Insider Info, Never Put These 10 Items In Your Dishwasher

Dishwashers have made our lives simple. Dishwashers are meant to clean dishes. You might be surprised at what people put in their dishwasher. Check out this list of items you should never put in the dishwasher.

I read an article from the Food Network that was disussing what should and shouldn't go in the dishwasher. I learned that I have been putting a lot of stuff in the dishwasher that shouldn't go in there. Hot water and high heat temps for drying can ruin your dishes.

10 Items That Should Never Go In Your Dishwasher

Anything Wood

Dishwasher detergent is abrasive and will scratch wood over time. Plus, the heat of the drying cycle can cause the wood to warp or even crack. Rinse and hand-wash cutting boards soon after you use them, but don’t submerge them in water. A little baking soda can help scrub away stains, too.

Kitchen Knives

Placing your good knives in the dishwasher is a big no-no. The detergent will dull a knife's blade — frustrating as you slice and dice, and also unsafe, as you’re more likely to lose control of a dull knife. Plus, the hot water and heat in the drying cycle will loosen knives’ handles. Wash your kitchen knives carefully by hand in hot soapy water instead.

Cast Iron

I know better than to put a cast iron pan in the dishwasher, here's why you don't.

It took a lot of effort to get your cast-iron cookware perfectly seasoned! Don’t ruin it (or potentially cause your pan to rust) by using the dishwasher as a cleaning shortcut. Instead, rinse your cast iron in hot water, scrubbing with a long-handled scrub brush to lift stuck-on food. If you want to remove stubborn mess or excess oil, use a few drops of dish soap. Rinse it completely with hot water and then dry completely. Wipe down the pan with a light coating of cooking oil, like vegetable or canola, and then wipe off the pan until there’s no excess oil.

Nonstick Cookwear

Over time the high heat of the dishwasher may erode nonstick finishes, while other dishes shifting around during a cycle can rub against or scratch the nonstick coating.

Air Fryer Basket

Even though most manufacturers deem it dishwasher safe, because of the interior non-stick coating, it’s smart to handwash it to preserve the integrity of that surface.

Copper or Other Precious Metals

Those pretty copper pots could dull or discolor in the dishwasher. Keep silver, gold and bronze heirlooms out, too; they’ll tarnish and will eventually lose their gleaming finish.

Certain Plastic Items

You should take the manufacturer’s lead on this one — some softer plastics can’t handle the dishwasher’s heat.

Fine China, Crystal or Painted Plates

These delicate items can chip, fade or lose their finish in the dishwasher. Any silverware with carved antler or bone handles should stay out of the machine as well.

Silicone Baby Products

Even though many silicone baby products are dishwasher safe, parents might have noticed how easy it is for these items to hang on to odors. Handwashing these items with an unscented dish soap in warm water can help keep the soapy smell away.

Potatoes & Other Foods

If you’re making potatoes for a crowd, the dishwasher isn’t the way to get them clean. Not only can the dirt from the potatoes potentially clog your machine, but also the dishwasher can leave behind a soapy taste from residual dish detergent.