Dishwasher No-No’s: 11 Things You Should Never Put Inside
Before We Dive In…
- Are you aware of what you should never put in your dishwasher?
- Some items can be damaged, ruined, or even become unsafe for use.
- Learn more about the top 11 things you should avoid putting in your dishwasher.
Delicate Delights
- Aunt Barbara’s treasured casserole dish: “Sure, it might survive a run (or several), but you’ll sorely regret the one time it clinks with a nonimportant item in there and breaks in pieces.”
- Dishwashing liquid: “We have to admit that it kind of makes sense—dishwashing liquid’s for washing dishes, right? Yes, but NEVER in the dishwasher—unless you want your lovely kitchen to become a giant bubble bath in a matter of minutes.”
- Copper pans: “Tossing those puppies in the dishwasher, however, will change their color to something a little, shall we say, rustier.”
Non-Stick Nightmares
- Wooden utensils and cutting boards: “Due to the high-heat temperatures of your dishwasher, the consistency of wood is also at risk of being altered.”
- Nonstick pots and pans: “Unless the manufacturer labeled the product as dishwasher-safe, the dishwasher can break down the nonstick coating over time, which pretty much defeats the purpose.”
Glass Act
- Crystal glass and dishware: “Over time, the high temperature in the dishwashing machine, its cleaning cycle and the close proximity to other items might cause your crystal to crack, chip or take away the shine.”
- Insulated drinkware and mugs: “The insulated component has a vacuum seal that can be ruined by the dishwasher’s high heat.”
Other No-Nos
- Cheese grater: “The dishwasher doesn’t have the capability to pick up all the cheese curdles hidden deep inside.”
- Takeout containers: “The heat from the water or during the drying period can melt or change the chemical composition of the container, making it unsafe to place food in and reuse.”
- Fancy chef-quality knives: “Although some dishwashing machines have a special knife rack, the dishwasher cycles and the abrasive detergents will still dull the sharp blades.”
- Wooden utensils and cutting boards: “You might consider using wooden utensils, but your kitchen will not appreciate the risk of damage.”
- Your pet’s bowl or feeder: “You might consider Fido family, but his germs do not mix well with yours or your little ones’. That urban legend you’ve heard about how a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s? Not totally true.”
| Item | Why It Shouldn’t Be In The Dishwasher |
| Aunt Barbara’s treasured casserole dish | Risk of breakage or chipping |
| Dishwashing liquid | Risk of clogging or malfunction |
| Copper pans | Color change or damage |
| Wooden utensils and cutting boards | Risk of warping or damage |
| Crystal glass and dishware | Risk of chipping or dulling |
| Insulated drinkware and mugs | Risk of vacuum seal damage |
| Nonstick pots and pans | Risk of nonstick coating damage |
| Takeout containers | Risk of melting or chemical change |
| Fancy chef-quality knives | Risk of dulling or damage | Your pet’s bowl or feeder | Hygiene risk |
What’s The Deal With Cheese Grater?
“The dishwasher doesn’t have the capability to pick up all the cheese curdles hidden deep inside.”
Don’t Let Your Pet’s Germs In…
“You might consider Fido family, but his germs do not mix well with yours or your little ones’. Not totally true.”
Conclusion
There you have it – the top 11 things you should never put in your dishwasher. By following this list, you can avoid damaging or ruining your kitchen items, and keep your dishes sparkling clean. Remember to always check the manufacturer’s instructions before putting any item in the dishwasher, and don’t be afraid to ask if you’re unsure.
