A dishwasher can save time and make cleaning up after meals much easier, but not everything in your kitchen belongs in it. High heat, strong detergents, prolonged exposure to water, and powerful spray jets can damage certain materials.
Here are 8 common items that are generally better washed by hand.
1. Wooden Cutting Boards and Utensils
Wooden cutting boards, spoons, spatulas, and other wooden kitchen tools can be damaged by the dishwasher’s heat and prolonged exposure to water.
They may:
- Warp or crack
- Split along the grain
- Become rough
- Lose their protective finish
- Absorb moisture and develop odors
Better option: Wash wooden items by hand with warm water and dish soap, then dry them thoroughly.
2. Cast-Iron Cookware
Traditional cast-iron skillets and pans should generally stay out of the dishwasher.
The combination of water and strong detergent can strip away the seasoning that protects the iron. Repeated dishwasher cycles can also encourage rust.
Better option: Clean cast iron according to the manufacturer’s care instructions, dry it immediately, and maintain its seasoning when needed.
Note: Some enameled cast-iron cookware may have different care instructions, so check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Sharp Kitchen Knives
High-quality chef’s knives and other sharp knives are better washed by hand.
Dishwasher detergents and high temperatures can gradually affect the blade, while powerful water jets can cause knives to knock against other objects. The sharp edge may become dull more quickly.
There is also a safety risk when placing or removing sharp objects from a crowded dishwasher.
Better option: Carefully hand-wash sharp knives and dry them immediately.
4. Copper Cookware
Copper pots, pans, and decorative copper items can lose their shine and develop discoloration when exposed to dishwasher detergents and heat.
If you want to preserve the appearance of copper, hand-washing is usually the safer choice.
Better option: Wash copper cookware by hand and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining its finish.
5. Nonstick Pans
Some modern nonstick cookware is labeled dishwasher-safe, but frequent dishwasher cycles can still shorten the useful life of some nonstick coatings.
Heat, detergent, and contact with other dishes can contribute to deterioration over time.
Better option: If you want your nonstick cookware to last as long as possible, wash it gently by hand with a soft sponge.
Always follow the specific care instructions for your cookware.
6. Crystal and Delicate Glassware
Fine crystal, hand-painted glassware, and delicate decorative glasses can be vulnerable to dishwasher heat, detergent, and strong water jets.
They may become scratched, cloudy, chipped, or even break during the cycle.
Better option: Carefully wash delicate glassware by hand using mild dish soap and lukewarm water.
7. Items With Hand-Painted or Gold Details
Plates, mugs, glasses, and decorative dishes with hand-painted designs, gold rims, silver details, or other delicate finishes can lose their decoration in the dishwasher.
Repeated exposure to heat and detergent may cause decorative elements to fade or wear away.
Better option: Hand-wash these pieces gently unless the manufacturer specifically states that they’re dishwasher-safe.
8. Certain Plastics
Not all plastic containers are designed to withstand dishwasher temperatures.
Some can:
- Warp
- Melt
- Become brittle
- Release unpleasant odors
- Lose their shape
Look for a dishwasher-safe symbol or statement from the manufacturer. When placing approved plastic items in the dishwasher, the top rack is often preferable because it is generally exposed to less intense heat than the bottom rack.
What About Aluminum?
Aluminum cookware deserves extra caution. Some aluminum items can become dull, discolored, or develop a changed finish after dishwasher exposure.
Unless the manufacturer specifically says the item is dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is the safer choice.
A Simple Rule to Remember
Before putting something in the dishwasher, check:
What is it made of?
Wood, cast iron, copper, delicate glass, and certain plastics require extra care.
Does the manufacturer say it’s dishwasher-safe?
If you’re unsure, check the product’s care instructions.
Is it valuable or delicate?
When in doubt, hand-washing is usually the safest option.
Final Tip
The dishwasher is excellent for many everyday plates, bowls, glasses, and utensils, but dishwasher-safe doesn’t mean every kitchen item is dishwasher-safe. When you’re unsure, checking the manufacturer’s instructions can prevent warped cookware, damaged finishes, dull knives, and broken glassware.
A few extra minutes of gentle hand-washing can help your favorite kitchen items last much longer.