The Ultimate Guide to Dishwasher Do's and Don'ts

Automatic dishwashers are truly a gift from the kitchen gods – they save time, water, and energy, all while effortlessly cleaning your dirty dishes. But, just like any superhero, they have their kryptonite. Some items are just not meant to be tossed in the dishwasher, no matter how tempting it may be.

Table of Contents

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the dos and don’ts of dishwasher loading. From wooden utensils to vintage china, we’ve got you covered. So, grab a cup of tea and let’s dive into the world of dishwashing dos and don’ts.

Things You Should Never Put in a Dishwasher

Wooden Spoons, Bowls, and Cutting Boards
Why not: Harsh detergents can strip natural oils, leading to cracks.
Solution: Hand wash quickly with mild detergent in warm water.
Kitchen Knives
Why not: Knives can damage the dishwasher and dull the edges.
Solution: Hand wash all types of kitchen knives to prevent damage.
Graters and Sieves
Why not: Sharp edges can damage the racks and inhibit proper cleaning.
Solution: Hand wash for best results.
Cast Iron Cookware
Why not: Harsh detergents can strip the seasoning, causing rust.
Solution: Hand wash to preserve the seasoning and prevent damage.
Aluminum Pans and Cookware
Why not: Harsh detergents can cause discoloration and corrosion.
Solution: Hand wash and use a paste of cream of tartar for cleaning.
Copper Pans and Mugs
Why not: Harsh chemicals can dull the finish and cause pitting.
Solution: Hand wash to preserve the beauty of copper items.
Pressure Cooker Lids
Why not: Food particles can clog valves and cause malfunctions.
Solution: Hand wash lids to prevent damage to the cooker.
Nonstick Pans
Why not: Harsh detergents can damage the coating.
Solution: Hand wash and air dry nonstick pans to prolong their life.
Ceramic Pans and Cookware
Why not: Detergents can be too harsh for ceramic finishes.
Solution: Always hand wash ceramic cookware.
Acrylic or Melamine Dishes
- Why not: High temperatures can ruin the dishes over time.
- Solution: Hand wash to preserve the color and design.

Dishwasher Safe, But Handle with Care

While some items are labeled as dishwasher safe, it’s important to handle them with care to ensure they last for the long haul.

Insulated Glasses, Tumblers, and Thermal Containers
How to care: Hand wash or use the top rack and skip high heat drying.
Printed or Hand Painted Glassware
How to care: Hand wash to preserve the paint and design.
Thin Plastic Containers
How to care: Use the top rack and air dry to prevent melting or warping.
Containers With Paper Labels
How to care: Remove paper labels before washing to prevent clogging.

Special Considerations for Delicate Items

Gold Flatware and Metallic-Trimmed China
Why not: Harsh detergents can dull or damage the metallic accents.
Solution: Hand wash to preserve the finish of gold and metallic-trimmed items.
Vintage China, Delicate Crystal, and Repaired Items
Why not: High heat and detergents can weaken adhesives and cause damage.
Solution: Hand wash delicate items to prevent chipping and cloudiness.
Sterling Silver Knives
Why not: The heat can cause the blade to separate from the handle.
Solution: Hand wash to prevent damage to sterling silver knives.
Milk Glass
Why not: High heat and harsh detergents can cause yellowing over time.
Solution: Hand wash to preserve the beauty of vintage milk glass.

By following these dos and don’ts of dishwasher loading, you can ensure that your kitchen items stay in top condition for years to come. Remember, when in doubt, it’s always better to hand wash than to risk damaging your favorite items. Happy dishwashing!