A dishwasher is a modern and sophisticated kitchen machine that saves you from hand-washing each and every utensil and cleans a multitude of utensils in one go. It is no longer a luxury item and is fast becoming a utility feature in the households as it saves precious time and energy. All you have to do is put your soiled utensils in the dishwasher at any time of the day and you get is tidy and hygienic utensils without worrying about fussy maids, cold water, and pain-staking dirty dishes.

But you must be careful as to certain things you should never put in a dishwasher. Yes, even a dishwasher has its limitations that needs to be considered while using it. Mostly people are unaware about these things and unknowingly put them for washing which in turn harms them because of the harsh detergents, stringent cleaning process, and high drying temperatures. Well, its time you get yourself updated and this article will educate you on the things you should never put in a dishwasher.

Things You Should Never Put in a Dishwasher

Without further ado, let’s check the list comprising of the 20 things you should never put in a dishwasher:

  1. Non-stick cookware: Most of the non-stick pans, pots, and cookware is dishwasher safe but you must avoid drying them in the dishwasher as the high drying temperatures can harm the coating, leaving it chipping and scratching which can lead to harmful toxins being released into the food. So, it’s best to air dry the non-stick cookware.
  2. Wooden items: The hot water of the dishwasher can cause the wooden bowls, spoons, spatulas, chopping boards, and utensils to strip them of their natural oils, leaving them to crack overtime. The moisture can seep into the cracks later on and form moulds.
  3. Antiques and precious metals: The antiques and dishware made of gold and silver should strictly be kept away from a dishwasher as these can chip from the corners, the shine can fade away, and the elegant finish can be lost.
  4. Knives: Its best to avoid putting the kitchen knives in a dishwasher as the sharpness of the blade can dull because of the harsh detergents and the handles can become loose because of the hot temperatures.
  5. Chinaware and porcelain dishware: This dishware is meant only for gentle hand-washing and should not be put in a dishwasher as the delicate parts can be harmed, the finish can be lost, and the sophisticated work can be chipped.
  6. Aluminium cookware: Even if the aluminium cookware is dishwasher safe, avoid putting it in the dishwasher as the harsh chemicals can make the surface dull and dark. White spots can be formed and untimely corrosion can take place.
  7. Copper pots, bottles, and glasses: The copper utensils need to be sanitized by hand and should not find their way in a dishwasher as they would lose their shine, corrode, and can even pit.
  8. Cast iron cookware: The cast iron pans and pots are passed from one generation to the other. But if you put them in the dishwasher then they can turn unusable because they would be stripped of the natural enamel and coating.
  9. Hand crafted stoneware and crystal pieces: This dishware is delicate and needs care while cleaning. Putting them in the dishwasher can lead to fine cracks, the minute work can be harmed, and deterioration can start to take place.
  10. Milk glasses: If you put milk glasses in the dishwasher, then you will discover that they start to turn yellow after a few washes. To avoid the discolouration, you can hand-wash them separately.
  11. Brass and bronze items: In case the brass and bronze pieces and dishware are put for cleaning in a dishwasher then they would become pitted, discoloured, and dull.
  12. Repaired Items: The repaired utensils and dishware can easily crack as the adhesive can be washed off due to the high temperatures and harsh detergents, which may lead to breakage.
  13. Pressure cooker parts: The cooker lids and gaskets should be kept away from a dishwasher as they can be harmed by the stringent washing process, making them malfunction. Though, a cooker pot can conveniently be washed in a dishwasher.
  14. Certain plastic items: A few plastic items should not make their way into a dishwasher as it would melt or distort their shape. Only the ones on which it is mentioned that they are dishwasher safe should be put in a dishwasher.
  15. Items with paper labels: The adhesive of the paper labels can easily be removed by the high temperatures and harsh chemicals which in turn can clog the dishwasher drain.
  16. Melamine and acrylic dishware: This dishware is sensitive to hot water and high temperatures and would become dull and lifeless after a few washes in the dishwasher.
  17. Printed measuring cups: The force of the water sprays will lighten or diminish the paint of the prints on the measuring cups, so they should be hand-washed.
  18. Sieves and graters: These should not be placed in a dishwasher as they have sharp edges which may nick the plastic coating of the racks and lead to untimely corrosion.
  19. Insulated mugs: The sensitive insulation of the metal and plastic mugs that keeps the hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold can be harmed. So, these must be hand-washed.
  20. Dishes with large chunks of food: The food on the dishware should always be removed before placing them in the dishwasher otherwise the large chunks might clog the dishwasher drain.

Final Words

A dishwasher has certainly made our life convenient and cleaning the dishes simple. And if you take note of these 20 things you should never put in a dishwasher then you will always have nice smelling and clean dishes by your side after every dish-washing cycle.