Dishwashers provide a convenient solution for cleaning dishes with relative ease. Cleaning dirty dishes is always a difficult and time-consuming task, especially for busy people. If you have a dishwasher, simply tossing the dirty dishes into the machine and letting them do the cleaning for you is the best solution!
However, some feel that kitchen essentials aren’t so conducive to dishwashing. We have listed some of these things to avoid when washing with dishwasher to keep it in good condition and to avoid making dishwashing trails:
A list of things to avoid washing in the dishwasher to keep it in good condition:
Delicate China:
Sensitive dinnerware, such as fine chine and milk glasses, should be handled with care, as they don’t do well in the dishwasher. These items can easily break or become damaged when they come into contact with other dishes during washing. Also, the intense heat from the dishwasher can damage the intricate design or pattern of the porcelain china and even cause discoloration
Cast iron pots and pans:
Metal pots and pans are considered the best choice for cooking your food but when it comes to washing them, they should never be used in the dishwasher. This is because intense washes or cycles can damage these expensive pots and pans. Uncovered cast iron pans can easily be damaged when washed in the dishwasher. It is best to hand wash these dishes instead of traditional dish washers.
Nonstick Pans and Trays:
Note that not all non-stick dishes are dishwasher safe. Non-dishwasher safe dishes and trays can lose their sealant after several cycles in the dishwasher and it may not be safe to cook in one and then wash in the dishwasher. That’s why it’s wise to make sure the container is dishwasher safe before washing. If possible, wash in the sink first and then place in the dishwasher to rinse.
Wooden structures:
Some wood products described as dishwashers–safe can be added for cleaning. However, because dishwashers use hot water to clean, they can remove or reduce the natural oils in the wood. Without proper care, If not cared for properly, the wooden dishes and items may warp and eventually crack.
It is advisable that kitchen utensils such as wooden plates, bowls, wooden handles and chopping boards should be hand washed to prevent discoloration, washing and cracking. To maintain the quality of wooden utensils, use mineral oil on top.
Silverware or Gold-Plated Serve ware:
Fancy cutlery made or polished with gold and silverware such as expensive or delicate chine can become dull, discolored or dirty when it is washed with dishwasher Especially when exposed to dishwasher heat after long exposure an impressive cast of metal, engraved on molds, can be dull
Thermal Glasses and Insulated Mugs:
Elegant thermal glasses and insulated mugs feature a vacuum seal that can be compromised by the intense heat inside the dishwasher. This can lead to potential leaks or a loss in their ability to keep your beverages hot.
However, if you're determined to use the dishwasher for these items, be sure to place them far from the heating element, ideally on the top rack. While it doesn't provide foolproof protection, this placement should help them survive the dishwasher's cleaning cycle.
Hand-Painted Dinnerware and Printed Glassware:
In most cases, it's advisable to refrain from placing any cookware, serve ware, glasses, measuring cups, and similar items that are either hand-painted or adorned with printed designs into the dishwasher. The combination of high-pressure hot water and detergent can gradually fade the decorative elements on these exquisite pieces with each wash cycle. For preserving the integrity and visibility of the intricate designs, hand washing is the recommended solution for your beloved printed kitchen items.
Delicate Plastic Utensils:
The dishwasher generates significant heat during its cleaning cycle, which can potentially cause thin, flexible plastic items to warp or melt. To prevent permanent damage, it's essential to confirm that your plastic items are dishwasher-safe. Whenever possible, opt for thicker plastic utensils and objects.
For added protection, it's advisable to position plastic items on the top rack of the dishwasher. This placement keeps them farther from the dishwasher's heating system, reducing the risk of damage to your plastic kitchen essentials.
Items with Paper Labels:
Canisters and glass jars adorned with paper labels add an appealing touch to their appearance and make it convenient for you to identify their contents. However, these labels are susceptible to damage or fading during the dishwasher's cleaning cycle.
Moreover, when old or reusable glass jars with product labels are subjected to dishwasher cleaning, the labels may wear off and potentially cause drain clogs. To preserve both the labels and your plumbing, it's recommended to soak these labelled jars in hot water for an hour and manually remove the labels. Afterward, they can be safely used and washed like any other dishwasher-safe item.
Aluminum:
Disposable aluminum containers and foils are not designed for reuse and should never be placed in the dishwasher. While aluminum cookware, baking trays, and pans can technically be cleaned in the dishwasher, they have a tendency to leave unsightly dark marks on other utensils, expensive serve ware, and more. Removing these marks can be quite challenging as well.
Knives and Graters:
While some knives, graters, sieves, and similar tools may bear a "dishwasher safe" label, it's important to note that they can still experience a loss of sharpness, become dulled, or suffer from heat-induced scratches during the dishwasher's cleaning process. This is particularly true for knives with hollow handles, as the heat inside the dishwasher can compromise the adhesive that holds them together.
Additionally, there is a safety concern with sharp objects like knives in the dishwasher. Accidental injuries, including cuts, can occur when handling these items as they come out of the dishwasher. For safety and to maintain the sharpness of your knives and the integrity of your graters, it's advisable to clean or rinse them in the kitchen sink instead.
Also Read: How To Clean And Maintain The Dishwasher, 7 Easy Hacks To Follow!