads to a shorter lifespan for your favorite wooden spoons or cutting boards.
Plus, the moisture can cause bacteria to grow in the cracks. Always hand wash wooden utensils with warm, soapy water and let them air dry completely. Proper care will keep them in great shape for years.
Sharp Knives
Your sharp kitchen knives should never go in the dishwasher. The high heat and water pressure can dull the blades, making them less effective.
Plus, knives can bang against other items in the dishwasher, leading to nicks or chips. It’s best to hand wash your knives with mild soap and water, then dry them immediately. Keeping them sharp will make cooking easier and safer.
Nonstick Cookware
While nonstick pans are great for easy cooking and cleaning, they’re not made for the dishwasher. The strong detergents and high heat can break down the nonstick coating, making your pans less effective over time.
This can also release harmful chemicals into your food. To keep your nonstick cookware in top shape, wash it by hand with a gentle sponge. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the surface.
Copper Pots and Pans
Copper cookware is beautiful, but it’s also delicate. The dishwasher’s harsh environment can tarnish and dull the shiny finish of copper pots and pans, leading to corrosion over time.
Hand wash your copper items with a soft sponge and mild soap to keep them looking new. Polishing them occasionally will also help maintain their bright, beautiful appearance.
Crystal Glassware
Crystal glassware is often delicate and expensive, making it unsuitable for the dishwasher. The high water pressure can cause these fragile glasses to crack or shatter. Even if they survive a cycle, the detergent can make them cloudy or dull over time.
Always hand wash crystal with warm, soapy water to preserve its sparkle. This extra care will help protect your investment for special occasions.
Insulated Travel Mugs
Insulated travel mugs are perfect for keeping drinks hot or cold, but they’re not dishwasher-friendly. The dishwasher’s high heat can break the vacuum seal that keeps your beverages at the right temperature.
Without the seal, your travel mug will lose its insulating properties. Always check the label for cleaning instructions and hand wash these mugs if necessary. This will help them last longer and perform better.
Aluminum Cookware
Aluminum pots, pans, and utensils can get damaged in the dishwasher. The hot water and detergent can cause aluminum to oxidize, leaving a dull or discolored finish. Over time, this can weaken the metal and make it more prone to scratches.
Hand washing is the best way to clean aluminum without ruining its appearance. Drying it immediately also helps prevent water spots and discoloration.
Gold-Plated Cutlery
Gold-plated cutlery may look luxurious, but it’s not meant for the dishwasher. The intense heat and strong detergents can cause the gold to wear away, leaving your cutlery looking dull and faded.
If you want to keep your gold-plated items in pristine condition, washing them gently by hand is best. Use mild soap and avoid harsh scrubbing to maintain their shine.
Non-Dishwasher Safe Plastics
Not all plastics are dishwasher-safe. Some plastics can warp or melt in high heat, especially if placed on the lower rack near the heating element.
Check for a dishwasher-safe label on plastic items before tossing them in. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to hand wash them to avoid damage. Warped plastics can leak harmful chemicals, so proper care is key.
Silver-Plated Items
Silver-plated items can tarnish quickly in the dishwasher. The detergent and water can strip away the silver layer, dulling and damaging it. To keep silver-plated items looking their best, hand wash them in warm, soapy water and dry them immediately.
This extra care will help preserve their shine and prevent tarnishing. Regular polishing can also keep them in good condition for special occasions.
Milk Glass
Milk glass is known for its beautiful, opaque appearance but can lose its charm in the dishwasher. The hot water and detergents can cause milk glass to fade or discolor over time. To keep your vintage milk glass looking bright, it’s best to wash it by hand.
Use mild soap and a soft cloth to clean, and dry it thoroughly to avoid water spots. This gentle treatment will help maintain its unique beauty.
Fine China
Your fine china may be durable enough for special dinners, but it’s too delicate for the dishwasher. The high heat and detergents can cause patterns and gold trim to fade or peel.
Fine china can chip or crack if it bumps against other items. Hand wash your china with care, using gentle soap and warm water. This will help preserve its beauty and elegance for generations.
Graters and Microplanes
Graters and microplanes have sharp edges that can easily be damaged in the dishwasher. The force of the water can dull the blades, making them less effective.
Small food particles can get stuck in the tiny holes, even after a full cycle. To keep your graters sharp and clean, it’s best to wash them by hand. A brush can help remove any food residue before washing.
Anything with Labels
Items with labels or stickers should never go in the dishwasher. The water and heat can loosen the labels, causing them to peel off and clog your dishwasher.
The adhesive can also leave a sticky residue inside your machine. Before washing, always remove any labels and wash the item by hand if necessary. This will help keep your dishwasher running smoothly and prevent any damage.
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