Last Updated on February 7, 2024
When it comes to cleaning up after a meal, the dishwasher is a lifesaver for many. It’s efficient, it saves time, and it’s generally considered a hygienic way to wash dishes. However, not everything belongs in the dishwasher. Some items can be damaged by the high temperatures and harsh detergents used in a dishwasher cycle, while others may cause damage to the dishwasher itself or become hazardous.
In this guide, we’ll explore eight items that you should avoid placing in your dishwasher and explain why they’re better off being washed by hand. From delicate fine china to sturdy cast iron, understanding what not to put in the dishwasher can help preserve the quality and longevity of your kitchenware, ensuring that your cherished items remain in top condition for years to come.
Fine China
With its delicate beauty and often sentimental value, fine china requires a gentler touch than the dishwasher can provide. The high heat and potent detergents can cause fading, chipping, or cracking, particularly in older pieces that might not have been manufactured with dishwasher-safe glazes. Gold or silver trim can also be tarnished or wholly stripped off by the harsh environment inside a dishwasher.
Furthermore, the vibrations caused by a dishwasher’s cycles can cause fine china pieces to knock against each other, risking damage or complete destruction. Hand washing with a soft sponge and mild detergent in lukewarm water is the safest way to clean these precious items, preserving their beauty and integrity for future generations. By caring for your fine china properly, you ensure that it remains a cherished part of your dining experience, capable of gracing your table for special occasions and creating lasting memories.
Sharp Knives
Sharp knives are indispensable tools in any kitchen, but placing them in the dishwasher poses several risks. Firstly, the abrasive dishwasher detergents and high-pressure water jets can dull the blades, reducing their efficiency and requiring more frequent sharpening. Secondly, the motion and heat inside the dishwasher can cause the handles, especially if they’re made of wood or another delicate material, to warp, crack, or loosen from the blade, compromising the knife’s structural integrity and safety.
Additionally, sharp knives pose a safety hazard when unloading the dishwasher, as they can easily cut unsuspecting hands. Hand washing sharp knives not only preserves their sharpness and condition but also ensures they are immediately ready for use. A gentle wash with soap and water, followed by immediate drying with a soft towel, keeps knives in optimal condition, ensuring they remain sharp, safe, and ready to assist with your culinary creations.
Cast Iron
Cast iron cookware is prized for its durability, heat retention, and ability to develop a non-stick surface over time through the process of seasoning. However, introducing your cast iron skillet or pan to the dishwasher is a surefire way to strip away its seasoning, leaving it vulnerable to rust and degradation. The harsh detergents and soaking involved in a dishwasher cycle can also lead to rusting and pitting of the iron, destroying the cookware’s seasoned surface and diminishing its non-stick properties.
To maintain a cast iron piece’s functionality and extend its lifespan, it should be cleaned shortly after use with a brush and hot water, dried thoroughly to prevent rust, and lightly coated with oil to preserve the seasoning. This care ensures that your cast iron cookware remains a versatile and cherished tool in your kitchen, capable of producing everything from crispy bacon to perfect pancakes for years to come.
Non-Stick Pans
When it comes to kitchen convenience, non-stick pans are a top choice for many cooks, thanks to their ability to allow food to slide right off with minimal cleanup. However, the dishwasher’s harsh environment is not the place for these kitchen essentials. The combination of high heat, potent detergents, and water pressure can degrade the non-stick coating, leading to its eventual peeling and flaking. This not only shortens the lifespan of your pans but can also pose health risks if the degraded material mixes into your food.
Additionally, the non-stick surface can be scratched by other items during the wash cycle, further damaging the pan. The best care for non-stick pans involves hand washing with a soft sponge and mild detergent, ensuring they remain in top condition to serve up your favorite meals without a hitch.
Copper Cookware
Copper cookware, prized for its excellent thermal conductivity and aesthetic appeal, demands special care to maintain its luster and functionality. Dishwashing can be detrimental to copper pots and pans, as the harsh chemicals in dishwasher detergents can tarnish the bright, shiny surface, leaving it dull and discolored.
Moreover, the intense heat and moisture can cause warping, affecting the cookware’s shape and, consequently, its cooking efficiency. To preserve the beauty and performance of copper cookware, it’s advisable to clean it by hand using a gentle cleaner and to polish it periodically with a product designed for copper. This will ensure that your copper pieces remain functional showpieces in your kitchen for years to come.
Wooden Items
Wooden kitchen tools and cutting boards add warmth and charm to any culinary space, but the dishwasher is not their friend. Wood is naturally porous, absorbing water during the dishwashing process, which can lead to warping, cracking, and splitting. The high temperatures can also strip away the natural oils that keep wooden items conditioned, leaving them dry and brittle.
Additionally, the sanitizing agents in dishwasher detergent can penetrate the wood, potentially imparting chemicals and odors that could transfer to your food. To keep wooden kitchen items in top shape, wash them by hand with mild soap and warm water, and regularly condition them with a food-safe mineral oil. This will help preserve their integrity and beauty, ensuring they continue to serve you well in the kitchen.
Crystal
With its delicate beauty and intricate designs, crystal glassware is a hallmark of fine dining and special occasions. However, exposing crystals to the dishwasher’s high temperatures and aggressive detergents can lead to a cloudy appearance, diminishing their clarity and sparkle. The intense environment inside a dishwasher can also cause the crystal to chip, crack, or even shatter, posing a risk to the crystal and other items in the machine.
Hand washing crystal with a mild detergent and soft cloth, then drying it with a lint-free towel, is the best way to maintain its brilliance and integrity. This gentle care ensures that your crystal glassware remains a dazzling centerpiece of your table setting for years to come.
Aluminum Cookware
Aluminum cookware is favored for its excellent heat conductivity and relatively lightweight, making it a versatile choice for various cooking tasks. However, the dishwasher poses several risks to aluminum items. The caustic nature of dishwasher detergents can cause aluminum to darken and become discolored. At the same time, the high heat can lead to warping and pitting, affecting the cookware’s structural integrity and cooking performance.
Additionally, aluminum can react with specific food residues and water conditions, leading to unsightly corrosion. To preserve the functionality and appearance of aluminum cookware, it’s best to wash these items by hand using a mild detergent and to dry them immediately to prevent water spots and corrosion. This approach ensures that your aluminum cookware remains a reliable tool in your culinary arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I put wooden utensils in the dishwasher?
- No, wooden utensils should not go in the dishwasher. The intense heat and prolonged exposure to water can cause the wood to warp, split, or crack.
- Is it safe to wash cast iron pans in the dishwasher?
- Cast iron pans should not be washed in the dishwasher. Doing so can strip them of their seasoning and lead to rust. Instead, they should be hand-washed and re-seasoned.
- Can non-stick pans and cookware be cleaned in the dishwasher?
- It’s best to wash non-stick pans by hand. Dishwasher detergents can damage the non-stick coating, reducing their lifespan and effectiveness.
- Should I put sharp knives in the dishwasher?
- Sharp knives should not be put in the dishwasher. The harsh environment can dull the blades, and jostling can pose a safety hazard when unloading.
- Is it okay to wash crystal glasses in the dishwasher?
- Crystal glasses should be hand-washed. The high temperatures and strong detergents can etch or damage the delicate crystal.
- Can I clean silver or silver-plated items in the dishwasher?
- Silver and silver-plated items should not go in the dishwasher. Chemical reactions with dishwasher detergents can tarnish and corrode them.
- Are disposable plastics dishwasher safe?
- Many disposable plastics are not designed to withstand the heat of a dishwasher and may warp or melt. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations first.
- Can I put insulated travel mugs in the dishwasher?
- It’s best to avoid putting insulated travel mugs in the dishwasher. The high heat can damage the insulation, causing them to lose their temperature-retaining properties.
