Never Put These Items in Dishwasher
While there are some things besides dirty dishes and glassware that can be safely washed in your dishwasher, there are several things that should never be put in a dishwasher. It’s just best to wash some items by hand, so don a pair of rubber gloves and get ready to hand wash these items that should never be put in a dishwasher.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is a favorite cookware material, but it does have one nemesis: rust. Never put cast iron cookware in the dishwasher as the harsh cleaning detergent and longer exposure to hot water will cause the cast iron to rust profusely. Even enameled cast iron can not be washed in the dishwasher, the enamel will chip and rust will follow.
Brass and Copper
Hot water removes the protective patina that forms on brass and the force of the water inside the dishwasher will put dents in copper.
Wooden Utensils
Wooden spoons or cutting boards should be washed by hand. The heat and moisture will cause wooden kitchen utensils to swell and contract during the wash cycle. When dry, the wood will be warped and will quickly split apart.
Expensive Knives
Quality chef’s knives and steak knives don’t come cheap, and a run through the dishwasher will dull the blades in a hurry. Wash knives by hand to keep the expensive edge.
Formal Dishes and Flatware
If it’s the ‘good’ china and flatware that you only use on special occasions, don’t put it in the dishwasher to clean. The harsh detergent of the dishwasher and high water temperature will cause the formal dishes and flatware to look worn at best or be damaged at worst. Wash your favorite coffee mug by hand too, regardless of material, for the same reasons.
Crystal Glassware
Never put crystal anything in the dishwasher. Food particles can etch the glass and the heat can crack it. Wash crystal glassware by hand in cool water and mild soap, then dry with a soft cloth that has not been laundered or dried with fabric softener (liquid or sheet form). The fabric softener on the dry cloth will leave a cloudy film on the delicate crystal glassware.
Insulated Containers
Insulated coffee mugs, water bottles or soup containers feature a vacuum seal which helps keep hot stuff hot and cold stuff cold. A run through the dishwasher will destroy the vacuum seal on insulated containers and render them useless.
