Stop! Don’t Put that in the Dishwasher

Dishwashers are one of the most amazing modern appliances in existence. Yes, it can feel like yours always needs emptying, but the alternative, washing everything by hand, is far worse. Unfortunately, however, not everything goes in the dishwasher! So, to ensure your dishes, and your dishwasher, remain unscathed here are a few items that should not be put through a wash cycle. 

Wood   

Wood does not belong in the dishwasher. The high heat and humidity of the dishwasher will warp the wood or even cause it to separate and fall apart. Anything wooden is best left to handwashing and immediate drying. We know it’s tempting but avoid putting those wooden utensils or your wooden cutting board into your favourite appliance. 

Cast Iron  

If cared for properly, you can keep your cast iron beautiful for years to come. Not placing it in the dishwasher is one step that can help ensure that happens. The amount of water, humidity and detergents in a dishwasher will strip away all the layers of oil that make cast iron pans work so well, eventually causing them to rust. Plain water and an abrasive brush or salt, and some oil when it’s dry, are all your cast iron needs.   

Insulated Mugs or Bottles 

You are doing your part for the environment by putting your hot beverage in a reusable, insulated mug, which is fantastic. Unfortunately, a travel mug may take a little more effort than you originally thought; you’ll have to hand wash it. The high, prolonged heat of the dishwasher puts the seal, which helps keep your beverage hot, at risk. Luckily, these mugs are easy to wash and ready for your favourite beverage on the go.  

Sharp Knives  

Unless the manufacturer specifically says otherwise, sharp knives will dull much quicker in the dishwasher than they would if you washed them by hand. The blade can also cause damage to your dishwasher. Unless you prefer your knives dull, keep them out of the dishwasher.   

Non-stick  

More and more, manufacturers are making cookware “dishwasher safe”, and if yours explicitly says it is, you can put it in the dishwasher. But the high heat and pressure can wear down the non-stick finish on these items and cause them to flake off or crack. Once that happens, the item starts to develop rust or fails to be non-stick. These are best to handwash and do so only with non-abrasive cleaning tools.   

A Few More! 

  • Vintage plates or China 

  • Cheese grater 

  • Copper pans, pots or mugs 

  • Pressure cooker lids 

  • Plastic (unless marked as dishwasher safe)

This is by no means an exhaustive list of what shouldn’t go in your dishwasher, but these are some of the most common things people add to their dishwasher that would be better handwashed. A little effort, and proper maintenance now, will mean longevity for your kitchenware and your dishwasher saving you time and money in the long run.

plumbingEditor of Action Plumbing Blogdishwasher