Dishwasher Don'ts: What Not to Throw in

Dishwashers are our trusty kitchen sidekicks, but even heroes have their limits. Some items, though, should never be tossed into the soapy abyss unless you want a disaster on your hands. From your favorite nonstick pan losing its shine to delicate glassware becoming a casualty of war, there are certain things that just don’t belong in the dishwasher.  

11 Things You Should Never Put in a Dishwasher 

So, grab a cup of coffee and take notes—this guide will help you avoid the kitchen chaos that happens when you mix your dishwasher with the wrong items. Trust us, your cookware will be thankful! 

1. Sharp-Edged Tools 

Firstly, Sharp-edged tools, like knives and scissors, are best kept out of the dishwasher. The heat and water pressure can dull the blades, making them less effective over time. Plus, they can bump into other items, causing damage. For the best results, it's a good idea to hand wash and dry them right away to keep them sharp and in great condition! 

2. Delicate Kitchenware  

Secondly, delicate kitchenware, such as fine China, crystal glassware, and hand-painted items, should never be put in the dishwasher. The high heat and strong water pressure can cause cracks, chips, or fading. Instead, wash these items by hand with mild detergent and a gentle touch to preserve their beauty and longevity. 

3. Wooden Spoons and Board  

In addition, anything wood should not go into the dishwasher. Wooden spoons and cutting boards should never go in the dishwasher, as the heat and moisture can cause the wood to warp, crack, or lose its natural finish. Instead, wash them by hand with warm, soapy water and dry them immediately. To keep them in good condition, occasionally oil the wood to maintain its strength and appearance. 

4. Kitchen Appliances' Parts  

Machine parts, like blender blades or food processor components, should never be placed in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh detergent can damage delicate mechanisms, causing them to rust or malfunction. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning, and when in doubt, hand wash these parts to keep your appliances working smoothly. This also goes for air fryer baskets, pasta rollers, and meat grinders. 

5. Natural Stone 

The most common mistake is dishwashing natural stone items, like granite, marble, or stoneware. On the contrary, these should never be put in the dishwasher. The intense heat and harsh detergents can cause the stone to crack, discolor, or lose its luster. To preserve their beauty and longevity, hand wash these items with mild soap and warm water. 

6. Some Types of Plastics 

Certain types of plastic are not dishwasher safe and can warp, melt, or discolor. Plastics marked with numbers 3, 6, or 7, such as PVC, polystyrene, and polycarbonate, are particularly vulnerable to high dishwasher temperatures. Therefore, always check the label for dishwasher-safe symbols and wash these plastics by hand to keep them intact. 

7. Hollow Handles  

Hollow-handled utensils, such as whisks, knives, or spoons, should be kept out of the dishwasher. The heat and water pressure can cause the handle to loosen, break, or fill with water, leading to potential damage or a weakened structure. Carefully hand wash these items to ensure they stay secure and functional. 

8. Nonstick Cookware  

Furthermore, nonstick cookware should be hand-washed to preserve its coating. The harsh detergents paired with heat in a dishwasher can damage the nonstick surface, causing it to degrade and lose its effectiveness. Over time, this could lead to food sticking, and even worse, the pan could release harmful chemicals. Treat your nonstick pans gently to extend their lifespan! 

9. Cast Irons  

High heat and moisture can ruin cast iron skillets. If you dishwash anything cast iron, these two can strip away the seasoning, causing rust and damage to the surface. Instead, wash them by hand with hot water, dry thoroughly, and apply a light layer of oil to maintain their natural nonstick surface. 

10. Aluminum Cookware  

This is a big No-No. Aluminum cookware should always avoid the dishwasher. Putting them in a dishwasher will cause discoloration, pitting, and corrosion over time. To keep your aluminum cookware looking its best, wash it by hand with mild soap and warm water. Dry it immediately to prevent any potential damage from moisture. 

11. Cheese Graters 

We bet you did not know this. Cheese graters should never go in the dishwasher. The sharp blades can get damaged, and the heat may warp the grater. Additionally, the small holes can get clogged with food particles that the dishwasher might not clean thoroughly. To keep your cheese grater in top shape, wash it by hand with warm, soapy water and a brush to clean between the holes. 

So, there you have it - your dishwasher isn’t a magic cleaning machine, it’s a little picky. Next time you’re tempted to throw everything in, remember: not all kitchen items are dishwasher friendly. Take a moment to hand wash these precious items and save yourself from kitchen chaos (and a possible meltdown).