Who hasn’t ever slipped a wooden spoon into the dishwasher and told themselves, “oh well, just this once!”? After pulling out utensils that are bleached or damaged, the moment for regrets arrives. So, to avoid making a faux pas again, here is a list of items that should not go in the dishwasher.
Dishwashers: Mistakes to Avoid
The dishwasher feels indispensable today. And that’s not a bad thing, because, contrary to popular belief, dishwashing in the dishwasher is generally more energy- and water-efficient than hand washing. That said, you shouldn’t put everything in the machine, as some materials won’t hold up.
Take a Few Precautions
First, be sure to clear away the bulk of food scraps and excess grease from dishes and utensils. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a completely clogged filter. And bad odors to boot.
Next, you should not overload the machine to avoid blocking the water cycle. In addition, it’s best to organize the loading carefully to prevent breakage.
Finally, even if it’s tedious, don’t skip maintenance so the appliance stays efficient and lasts longer. The tub, filter, spray arms, and seals should be cleaned regularly.
Dishwasher Symbol
While the everyday dishes we use are generally dishwasher-safe, there are still certain restrictions. Some items that are dishwasher-safe even display a dishwasher symbol representing two plates in a square. You can see this dishwasher symbol on some silicone molds, for example.
But this is not the case for the following items.
Items Not Allowed in the Dishwasher
Some objects don’t go in the dishwasher. Either because machine washing would ruin their appearance, or because the machine would alter their properties.
Items Too Delicate for the Dishwasher
We don’t use them every day, but crystal glassware should not go in the machine. Too fragile, they become dull. Likewise, wooden utensils don’t hold up to very high-temperature washing. Therefore, it’s best to wash wooden spatulas, spoons, and cutting boards by hand.
It happens that we keep a handy disposable tray for storing foods. However, these disposable packaging items do not go in the dishwasher. At best, you’ll find them deformed. At worst, they’ll melt!
Also avoid placing your decorative china with gilding or silver patterns in the dishwasher. You risk them disappearing in no time.
Contrary to what you might think, some silverware can go in the dishwasher. But not just any way. Indeed, precious and delicate silverware should be washed only with a chlorine-free detergent. Do not do this if you’ve just refilled regenerating salt. Above all, do not mix silverware with stainless steel objects.
Properties Altered by the Dishwasher
Your cast-iron cookware will have to be scrubbed by hand every time! Indeed, cast-iron pots, pans, and skillets lose their nonstick properties after a dishwasher run, because they can’t withstand high-temperature washing. Additionally, detergents attack the material. The result: after a few dishwasher cycles, cast-iron utensils begin to rust.
The same goes for your nonstick pans and bakeware, whose properties can only be preserved by washing by hand.
Soft plastic utensils, incredibly handy, don’t tolerate the dishwasher and its high-temperature water, which can warp the material. Avoid placing your silicone spatula for baking or the lids of airtight containers in the dishwasher, as they will warp or harden. The same goes for baby bottle nipples, which should be washed by hand.
Finally, if you’re a skilled cook and own stainless steel kitchen knives, don’t wash them in the dishwasher. You risk finding them completely rusted and no longer usable, because they’ll have lost their edge.
