10 Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher
Listen, we’d be lost without our dishwashers. They save us countless hours each week so that we can spend our time doing what’s really important, like watching Netflix. But there are just some things that you should never even think about putting in your dishwasher.
For instance:
1. Sharp knives
You paid good money for that fancy chef’s knife, don’t let the dishwasher warp or dull its blade!
2. Nonstick pots and pans
If you want your nonstick pots and pans to actually stay nonstick, you should probably wash those babies by hand.
3. Cast iron
NEVER, EVER, EVER put cast iron in the dishwasher. Like, ever. Just don’t do it. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet is a work of art and strong detergents will immediately destroy it.
4. Crystal
Crystal and hand-blown glass are sensitive to heat, so putting them in the dishwasher will likely cause them to chip—not to mention that strong detergents will cause them to lose their shine.
5. Milk glass
The dishwasher could scrub off priceless etchings and cause discoloration to light colored milk glass.
6. Anything wooden
Wash those wooden spoons, bowls, and cutting boards by hand—the dishwasher’s heat could cause them to warp. The harsh detergents could also damage the finish on wooden items.
7. Copper pans and mugs
Drinking a Moscow Mule from a dull copper mug doesn’t sound like any fun, does it? Keep those copper pots, pans, and mugs out of the dishwasher to preserve their shine.
8. Printed measuring cups
Confession: I’m guilty of this one—and I probably won’t change my ways because, well, I’m lazy. But, over time, the hot water from the dishwasher will fade the markings etched on the sides of measuring cups, rendering them useless. I’m not saying you have to always hand wash your measuring cups, but hand washing them from time to time will increase their longevity.
9. Vintage items
Your grandma’s dinnerware might be fine in the dishwasher, but it might not. It’s probably best stay on the safe side and hand wash anything that is special to you.
10. Hollow-handled knives
This is a lesson I’ve learned the hard way: Hollow handles just aren’t tough enough to stand up to a dishwasher’s heat—more than likely, they’ll be melted or warped by the end of the cycle.