A dishwasher can save a lot of time, especially after a big family meal or a busy day in the kitchen. Still, not everything that gets dirty belongs in that machine.
High heat, strong detergents, and forceful water jets can be rough on certain materials. Some items may lose their finish, warp, rust, or become damaged after repeated dishwasher cycles. Others simply aren’t cleaned as well as they could be by hand.
Before loading the dishwasher, take a quick look at these ten items and give them a hand wash instead.
Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens can last for decades, but the dishwasher is one of the quickest ways to damage their seasoning. Hot water and strong detergent can strip away the protective layer, leaving the surface vulnerable to rust.
Let the pan cool before cleaning it. Wash it with warm water and a small amount of dish soap if needed, then use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to remove food. Dry it thoroughly right away.
If your skillet has already developed rust, this guide on how to restore a rusted cast iron skillet can help you bring it back into usable condition.
Fine China and Crystal
Your everyday plates may handle a dishwasher cycle just fine, but fine china and crystal deserve more care. The heat, water pressure, and contact with other dishes can lead to chips, cracks, scratches, or damaged decorative details.
Hand washing with mild dish soap and warm water is a safer choice, especially for pieces you only use on special occasions.
Insulated Travel Mugs
Insulated travel mugs can be tricky because dishwasher safety varies by manufacturer. Some are perfectly fine on the top rack, while others can suffer damage from high heat.
The insulation is designed to keep drinks hot or cold, and damage to the mug’s construction can affect how well it works. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions before putting one in the dishwasher. If you’re unsure, hand washing is the safer bet.
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Gold-, Brass-, or Bronze-Colored Flatware
Decorative finishes on gold-, brass-, and bronze-colored flatware can lose their shine after repeated dishwasher cycles. Strong detergents and high temperatures may cause the finish to fade, tarnish, or become dull.
If the pieces are decorative or have sentimental value, wash them by hand with mild dish soap and dry them with a soft towel.
Wooden Cutting Boards and Utensils
Wood and the dishwasher aren’t a great combination. The combination of heat, water, and the drying cycle can cause wooden cutting boards, spoons, spatulas, and other utensils to warp, split, or crack.
Hand washing takes only a few minutes. Use warm, soapy water, rinse the item, and dry it promptly instead of leaving it wet in the sink.
High-Quality Knives
A good kitchen knife can be an investment, so there’s little reason to put it through a harsh dishwasher cycle. The heat and detergent can damage certain handles and finishes, while contact with other dishes or the dishwasher rack can dull the blade.
Carbon-steel knives are also prone to rust if they’re exposed to moisture for too long.
Wash quality knives by hand with warm water and dish soap, then dry them immediately. Keep them separate from other utensils while washing to protect the blade and your hands.
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Air Fryer Baskets
Some air fryer baskets are labeled dishwasher safe, so check the instructions for your particular model before deciding how to clean it. Still, frequent dishwasher use may wear down some nonstick coatings over time.
Hand washing also gives you a better chance of removing food trapped in the basket’s small openings and corners. A soft sponge, warm water, and dish soap are usually enough for routine cleaning.
Bottles or Jars With Labels
Glass jars and bottles can go through the dishwasher, but paper labels and sticky adhesive are another story. Labels can loosen during the cycle and leave bits of paper or glue behind.
Those pieces can end up in the dishwasher filter or stick to other dishes. Remove labels and as much adhesive as possible before putting jars in the machine. If you’re dealing with a stubborn label, washing the jar by hand can make cleanup easier.
Nonstick Cookware
Many nonstick pans are technically dishwasher safe, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the dishwasher is the best choice for long-term care.
Repeated exposure to high temperatures and strong detergents can wear down the nonstick coating. Hand washing with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge is gentler and can help your pans last longer.
Graters and Strainers
Graters and strainers have plenty of tiny openings where food can become trapped. A dishwasher may rinse away most of the residue, but it doesn’t always get every little piece.
Graters also have sharp edges that can become dull with repeated dishwasher use. Washing these tools by hand lets you scrub directly around the holes and blades, leaving them cleaner and ready for the next meal.
A few extra minutes at the sink can save you from replacing cookware, utensils, and specialty kitchen items sooner than necessary. Before you load everything into the dishwasher, check the care instructions for anything made from wood, cast iron, crystal, delicate metals, or nonstick materials. That quick check can help keep your favorite kitchen pieces looking and working well for years.
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