# 18 Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher (Even If You\u2019re Tempted)<\/p>\n
The dishwasher is one of the most convenient appliances in the kitchen, but not everything belongs inside it. High heat, strong detergents, water pressure, and long wash cycles can damage certain materials surprisingly quickly.<\/p>\n
Some items may lose their finish, warp, crack, rust, or become unsafe to use. Others can even damage the dishwasher itself.<\/p>\n
Here are 18 things that are usually better washed by hand.<\/p>\n
## 1. Wooden Cutting Boards<\/p>\n
Wood and prolonged hot water do not mix well.<\/p>\n
Dishwasher cycles can cause wooden cutting boards to:<\/p>\n
* warp
\n* crack
\n* split
\n* dry out
\n* lose their smooth finish<\/p>\n
The heat can also weaken glued joints in laminated boards.<\/p>\n
Wash wooden boards by hand with warm soapy water, rinse them promptly, and dry them upright.<\/p>\n
## 2. Wooden Spoons and Utensils<\/p>\n
The same rule applies to wooden spoons, spatulas, and handles.<\/p>\n
Repeated dishwasher cycles may cause them to:<\/p>\n
* become rough
\n* split
\n* fade
\n* absorb water
\n* loosen at glued areas<\/p>\n
Hand washing usually helps them last much longer.<\/p>\n
## 3. Cast-Iron Cookware<\/p>\n
A cast-iron skillet should not normally go in the dishwasher.<\/p>\n
The detergent and prolonged moisture can strip away the protective seasoning and encourage rust.<\/p>\n
Instead:<\/p>\n
* wash gently by hand
\n* dry immediately
\n* apply a very thin layer of cooking oil if needed<\/p>\n
Proper care helps maintain the naturally seasoned cooking surface.<\/p>\n
## 4. Carbon-Steel Pans and Knives<\/p>\n
Carbon steel behaves similarly to cast iron.<\/p>\n
Dishwasher detergent and moisture can damage the seasoning and promote rust.<\/p>\n
Hand washing and immediate drying are usually the safer choice.<\/p>\n
## 5. Good Kitchen Knives<\/p>\n
High-quality chef\u2019s knives should generally be washed by hand.<\/p>\n
Dishwasher cycles can:<\/p>\n
* dull the blade
\n* cause small chips
\n* damage wooden handles
\n* promote corrosion
\n* allow knives to knock against other utensils<\/p>\n
There is also a safety issue: reaching into a dishwasher containing sharp knives can cause cuts.<\/p>\n
Wash knives carefully and dry them immediately.<\/p>\n
## 6. Nonstick Pans Unless Clearly Dishwasher-Safe<\/p>\n
Some modern nonstick cookware is labeled dishwasher-safe, but frequent dishwasher cleaning may still shorten the life of certain coatings.<\/p>\n
High heat and strong detergent can gradually degrade the surface.<\/p>\n
If the manufacturer recommends hand washing, follow that advice.<\/p>\n
A soft sponge and mild dish soap are usually enough.<\/p>\n
## 7. Copper Cookware<\/p>\n
Copper pots and pans can lose their shine in the dishwasher.<\/p>\n
Strong detergents may cause discoloration, spotting, and dullness.<\/p>\n
Polished or decorative copper usually looks better for longer when cleaned gently by hand.<\/p>\n
## 8. Aluminum Items<\/p>\n
Some aluminum cookware can become dark, dull, or stained after dishwasher washing.<\/p>\n
Uncoated aluminum is particularly vulnerable to alkaline dishwasher detergents.<\/p>\n
Check the manufacturer\u2019s instructions before putting aluminum pieces inside.<\/p>\n
## 9. Antique or Hand-Painted China<\/p>\n
Delicate china, especially older pieces, often has decorations that are not designed to withstand repeated dishwasher cycles.<\/p>\n
Gold trim, painted details, and fragile glazing can fade or deteriorate.<\/p>\n
Hand washing is the safer option for:<\/p>\n
* heirloom dishes
\n* antique china
\n* decorative plates
\n* hand-painted ceramics<\/p>\n
## 10. Crystal Glassware<\/p>\n
Fine crystal can become cloudy, etched, chipped, or cracked in the dishwasher.<\/p>\n
The combination of heat, detergent, and movement can be especially harsh on thin crystal.<\/p>\n
Hand wash crystal gently with lukewarm water and a soft cloth.<\/p>\n
## 11. Gold- or Silver-Rimmed Dishes<\/p>\n
Decorative metallic rims can fade or wear away after repeated dishwasher exposure.<\/p>\n
This includes:<\/p>\n
* gold trim
\n* silver trim
\n* metallic painted accents<\/p>\n
Even if the dish itself survives, the decoration may not.<\/p>\n
## 12. Insulated Travel Mugs<\/p>\n
Some insulated mugs are dishwasher-safe, but many are not.<\/p>\n
High temperatures and water pressure can damage the vacuum seal between the walls.<\/p>\n
Once the seal is compromised, the mug may no longer keep drinks hot or cold effectively.<\/p>\n
Always check the manufacturer\u2019s care instructions.<\/p>\n
## 13. Vacuum-Sealed Containers<\/p>\n
The same warning applies to some vacuum-insulated bottles, food jars, and thermoses.<\/p>\n
Dishwasher heat can damage:<\/p>\n
* seals
\n* insulation
\n* coatings
\n* printed decoration<\/p>\n
If the product does not specifically state that it is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is usually safer.<\/p>\n
## 14. Certain Plastic Containers<\/p>\n
Not every plastic container is suitable for dishwasher temperatures.<\/p>\n
Some plastics can:<\/p>\n
* warp
\n* melt
\n* become misshapen
\n* lose their lids\u2019 fit<\/p>\n
Only wash plastics marked dishwasher-safe.<\/p>\n
When appropriate, placing them on the upper rack keeps them farther from some heating elements.<\/p>\n
## 15. Soft or Thin Plastic Items<\/p>\n
Thin plastic lids, disposable containers, and lightweight utensils are especially risky.<\/p>\n
They may move around during the wash cycle and come into contact with heating components.<\/p>\n
If they are not clearly designed for dishwasher use, wash them by hand.<\/p>\n
## 16. Items With Adhesive Labels<\/p>\n
Containers with paper labels or stickers can create a mess inside the dishwasher.<\/p>\n
Labels may:<\/p>\n
* peel off
\n* clog filters
\n* stick to dishes
\n* leave adhesive residue
\n* interfere with drainage<\/p>\n
Remove labels before washing reusable jars or containers.<\/p>\n
## 17. Anything With Electronic Components<\/p>\n
This may sound obvious, but certain modern kitchen tools contain hidden electronics.<\/p>\n
Examples include:<\/p>\n
* digital thermometers
\n* battery-operated gadgets
\n* electronic measuring devices
\n* some illuminated cups or bottles
\n* smart kitchen accessories<\/p>\n
Unless the manufacturer explicitly says the removable part is dishwasher-safe, keep electronic components away from the dishwasher.<\/p>\n
## 18. Hand-Painted, Personalized, or Sentimental Items<\/p>\n
Containers with paper labels or stickers can create a mess inside the dishwasher.<\/p>\n
Labels may:<\/p>\n
* peel off
\n* clog filters
\n* stick to dishes
\n* leave adhesive residue
\n* interfere with drainage<\/p>\n
Remove labels before washing reusable jars or containers.<\/p>\n
## 17. Anything With Electronic Components<\/p>\n
This may sound obvious, but certain modern kitchen tools contain hidden electronics.<\/p>\n
Examples include:<\/p>\n
* digital thermometers
\n* battery-operated gadgets
\n* electronic measuring devices
\n* some illuminated cups or bottles
\n* smart kitchen accessories<\/p>\n
Unless the manufacturer explicitly says the removable part is dishwasher-safe, keep electronic components away from the dishwasher.<\/p>\n
## 18. Hand-Painted, Personalized, or Sentimental Items<\/p>\n
Customized mugs, handmade pottery, printed glasses, and decorative kitchenware may not withstand high heat or harsh detergent.<\/p>\n
Dishwasher cycles can cause:<\/p>\n
* fading
\n* cracking
\n* peeling
\n* discoloration
\n* damage to printed designs<\/p>\n
If an item is valuable because of its appearance or sentimental importance, hand washing is usually worth the extra minute.<\/p>\n
## What About \u201cDishwasher-Safe\u201d Labels?<\/p>\n
A dishwasher-safe label generally means the manufacturer considers the product capable of withstanding dishwasher use under recommended conditions.<\/p>\n
But that does not necessarily mean the item will remain unchanged forever.<\/p>\n
Repeated cycles can still gradually affect:<\/p>\n
* coatings
\n* printed designs
\n* sharp edges
\n* decorative finishes
\n* silicone seals<\/p>\n
For expensive or delicate items, hand washing may still extend their lifespan.<\/p>\n
## Items That Can Also Damage Your Dishwasher<\/p>\n
Certain objects are not only at risk themselves\u2014they can create problems for the machine.<\/p>\n
Avoid putting loose items inside that could:<\/p>\n
* fall through the racks
\n* block spray arms
\n* clog the filter
\n* melt onto heating components
\n* break into sharp fragments<\/p>\n
Small lids and lightweight utensils should be secured properly before running a cycle.<\/p>\n
## A Simple Rule to Remember<\/p>\n
Before putting an unfamiliar item in the dishwasher, ask three questions:<\/p>\n
1. Can high heat damage it?
\n2. Can strong detergent damage its finish?
\n3. Can prolonged water exposure cause rust, warping, or loosening?<\/p>\n
If the answer to any of these is yes, washing by hand is probably safer.<\/p>\n
## The Bottom Line<\/p>\n
Dishwashers are excellent for everyday plates, glasses, stainless-steel cutlery, and cookware specifically labeled dishwasher-safe.<\/p>\n
But wooden utensils, cast iron, fine knives, delicate china, crystal, copper, certain plastics, insulated containers, and sentimental items often last longer when washed by hand.<\/p>\n
Taking an extra minute to check the material can prevent ruined cookware, damaged finishes, and unnecessary replacement costs.<\/p>\n
# 18 Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher (Even If You\u2019re Tempted) The dishwasher is one of the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":72,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-71","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandma-s-cooking-secret.erudipedia.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandma-s-cooking-secret.erudipedia.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandma-s-cooking-secret.erudipedia.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandma-s-cooking-secret.erudipedia.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandma-s-cooking-secret.erudipedia.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=71"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/grandma-s-cooking-secret.erudipedia.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":73,"href":"https:\/\/grandma-s-cooking-secret.erudipedia.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71\/revisions\/73"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandma-s-cooking-secret.erudipedia.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/72"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandma-s-cooking-secret.erudipedia.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=71"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandma-s-cooking-secret.erudipedia.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=71"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandma-s-cooking-secret.erudipedia.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=71"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}