Stop! Don’t Put These 15 Items in Your Dishwasher (You’ll Thank Us Later!)

Dishwashers are a lifesaver in the kitchen, making clean-up easy and quick. However, not everything belongs in the dishwasher! Here are 15 things you should never put in your dishwasher, along with why they need special care! Putting the wrong items in can damage your belongings and even the machine itself. That’s why it’s important to know what shouldn’t go in to keep both your dishes and dishwasher in top shape!

Kitchen Knives, Scissors and Sharp-Edged Tools

Dishwashers can dull the sharp edges of knives and other cutting tools. The powerful water jets can cause them to knock against other items, damaging both the blades and the dishes. High temperatures and detergents can also cause corrosion. Hand washing preserves their sharpness and longevity.

Cast Iron Skillet Cookware

Cast iron cookware, including skillets and Dutch ovens, should never go in the dishwasher. The dishwasher’s water and detergent can strip away the seasoning, causing the cast iron to rust and lose its non-stick properties. Additionally, the high heat can cause the cast iron to crack. Clean your cast iron cookware properly by hand washing with mild soap and water and season it using the right oil to avoid rust build-up.

Fragile Plates, Delicate Glassware, Fine China

The intense cleaning cycle of a dishwasher can be too rough for fragile items. Plus, they can chip, crack, or completely break. The heat can also cause delicate patterns to fade. Hand washing ensures they stay beautiful and intact.

Anything Wood

Wooden cutting boards, utensils, and bowls can warp, crack, or split in the dishwasher. The heat and water cause the wood to swell and dry out unevenly. This can lead to a shorter lifespan and potential health risks from trapped bacteria. To maintain your wooden cutting boards and other wooden kitchen tools, washing by hand and drying immediately is the safest method.

Anything Mechanical

Kitchen tools like hand mixers, can openers, and meat grinders contain small mechanical parts that can be damaged by dishwasher cycles. Water can get into the mechanisms and cause rust or electrical failures. It’s best to clean these items by hand to ensure they continue to work properly.

Air Fryer Basket

While some air fryer baskets are labeled as dishwasher safe, the high heat and detergent can degrade their non-stick coating over time. This can affect their cooking performance and make them harder to clean. To clean your air fryer basket properly, washing by hand with a gentle sponge and soapy water keeps them in good condition.

Aluminum Cookware

Aluminum pots, pans, and baking sheets can develop dark spots and a dull finish in the dishwasher. The detergent and minerals in the water can cause a chemical reaction, tarnishing the metal. Hand washing keeps them looking shiny and new. Additionally, avoid abrasive scrubbing to prevent scratches.

Plastic Items

Even dishwasher-safe plastics can suffer from high heat and harsh detergents. They can warp, melt, or release harmful chemicals. Lightweight items can also get tossed around and damaged. Washing plastic by hand with warm, soapy water is safer.

Graters

Graters have small, sharp holes that can be difficult to clean completely in a dishwasher. Food particles can get stuck, leading to bacteria growth. The dishwasher can also dull the grater’s sharp edges. It’s more effective to wash them by hand using a brush.

Silicone Baby Products

Baby bottles, pacifiers, and silicone feeding plates and utensils should be handled with extra care. The dishwasher can cause them to deteriorate faster. Hand washing with mild soap ensures they remain safe for your baby to use.

Insulated Mugs and Bottles

The high heat of the dishwasher can damage the vacuum seal of insulated mugs and bottles. This reduces their ability to keep drinks hot or cold. It can also cause water to get trapped between the layers.

Copper Pans

Copper pans are prized for their excellent heat conductivity, but they are also prone to tarnishing. The harsh environment of the dishwasher can strip away the shiny surface and cause discoloration. To maintain their beauty, wash them by hand using a gentle cleanser.

Crystal Glassware

Crystal glasses are delicate and can easily crack or break in the dishwasher. As a result, the high heat and strong detergents can also cause the crystal to become cloudy. To keep them sparkling, wash them by hand with warm water and mild detergent.

Measuring Cups

Measuring cups, especially those made from plastic or with printed measurement markings, should be washed by hand. The heat and strong water jets in dishwashers can cause the printed measurements to eventually fade or wear off over time. Additionally, plastic measuring cups may warp or become brittle with repeated exposure to high temperatures and detergents.

Painted Ceramics

Painted ceramics are often crafted with intricate designs and delicate finishes that can be damaged in a dishwasher. The high heat and abrasive detergents can cause colors to fade or bleed, and fragile details may chip or crack. To protect their artistic integrity, hand wash hand-painted ceramics using a soft cloth and mild soap. Then, gently dry them with a towel afterward to help maintain their vibrant colors and intricate patterns for years to come.