15 Items That Don’t Go in the Dishwasher

Dishwashers are one of the most popular items of convenience ever manufactured due to saving countless hours lost washing dishes. Millions of households  rely on their trusty dishwasher to take care of the day’s mess. Most dishwashers can handle any form of kitchen equipment easily but there are exceptions. Breakables and cheaply made kitchenware glued together break often while some plastics release harmful chemicals.  Here are fifteen items which you should never put in the dishwasher due to the risk they pose. Some are a risk to your health, others may damage your dishwasher. Either way it is best to stay clear of these fifteen which are most definitely not dishwasher safe!

1. Never Put Wood in The Dishwasher

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Wood is not dishwasher friendly due to causing multiple health risks because of the spread of germs and bacteria. Chopping boards, graters, scrapers or spoons should be washed in the sink. Anything with a wooden handle should not go in your dishwasher. The intense heat cycle can cause the wood to crack when contracting and swelling. The heat often also causes the wood to warp and finishings to crack. When wood cracks it leaves an opening vulnerable for bacteria to accumulate and breed. Marks and other unsightly buildups are easily removed using a bit of baking soda and scrub brush.

2. Vintage Plates

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Any form of vintage table wear should not go through a wash cycle. Dishwasher detergent is to abrasive for china and delicate ceramics. Antique porcelain and detergents do not mix. The chemicals and heat can also eat away at gold or other metallic coatings and finishings. Hand wash antiques taking care to select a mild detergent only.

3. Kitchen Knives

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Most chefs will advise you not to put your expensive knives in the dishwasher due to wishing to prolong the longevity of their costly kitchen equipment. The detergent is more abrasive than conventional cleaning agents. This dulls sharp edges and the roughly tumbling action of the wash cycle dulls them even more. Rather hand wash your knives if you want to keep them sharp.

4. Garlic Press

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A garlic press is a tricky item to clean due to having hard to reach crevices. Food particles often become stuck within the press when running it through a dishwasher. Garlic being stuck is bad enough but no one wants the grey goo which accumulates. Rather just wash your garlic press in the sink to save yourself a lot of effort in the long run.

5. Baking Mats

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Baking mats won’t degrade after a single wash. However run them through the dishwasher too often and they wear down fast. Thin plastic mats, baking accessories and other kitchen wear are too delicate. Most thin plastics will whether thin. Rather wash baking mats by hand.

6. Don’t Put Anything Insulated in the Dishwasher

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Don’t risk your thermos by placing it in through the wash. The cycle is too rough and the heat is too intense for the insulted double layer design to hold. Cracks often form allowing heat and liquid to seep out. This is turn allows allows bacteria in thus putting you at risk. Never wash an insulated container in the dishwasher. It is highly likely that it will break.Copper Pots, Pans and Utensils

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The harsh nature of dishwasher detergent will cause the veneer of the copper to lose it’s shine due to most chemicals changing the color of copper. The color of your copper can change dramatically depending on your dishwasher detergent. Rather avoid the risk completely.

8. Cast Iron Skillets

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Cast iron should never go through an automatic wash cycle. It will lose it’s finish and begin to rust. The best way to clean cast iron is using hot water and a soapy sponge. Never resort to using a harsh chemical detergent. Once cleaned and rinsed dry it immediately with a towel. Leaving it wet will cause rust to form.

9. Certain Plastics

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The extreme heat endured can cause the release of toxins from plastic. Certain plastics will melt and degrade. Unless a plastic states that it is specifically microwave safe do not chance it. Yogurt tubs, margarine dishes and takeaway containers must never go through the heat of an automatic wash. When using dishwasher safe plastics always place them far away from the element due to the heat. Even these plastics are susceptible to damage.

10. Non-Stick Cookware

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Non-stick coatings present on pots and pans are often damaged by dishwasher detergent due to the coating not reacting well to the chemicals present. The harsh chemical composition will eat away at coatings over time, degrading your pan. There is nothing worse than a non-stick pan which has lost it’s coating. Rather veer clear of the dishwasher with non-stick items.

11. Do Not Put Adhesives In the Dishwasher

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The paper, plastic and glue present on labels and jars can clog your drain. Remove all labels before putting bottles through the wash. At times it is best to wipe away most of the glue as well. The high temperatures within a dishwasher can also damage other glues. Cheaply manufactured utensils with glued on handles can take damage and eventually fall apart.

12. Aluminium

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Dishwasher detergent is an alkaline compound and will thus damage aluminium finishes. It causes aluminium to turn black, destroying the outer finish. Vinegar and cream of tartar can be used to clean stubborn stains and loosen grime. Do not put aluminium cookware in the dishwasher ever. The veneer is near destroyed after coming into contact with most detergents.

13. Enameled Pots and Pans

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Any form of enamel will chip and scar when put through your dishwasher. A chip will result in eventual rust. Rather wash enameled items by hand. Any item which has an unknown coating which you would rather not damage should not go into the washer due to the abrasiveness.

14. Breakables

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Any delicate items should never pass through a dishwasher due to the high chance that they will break or become damaged. The wash cycle is far too rough for china, crystal and silverware. Low quality, low cost items are also damaged in a dishwasher and should therefore be washed by hand.

15. Stemmed Glasses

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Any glass or crystal vessel which has a stem should not be risked in a wash cycle due to the roughness of the wash. The tumbling action increases the change of the stem breaking. This is a likely occurrence and happens frequently. Rather wash delicate glass items by hand. The extreme heat makes the glassware even more fragile than it is conventionally. Never chance your stemmed glasses!