Items You Should Never Put in Your Dishwasher
I’m so glad that dishwashers exist. If I were to have it my way, I’d rather put anything and everything in the dishwasher.
Unfortunately, the dishwasher gods did not allow for all items to be created equally. There are certain kitchen utensils, pots, and pans that are unable to sustain the prolonged high heat cycle of a dishwasher.
Learn how to protect your kitchen essentials and avoid dishwasher disasters with this guide on things to never put in the dishwasher. From delicate glassware to everyday utensils, preserve the quality and longevity of your belongings with proper care and maintenance. Here’s a short list of items that are best cleaned the old fashioned way with a hand washing:
Pans Coated with Ceramic, Teflon, or other Coatings
It’s likely that you won’t see the damage immediately after a few dishwasher cycles, however, dishwasher use will decrease the lifetime quality of your coated pan.
Dishwasher Safe Cookware
Copper
Copper is best hand washed. It will become dull in time, so a copper polish will be needed to return its sparkle.
Dishwasher Safe Copper and/or Lookalike Copper
Cast Iron
Placing cast iron in the dishwasher will cause it to rust and lose its seasoning. There’s conflicting information available regarding whether or not cast iron can be washed in the sink with soap and water.
Here’s my take — refrain from leaving standing water on or inside cast iron for prolonged periods of time. Until your pan becomes seasoned (it will have a slick / oily surface if it’s seasoned), just clean it out with a towel or paper towel and your preferred cooking oil.
Once it’s seasoned and more water resistant, you can wash your cast iron with soap and water. Just remember to dry it immediately so it doesn’t rust due to standing water.
Cast Iron Care
China
Most china is delicate, with hand painted artwork on it. It’s likely that you only pull out your china for special occasions. Ensure that you also give your china special attention with a hand washing after use.
Handwashing Supplies
Artisanal Knives
Many high end artisanal knives can become warped and/or the blade can become dull with dishwasher use, in time. A quick scrub with a dish brush will easily clean your knife.
Indulge-Worthy Knife Sets
Wood (spatulas, bowls, etc.)
Wood will warp and break down if it’s exposed to water for prolonged periods of time. Wash with warm water, non-toxic dish soap, and a bristled dish brush. Rinse and pat dry with a towel. Finish off with cutting board oil or mineral oil to preserve the moisture of the wood.
Wood Care Essentials
Soda Stream Bottles
The plastic that these bottles are made out of can warp and cause clouding with dishwasher use. Preserve your soda stream bottles by using a bottle brush instead.
Bottle Brushes
Hand Painted Coffee Mugs
image source: United by Blue
Dishwasher use will cause some hand painted coffee mugs to wear down in time and lose their artwork. Hand wash these with a non-toxic dish soap and a sponge.
Dishwasher Safe Mugs
Anything that says “hand wash only”
There are a number of other items that you’ll find in your kitchen that will say ‘hand wash only’ — follow any care instructions included, invest in a good sponge, bottle brush, bristled brush, and drying mat to help aid in your hand washing endeavors!
