🧼 Dishwasher Dos & Don’ts

Your dishwasher is a marvel of convenience—but it’s not built for everything. The mix of scalding water, strong detergents, and high-pressure jets can damage certain items fast, sometimes beyond repair.

Here’s a practical guide to what should never go in the dishwasher—and how to care for them instead.

🚫 10 Items to Always Hand-Wash

1. Sharp Knives (Chef’s, Paring, Steak)

• Why: Jets dull blades; detergent corrodes steel.
• Instead: Wash with mild soap, dry immediately, store in a sheath or block.

2. Cast Iron Skillets & Pots

• Why: Dishwashers strip seasoning, cause rust, ruin non-stick surface.
• Instead: Rinse with hot water, scrub (no soap), dry on stove, oil lightly.

3. Wooden Utensils, Boards & Bowls

• Why: Heat + moisture = warping, cracks, bacteria.
• Instead: Hand-wash, air-dry upright, condition monthly with mineral oil.

4. Nonstick Cookware (Teflon, Ceramic, etc.)

• Why: Detergent breaks down coating, leading to flaking.
• Instead: Use a soft sponge + mild soap; avoid steel wool.

5. Insulated Drinkware (Yeti, Hydro Flask, Thermos)

• Why: Heat ruins vacuum seals; gaskets trap grime.
• Instead: Wash body by hand; clean lids/gaskets separately with a bottle brush.

6. Aluminum Bakeware & Pans

• Why: Detergent reacts, leaving dull, dark, or pitted surfaces.
• Instead: Hand-wash with gentle cleaner (Bar Keepers Friend works well).

7. Copper Cookware

• Why: Loses shine, tarnishes, may leach metal.
• Instead: Wash by hand; polish with lemon + salt or copper cleaner.

8. Fine China & Metallic-Rimmed Dishware

• Why: Gold/platinum fades; delicate glazes crack.
• Instead: Wash gently in warm, soapy water; dry with lint-free cloth.

9. Crystal & Hand-Blown Glass

• Why: Heat causes cloudiness or cracks.
• Instead: Wash carefully by hand; avoid sudden temperature changes.

10. Graters, Garlic Presses & Small Gadgets

• Why: Food lodges in crevices—dishwasher won’t clean thoroughly.
• Instead: Scrub immediately with a small brush under running water.

⚠️ “Use With Caution” Items

• Stainless Steel: Usually safe—check manufacturer’s instructions.
• Silicone Bakeware: Dishwasher-safe (top rack preferred).
• Plastic Containers: Only if labeled “dishwasher-safe”; place on top rack to prevent warping.

❤️ The Takeaway

Saving 30 seconds by tossing the wrong item in the dishwasher can cost you years of use. Protect your tools, and they’ll serve you for a lifetime.

✨ When in doubt, hand-wash. Your kitchen will thank you.