While we have discussed 6 awesome dishwasher tips for cleaner dishes, there are some cookware items that shouldn’t go into the dishwasher. The reason? Different materials cannot handle harsh detergents, high water pressure or hot water temperatures—sometimes it’s a combination of all 3. Before you load up your miracle appliance (it really is, isn’t it?), we’ve put together 7 common items you should not load your dishwasher with; rather, you should wash the following by hand instead...
1) Cast Iron You’ve worked hard for that well-seasoned, cast iron pan. Now if you put that guy in the dishwasher, you run the risk of rust in addition to losing your seasoning. Not to mention, cast iron enamel chips very easily.
2) Copper Cookware A soft metal, copper can easily dent in your dishwasher as well as shorten its lifespan from harsh detergents. If you're itching for shiny copper pots and pans, grab a slice of lemon with salt, and rub the copper for a polished restoration.
3) Nonstick Pots & Pans It’s best just to wash these by hand (I know, I know). It may be a pain—but if you run your nonstick pots and pans in the dishwasher, all of that nonstick-goodness will come right off.
4) Knives This is a bit of a surprise, isn’t it? Your good knives should never go in the dishwasher; this can dull the blades as well as cause dents and scratches from hitting other objects. Also, never put hollow knives in your dishwasher either; most handles are attached with adhesive that can easily loosen up.
5) Anything Wood Wood cutting boards, utensils or dishes should never go in the dishwasher—check your manufacturer’s instructions first, though. Wood can easily split, warp, expand, crack and fall apart. Any finishes on your wooden items will also come off due to the high temperatures.
6) Crystal and Delicate Glass Hand-blown or fine glass and crystal run the risk of cracking from the high temperatures in your dishwasher. Even the harsh detergents can chip these delicate items and also can cause them to lose their luster.
7) Gold Trim or Plated Utensils Your stunning gold-trimmed glasses, bowls and plates run the risk of being washed right off due to the high heat, water pressure and dishwasher detergent. The same goes with gold-plated forks, spoons and knives—you run the risk of dulling your once shiny and beautiful flatware.
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