Let’s face it, we’d be lost without our dishwashers. They save us countless hours and a lot of elbow grease every week so that we can enjoy our free time. But there are just certain utensils that you should never think to put in your dishwasher. Check them out to avoid hurting your beloved dishwasher.
- SHARP KNIVES Did you pay dearly for this chef’s
knife? Avoid placing it in the dishwasher as it will wear out or dull faster.
Many people have learned this lesson the hard way (and this is what we try to avoid for you): hollow handles are not strong enough to withstand the heat of a dishwasher – they are more than likely to melt or warp after a short trip to the dishwasher.- NON-STICK POTS AND PANS AND CAST IRON SKILLETS
If you want your pans to stay really non-stick, you should probably wash them by hand. All you have to do is wipe with a dab of washing-up liquid and you’re done! - So when it comes to your cast iron pans, you should never put them in the dishwasher either. Detergents may destroy them immediately.
- CRYSTAL AND BLOWN
GLASS Crystal and hand-blown glass are sensitive to heat, so putting them in the dishwasher can chip them, not to mention that strong detergents cause them to lose their shine. - GRTS & SIEVES
Any sharp-edged cookware should not be put in the dishwasher, including graters and sieves. These can cut into the plastic coating of the shelves and rust will start to form on them. - Also, if you cram objects with small holes in the dishwasher, it is almost impossible for the water jet to remove all food particles. Again, hand wash for best results.
- ANYTHING WOODEN
Wash these wooden spoons, bowls and cutting boards by hand, the heat of the dishwasher could warp them. Harsh detergents could also damage the finish of wooden utensils. - COPPER
POTS AND CUPS Copper pots and cups are classic and timeless, but require extra effort to keep them shiny and in good shape. Don’t make it harder by putting them in the dishwasher. The harsh chemicals in dishwasher detergent immediately dull the finish and can be corrosive and cause copper corrosion. - PRINTED MEASURING CUPS
Over time, hot water from the dishwasher will erase the marks etched into the sides of the measuring cups, rendering them useless. I’m not saying you should always wash your measuring cups by hand, but washing them by hand from time to time will increase their longevity. - VINTAGE ITEMS
Your grandmother’s dishes can be washed in the dishwasher, but not always. It’s probably best to stay on the safe side and hand wash everything you hold dear. - ALUMINUM
PANS AND OTHER KITCHEN ITEMS If you’ve ever put a shiny aluminum disposable pie plate in the dishwasher, you’ve surely seen what happens; it becomes dull and darkening. - The same can happen to your aluminum pots, pans, and baking sheets. If the aluminum has not been anodized, the harsh detergent can cause corrosion. You may also see white spots on the surface due to the alkalinity of the detergent. Even though the pan is labeled “dishwasher safe,” it’s best to wash it by hand.