The dishwasher, it’s a magical appliance that can transform a pile of dirty dishes into sparkling clean dishes with the press of a button. It’s a lifesaver for those who loathe doing the dishes. But, did you know that not everything can go in the dishwasher? That’s right, there are some items that can’t go in the dishwasher without causing damage.
Here’s What Can’t Go in The Dishwasher
Not everything can go in the dishwasher. If you want to keep your kitchen items in good condition, it’s best to wash them by hand with warm soapy water. As the saying goes, “if you want something done right, do it yourself.” Hand-washing your dishes may take a bit more time and effort, but it’s worth it in the long run.
It’s also important to note that not all dishwashers are created equal. Some dishwashers may have a gentler wash cycle that is safe for certain items, while others may have a more intense cycle that can damage delicate items. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions or the dishwasher’s user manual to see what items are safe to put in.
In addition, if you’re not sure what is not dishwasher safe, it’s better to err on the side of caution and wash it by hand. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your valuable kitchen items. Ready to learn what things you should never put in the dishwasher? We’ll cover 8 common items that can’t go in the dishwasher here.
1. Washing Cast Iron Skillets – A Recipe for Disaster
If you’re a lover of cast iron skillets, beware! Putting your beloved skillet in the dishwasher will ruin it. The high heat and harsh detergents will strip the seasoning from the skillet, leaving it dry and susceptible to rust. You definitely don’t want that, as it’s a recipe for disaster. Instead, use hot water and a non-abrasive scrubber to clean your cast iron skillet.
2. How to Wash Wooden Utensils – Don’t Make a Hash of It
Wooden utensils are great for cooking, but they can’t go in the dishwasher. The heat and moisture can cause the wood to warp and crack. Plus, the detergents can strip the natural oils from the wood, leaving it dry and prone to splitting. Don’t make a hash of it, wash your wooden utensils by hand with warm soapy water.
3. Washing Copper Pots and Pans – The Heat is On
Copper pots and pans are not dishwasher-safe. The high heat and harsh detergents can tarnish and discolor the copper, leaving it looking dull and lifeless. Plus, the water can leave spots and stains that are hard to remove. If you want to keep your copper pots and pans looking like new, wash them by hand with a gentle cleanser.
4. Crystal Glassware – Handle with Care
Crystal glassware is beautiful, but it’s fragile. Putting it in the dishwasher is a big no-no. The high heat and harsh detergents can scratch, chip, or even break your crystal glasses. Handle your crystal glassware with care and wash it by hand with mild detergent.
5. Non-Stick Cookware – The Coating Can’t Handle the Heat
Non-stick cookware is a favorite of many, but it’s not dishwasher-safe. Why can’t you put nonstick pans in the dishwasher? The high heat and harsh detergents can damage the non-stick coating, making it less effective and causing it to peel off. Don’t let the coating handle the heat, wash your non-stick cookware by hand.
6. Aluminum Cookware – Going for Broke
Aluminum cookware is another item that is not dishwasher-safe. The harsh detergents can cause the aluminum to discolor. Plus, the high heat can cause it to warp and bend. If you want to keep your aluminum cookware in good condition, wash it by hand with a gentle cleanser.
7. Washing Insulated Mugs – Keep Them Insulated
Insulated mugs are great for keeping your drinks hot or cold, but they’re not dishwasher-safe. The high heat and detergents can damage the insulation, making your mug less effective at keeping your drinks at the desired temperature. Keep your insulated mugs insulated by washing them by hand.
8. How to Wash Knives – A Cut Above the Rest
Knives are essential in the kitchen, but they shouldn’t be put in the dishwasher. The harsh detergents can damage the blades, causing them to become dull and less effective. Plus, the high heat can warp and bend the blades, making them a cut above the rest. Wash your knives by hand with warm soapy water to keep them in top condition.
So, there you have it! Watch out for these common items that can’t go in the dishwasher. From cast iron skillets to crystal glassware, these items require a little extra care to keep them in good condition. Remember, hand-washing your dishes may take a bit more time, but it’s worth it in the long run. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to do some dishwashing! And remember for any appliance repair issues big or small, Appliance Service Station is always here for you!
For more dishwasher tips check out our blog for articles like what to do when a dishwasher isn’t cleaning or a dishwasher is leaking.
