You may be surprised to learn what shouldn’t go in the dishwasher. Believe it or not, there are some items that should never be put through a dishwasher cycle – no matter how much you want to avoid handwashing them! We will discuss 10 things that you should always handwash. Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re about to toss an item into the dishwasher!
Here’s What Shouldn’t Go In the Dishwasher:
Sometimes it’s hard to know what items shouldn’t go in the dishwasher and which ones can. To start with, remember with anything you’re putting in the dishwasher check the labels thoroughly. If you see a “hand wash only” sign, that means just that! And then next, check out these tips on what shouldn’t be put in a dishwasher:
Wooden Cutting Boards
Anything wooden should not go in the dishwasher. The heat and moisture will cause the wood to warp and crack over time. Instead, wash your wooden cutting boards by hand with warm soapy water.
Cast Iron Pans
These pans should also be washed by hand. The dishwasher can remove the seasoning on cast iron pans, which is necessary for maintaining their non-stick properties.
Glass Bakeware
Dishwashers can cause glass bakeware to lose its shine and become cloudy. Handwashing is the best way to clean these items.
Non-Stick Cookware
The dishwasher can damage the non-stick coating on pots and pans. It’s best to wash these items by hand to extend their lifespan.
Delicate China
Fine china is best washed by hand to avoid chips and cracks and to help extend its lifespan.
Crystal Stemware
Like fine china, crystal stemware is delicate and should be washed by hand.
Silver Flatware
Silver flatware can tarnish in the dishwasher. It’s best to handwash these items using a mild detergent and polish them afterward.
Certain Plastic Items
Some plastics can melt in the dishwasher, so it’s best to check the care labels before putting them in.
Sponges
Sponges should be replaced frequently and not placed in the dishwasher. The dishwasher can actually cause them to break down and fall apart faster.
Items Covered in Heavy Grease
You should remove grease from items when you can and throw it in the garbage. Too much grease can clog pipes as well as get stuck in the dishwasher’s filter and cause it to run less efficiently.
Now that you know what shouldn’t go in the dishwasher, you can avoid damaging your dishes and extend their lifespan! Be sure to follow these tips the next time you do the dishes. And if you need any more tips, our blog is full of dishwasher tips like how to get rid of a bad dishwasher smell, and why a dishwasher won’t start. And if you need expert help with any dishwasher repair our team is here for you!
