A dishwasher makes a handy solution to clean dishes in the most convenient way possible. Especially for those with busy schedules, washing dirty dishes is always a challenge and time-consuming process. With a dishwasher, simply popping dirty dishes into the appliance and letting it do the cleaning work for you makes an ideal solution!
But, certain kitchen essentials are considered to be not so dishwasher friendly. We have listed some of these objects you should avoid washing in the dishwasher to keep them in good condition and refrain from making the dishwasher mistake:
Some listed objects you should avoid washing in the dishwasher to keep them in good condition:
Delicate China
Delicate serveware like china, milk glass and the dishwasher are not-so-good combinations. It can get chipped or damaged by knocking against other utensils during the washing process. The heat inside the appliance may scrub off the design or pattern on the porcelain china and can also cause discoloration to the same.
Cast Iron Pots and Pans
Cast Iron pots and pans are considered to be the ideal choice for cooking your meals but when it comes to washing them, they should never be kept in the dishwasher. The reason is, the rigorous washing process or cycle can damage these costly pots and pans. The non-stick layer on the cast iron pan can fade easily when washed in the dishwasher. It is better to wash these utensils with a hand-washing process rather than conventional dishwashing.
Nonstick Pans and Trays
Note that not all nonstick pans are dishwasher safe. The nonstick pans and trays which are dishwasher safe, may lose their non-stick coating after several wash cycles and may not be safe enough to cook food in the same and then wash it in the dishwasher. That’s why it is wise to know if the utensil is dishwasher safe before washing them. If possible, pre-rinse it in the sink and then keep it for washing in the dishwasher.
Wooden Items
Certain wooden items which are mentioned as dishwashers–safe can be added to the same for cleaning purposes. But, since dishwashers use hot water for cleaning, it may remove or reduce the natural oils present in the wood. If not cared for properly, the wooden dishes and items may warp and eventually crack.
Kitchen utensils like wooden plates, bowls, wooden handle pans, and wooden cutting boards should be ideally hand-washed to avoid the discoloration, swelling, and cracking. To keep the wooden utensils and items in good condition, frequently apply food-safe mineral oil to them.
Silverware or Gold-Plated Serveware
Similar to costly or delicate china, fancy cutlery made of gold or silver materials or polish can get dulled, discolored or tarnished when cleaned in the dishwasher. Especially the intricate metallic inlay, etching on the dishware, may get dull after a prolonged exposure to heat constructed inside the dishwasher.
Thermal Glasses or Insulated Mugs
Fancy items like thermal glasses and insulated mugs have a vacuum seal which can get damaged with the high heat in the dishwasher. As a result, the insulator may cause leaks or may no longer work to keep your favorite beverages hot.
Still, if you wish to wash them in the dishwasher, ensure to put them away from the heating element, preferably on the top rack. It can’t guarantee protecting these items from images but will make it through the dishwasher cleaning cycle.
Hand-Painted Dishes & Printed Glasses
Generally, it is better to avoid putting any types of cookware, serveware, glasses, measuring cups, etc. that are hand painted or feature some sort of prints over the same. With the pressured hot water and detergent; the decorative addition to these beautiful items starts fading after each washing cycle. Hand washing is a handy solution to your favorite printed kitchen items and keeps the design over the same intact and visible.
Thin Plastic Items
The dishwasher gets heaty enough during the washing process and can melt the thin, flimsy variety of plastic items. It is better to ensure that the plastic items are dishwasher safe and include thicker plastic objects too, to avoid warping or damaging them permanently.
Ideally, place the plastic objects on the top rack of the dishwasher as it is further away from the heating system and will ensure the plastic kitchen items don’t receive possible damage.
Items With Paper Labels
Canisters and glass jars with labels add an interesting design and appeal to the same and it is pretty convenient for you to get the objects whenever you want them. But, these labels can easily get removed or faded in the dishwasher cleaning cycle.
Also, old or reusable glass jars with product labels when washed directly or with labels in the dishwasher will make the labels wear off and can lead to clogging drain issues. It is, therefore, better to soak these labeled jars in hot water for some an hour and manually remove the label and can then be used or washed just like any other dishwasher-safe object.
Aluminum
Disposable aluminum boxes and foils are not reusable. And cleaning them in the dishwasher is a strict no-no as well. Aluminum cookware, baking trays, and pans can be washed in the dishwasher but may leave dark marks on the other utensils, costly serveware, etc. These marks are pretty difficult to remove too.
Knives and Graters
Even though the harp knives, graters, sieves, etc may be labeled as dishwasher safe, they may still lose their sharpness or become dull or get scratched from the heat received through the dishwasher during the cleaning process. In Particular, hollow handle knives can lose the adhesive on them with the heat inside the dishwasher.
Also, one can get accidentally hurt or cut themselves while getting the knives and more such sharp objects out of the dishwasher. It is always a good idea to clean or rinse the knives, and grater in the kitchen sink.
Also Read: How To Clean And Maintain The Dishwasher, 7 Easy Hacks To Follow!
