17 Things You Shouldn't Wash in the Dishwasher

tableware-555203_1920-1024x728

A dishwasher is a great helper that makes kitchen work many times more convenient and additionally helps save considerable time. However, it's worth knowing that there are a whole range of kitchen items that should not be washed in it under any circumstances and that are better washed by hand.

We present 17 items that should not be washed in a dishwasher:

1. Kitchen knives

knives-687081_1920-600x600

Knives can become damaged in the dishwasher and start to rust over time. Additionally, knives are very sharp and if children help remove items from the dishwasher, they can get hurt. If knife handles are made of wood, they can also become damaged in the dishwasher.

2. Graters and sieves

All kitchen items with sharp ends or corners should not go in the dishwasher. These can damage the plastic of the dishwasher racks, which means the metal parts become more exposed and over time rust can start to form in the dishwasher. Additionally, items with many small holes may not get properly clean in the dishwasher.

3. Aluminum items

The dishwasher makes aluminum items dull. Strong detergents can cause corrosion on aluminum dishes and you may also notice white spots on the surface of aluminum items, caused by the alkalinity of the detergent. If you want aluminum items to stay beautiful, it's better to wash them by hand. Even if the item says it can be washed in the dishwasher.

4. Cast iron items

Cast iron items have been used for centuries and can last nearly forever if cared for properly. To prevent rusting, they need to be oiled frequently. The oil penetrates the surface of the cast iron and the result is an ideal cooking pan. However, if you put a cast iron pan in the dishwasher, it will wash off all the oils and the cast iron pan becomes unusable. If a cast iron item ends up in the dishwasher, you need to start oiling it again so you can use it.

5. Wooden spoons, bowls, cutting boards

wood-3173282_1920-600x400

The detergents used in dishwashers are quite strong and therefore wash the oils off wooden items, which is exactly what protects them. As a result, wooden items eventually start to crack. Wooden cutting boards and other kitchen utensils should be washed by hand and quickly, using a gentle dish soap. Don't let wooden items soak, as this damages their surface and causes them to swell. If you feel wooden items need to be disinfected, you can successfully do this with a solution made from vinegar and water mixed together.

6. Copper items

Copper items are also damaged by the detergents used in dishwashers, which makes the item's surface dull and can even cause rust. Additionally, harsh detergent can create small holes in the metal surface that cannot be fixed with anything.

7. Pressure cooker and pressure pot lids

You can freely place a pressure cooker pot in the dishwasher, but it's better to wash its lid by hand. The lid has valves where small food particles can get stuck in the dishwasher and therefore it can happen that the pressure cooker no longer works properly and can even break. Additionally, the harsh detergents used in the dishwasher can damage the silicone seals of the pressure cooker lid.

8. Non-stick cookware

Although many non-stick pans have a note that they can be washed in the dishwasher, harsh detergents and high temperatures can damage the pan's surface, making it no longer good for cooking. If you want to wash the pan in the dishwasher, skip the drying cycle and let the pan air dry. If you notice that the pan's surface is damaged, it's time to buy a new one, as a damaged surface can be toxic.

9. Plastic and melamine plates

High temperature and detergent can damage this type of material.

10. Thermal mugs

Thermal mugs are good if you want to keep a hot drink hot or a cold drink cold. Many thermal mugs are made so that there are two layers of material with air between them. The latter is what creates insulation and keeps the drink at its temperature to a large extent. Although some thermal mugs say they can be washed in the dishwasher, it's best to wash thermal mugs by hand. Regardless of whether the thermal mug is plastic or metal inside. If you want to wash a thermal mug in the dishwasher, place it on the upper rack and skip the high temperature drying cycle. If you want to remove coffee stains from inside the mug, use baking soda for this. Then rinse the mug properly afterwards.

Read the 7 remaining items that should definitely not be washed in a dishwasher HERE

Source: Modern Home