Here we walk you through 18 items you should not put in the dishwasher. If you do choose to slip them, opt for the top rack and be prepared to accept your mistakes! Wooden items should be hand washed quickly with a mild detergent in warm water. Do not allow them to soak because that can cause the wood to swell and distort. If you feel the wood needs to be disinfected, use a mild solution of chlorine bleach and warm water—1/4 cup of bleach to 1/2 gallon of water. As with wood, natural stones for pizza should also be hand washed to prevent cracking and damage from harsh detergents. Finally, the harsh dishwasher detergent can dull edges and cause wooden handles to loosen and split. It’s best to hand wash all types of kitchen knives. And if you crowd items with small holes into the dishwasher, it is nearly impossible for the water stream to remove all of the food particles. Again, hand wash for best results. When the cast iron is placed in the dishwasher, the harsh detergent and excessive water strips away the oil and leaves the cast iron unusable. The seasoning process must be completely started over. This applies to cast iron pots and pans that have outer enamel coatings, as well. Even if your pan is covered with black crud on the outside and you think the dishwasher is an easy way to get it clean, resist the urge. Use some old-fashioned elbow grease instead. The same thing can happen to your aluminum pots, pans, and baking sheets. If the aluminum has not been anodized, the harsh detergent can cause pitting and corrosion. You may also see white spots on the surface from the alkalinity of the dishwasher detergent. Even if the pan is labeled as “dishwasher safe,” it’s better to hand wash. If you want to remove the discoloration and spots, make a paste of cream of tartar and warm water. Spread the paste over the pot and use some elbow grease—and remember to hand wash next time! Pitting is not going to be removed even with the best copper cleaner and elbow grease. The lid contains the valves that control how well the cooker works. The action of a dishwasher can force small particles of food into the valves and vents and cause the cooker to malfunction (explode). The harsh chemicals can also damage the rubber or silicone seals of the lid. At the first sign of damage to the surface, it’s time for a new pan. When the nonstick surface is scratched, chipped or flaking, it can release dangerous toxins into the food. Always hand wash ceramic cookware. Dishwasher detergents can contain bleach and citric acids that are too harsh for the finish. If you love them and want them to last, then hand wash. While some containers are labeled as dishwasher safe, many are not. It is best to hand wash both plastic and metal insulated containers. If you decide to place one in the dishwasher, opt for the top rack and skip the high heat of the drying cycle that can cause the seal to break and water to enter the airspace. To remove coffee stains from the interior of your travel mug, make a paste of baking soda and water. Use a soft brush or cloth to apply the paste and then “scrub” gently. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. And what good is a glass measuring cup with no lines? Hand-painted glassware, even if the glass has been fired with heat, should never be placed in the dishwasher. When you place them in the dishwasher, use the top rack only and skip the high heat drying cycle. Remove from the dishwasher to air dry. Extra tip: One of the best label/adhesive removers on the market is Un-Du, with a built-in scraper. Porcelain and fine china are dishwasher safe unless they have gold metallic trim or images. The harsh detergent and the strong water action of the jets can cause the metallic work to flake away. With any delicate china, take care when loading so that pieces don’t knock together and cause chipping. Delicate crystal should be hand washed to prevent chipping. If you decide to use the dishwasher, use the top rack and place the glasses between the tines, not over them, to help avoid breakage. Remember, some lead crystal will become cloudy and pitted after being etched by the harsh detergents.
