Owning a dishwasher may seem like a dream come true, but not everything can be thrown into the machine for a good cleaning. While most modern dishwashers have special settings for delicate items, it may not be worth it to run the machine with just a few pieces inside. Hand washing valuable kitchen tools and utensils doesn’t take long and can prevent damage. It is important to utilize the dishwasher for bulk items that are dishwasher-safe and keep other items out. Some items that should never go in the dishwasher include insulated mugs, wooden cutting boards, wine glasses, kitchen knives, antiques, porcelain, fine China, nonstick cookware, copper cookware, cast-iron cookware, oil and grease, wooden utensils, and plastic cups and containers.
Insulated mugs can be damaged by the pressure and heat from a dishwasher, which can compromise the vacuum seal that makes them effective. It is recommended to wash them by hand using warm water and soap. Wooden cutting boards are prone to warping, bending, cracking, or splitting when exposed to hot water in the dishwasher. It is better to wash them by hand and air-dry them on their side for at least an hour before storing. Delicate items like wine glasses should also be hand washed to prevent breakage. Thin and delicate wine glasses are likely to break in the dishwasher, so it is best to wash them by hand and rinse them well to avoid any soapy residue.
Kitchen knives should always be washed by hand to avoid compromising the blade’s edge and prevent them from clanking about and knocking into other items in the dishwasher that could dull the blade. Antique cookware, porcelain, and fine China should be washed by hand to avoid chipping or cracking. The age of these items may have compromised their once rugged integrity, making them prone to damage in the dishwasher. Nonstick cookware is technically safe to load into the dishwasher, but the hot water and soap can easily scratch and erode the nonstick surface. It is best to hand wash nonstick cookware to avoid damaging the coating.
Copper cookware should be hand washed to prevent dulling and tarnishing from exposure to hot water. The soft metal is also vulnerable to dings and dents when knocked against other items in the dishwasher. Cast-iron cookware should be cleaned with salt and hot water to avoid stripping away the layered seasoning and slick patina that have been built up. Extended soaking in hot water can cause rust on cast-iron pans. Oil and grease should be discarded from cookware before putting them in the dishwasher to prevent clogs. It is recommended to hand wash oily cookware well with soap and hot water before considering running them through the dishwasher.
Wooden utensils should always be hand washed and dried quickly to avoid splitting, warping, and bacteria growth. Anything made from wood can be ruined if run through the dishwasher. Plastic cups and containers, especially flimsier ones, are not suitable for the dishwasher as they can melt when exposed to hot water. Sturdy plastics like acrylic bowls are fine to run through the dishwasher, but it is best to hand wash flimsy plastic containers and cups to prevent damage. By being mindful of what items should not go in the dishwasher and hand washing them instead, you can prolong the life of your valuable kitchen tools and utensils.
