Things You Absolutely Should Not Put in a Dishwasher
October 16, 2023
source: The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
If you’re anything like me, you love the convenience of a dishwasher. It’s a modern marvel that can save you time and effort. But here’s the kicker: not everything is dishwasher-friendly and I’m going to share some pearls of wisdom about what you should absolutely not put in a dishwasher.
1. Sharp Knives and Wooden Utensils
Let’s start with a bit of a shocker. Recently, I saw Ina Garten post a picture on her Instagram, and guess what? She had knives in her dishwasher! Now, you might be thinking, “What’s the big deal?” The real issue here is that most experts recommend not using the dishwasher for sharp knives and wooden utensils. Why, you ask? Because the high water pressure and hot water can damage the edges of your knives and cause wooden handles to crack or warp.
2. Delicate Crystal and Fine China
If you have some exquisite crystal stemware or fine china, it’s best to give them the royal treatment and wash them by hand. Dishwashers can be a bit too harsh for these fragile beauties. The high water pressure and detergents can lead to chipping, cracking, or cloudiness over time.
3. Cast Iron Cookware
Ah, cast iron skillets – they’re like the workhorses of the kitchen. But here’s a little secret: they hate the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh detergents can strip away the seasoning that gives your cast iron that lovely non-stick surface. Instead, give it a gentle hand wash and re-season as needed. Your cast iron will thank you with delicious meals for years to come.
4. Nonstick Cookware
Speaking of non-stick surfaces, it might seem counterintuitive, but nonstick pots and pans should also stay out of the dishwasher. The aggressive detergents and high temperatures can damage the nonstick coating, rendering your nonstick cookware not-so-nonstick.
5. Anything with Adhesive Labels
Have you ever tried to remove a sticker or adhesive label from an item after it’s been through the dishwasher? It’s not a fun task. Adhesive labels don’t play well with dishwashers. They often disintegrate and leave behind sticky residues, making a mess of your dishes and dishwasher.
6. Insulated Travel Mugs and Thermoses
Insulated mugs and thermoses are excellent for keeping your beverages hot or cold, but the dishwasher can ruin their insulating properties. The high heat can compromise the vacuum insulation, rendering them less effective over time.
7. Copper Cookware
Copper pots and pans are kitchen treasures, but they are finicky when it comes to dishwashers. The harsh detergents and high temperatures can tarnish the beautiful copper finish. It’s best to hand wash these and maintain their shiny allure.
8. Old or Valuable China
If you have heirloom china or dishes with delicate hand-painted patterns, it’s best to keep them away from the dishwasher. These treasures can fade or chip with repeated machine washing.
So, there you have it, folks! These are some of the items you absolutely should not put in a dishwasher if you want to keep them in top-notch condition. Remember, while the dishwasher is a fantastic kitchen appliance, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Now, back to Ina Garten and those dishwasher-bound knives. What’s your take on this? Are you tempted to follow her lead, or do you prefer the good old-fashioned way of handwashing your cutlery? Share your thoughts!