I've spent much of my adult life without a dishwasher, so I can only imagine the efficiency it would bring to my always messy kitchen. With the high heat, the dishwasher can be great for sanitizing. It can also be a big time saver for those who love to cook or cook for a crowd. If I owned a dishwasher, I'd likely want to throw as much as I could in it to avoid an accumulation of dishes in the sink. But there are several things, no matter how rushed you are, that should never make their way to the dishwasher.
With its high heat, harsh soap, and the potential to jostle around with other items, the dishwasher isn't always the best place for some items. For some things, a wash or two, might not make a huge difference, but could cause more wear over time. Others, like cast iron skillets or fine china, damage might be more apparent.
These are the things you should never put in the dishwasher. Not sure about something? You can always wash it by hand.
Looking for kitchen tools and gadgets to outfit your kitchen? Check out our guide.
Cast Iron
When it comes to cast iron, most people avoid washing it to keep the "seasoning" from wearing off. But even if you do believe in cleaning it with soap and water, the dishwasher is definitely off limits. According to cast iron brand Lodge, the dishwasher won't just remove this seasoning, but also cause the cast iron to rust. Instead, follow our guide for keeping your cast iron clean and seasoned.
Fine China & Glassware
This one should be a given. Anything delicate, like china or your favorite wine glasses with the dainty stems, shouldn't get tossed in the dishwasher. If you're concerned about it breaking, it's best to wash it by hand.
Kitchen Knives & Anything Sharp
While it might seem easier to toss your chef's knife or microplane in the dishwasher, you shouldn't. Not only is this a safety hazard when mixed in with a bunch of items, but the dishwasher can damage a knife's blade and handle—and kitchen knives aren't always cheap. When it comes to other sharp objects like a cheese grater, hand washing will probably do a better job getting into all the nooks and crannies.
Wooden Utensils and Cutting Boards
Keep that beautiful olive cutting board away from the dishwasher. Unless your want dry, cracked, and warped kitchen tools, it's best to wash anything wooden in your good old fashioned sink. Between the heat and water, the dishwasher is enemy number one for wooden products, which should be washed by hand and oiled to keep them in mint condition.
Aluminum Cookware
Whether it's an aluminum cookie sheet or an aluminum pan, keep it out of the dishwasher to keep it from tarnishing or accumulating scratches. While discoloration will result from the dishwasher, Nordic Ware says that it's only cosmetic and won't affect the safety or function of the product.
Pots and Pans
Depending on the material, you can get away with putting some pots and pans in the dishwasher—especially small ones. But it's best to avoid it. Pots and pans are often an investment and the harsh environment of the dishwasher can ruin some surfaces. You'll always want to check the cleaning instructions.
