Dishwashers are incredibly convenient and make washing a sink full of dishes a piece of cake. However, some things just shouldn’t be put in a dishwasher. Some items could melt, break or even cause damage to the dishwasher itself. Read on to learn more.
Anything Wooden
Wooden spoons, utensils with wooden handles, wooden salad bowls and cutting boards should all be kept out of the dishwasher and washed in the sink instead. Dishwasher detergent can be a bit too harsh on wooden items and can cause them to crack. The heat of the dishwasher can also cause some wooden items to warp.
Cast Iron
Cooking with cast iron is amazing and produces incredibly tasty meals. However, cast iron pots and pans should never be washed in the dishwasher. In fact, you shouldn’t be using soap or detergent at all on your cast iron. Instead, they should be scrubbed gently with coarse salt and rinsed with cool water.
Aluminum Cookware
Most people think aluminum cookware can be washed in the dishwasher, and technically they can. However, a dishwasher cycle will oxidize and fade those pots and pans, even after one wash.
Nonstick Pans
A dishwasher cycle can wreak havoc on a non-stick coating, so it’s best to hand-wash these items.
Some Plastic Items
Always look for the “dishwasher safe” label on plastic items. Some will warp and melt in the heat of the dishwasher.
Kitchen Knives
Not many people realize this, but kitchen knives should always be hand-washed in the sink. Dishwasher cycles dull knife blades and loosen handles. Knives can also be dangerous in the mix with all your other silverware, especially if you have kids that help with the dishes.
So in the future, pay attention to what you throw in the dishwasher.