If you’re like most people, your dishwasher is an indispensable part of the household cleaning routine. After all, who doesn’t love getting dinner dishes out of the way quickly and conveniently? However, ordinary items that may seem safe to place in a dishwasher could cost you time and money. Read on for some surprising things you should never put in the dishwasher. Remember this advice, so you don’t ruin any of your kitchenware.
Cast-Iron Pans And Skillets
Cast-iron pans and skillets are popular kitchen staples for a reason – they conduct heat unbelievably well, can last decades when properly cared for, and of course, the flavoring obtained from a well-seasoned pan far surpasses that of any other cookware. However, despite all these advantages, one should never put cast-iron pans and skillets in the dishwasher. This is because the powerful soap used in a dishwasher can strip away the essential seasoning oils from your cast iron, leaving it exposed to rust and corrosion.
Furthermore, cleaning your cast-iron stove top with anything other than water or a sponge is asking for an unsightly mess on your dishes as the abrasive cleaners will scratch its surface. The best way to care for your cast-iron skillet is by hand washing it with hot water and drying it completely after each use, which will protect its special seasoning and allow it to last even longer in perfect condition.
Wooden Cutting Boards And Utensils
Wooden cutting boards and utensils are not meant to be cleaned in a dishwasher because they are more prone to warping and cracking due to the moisture and heat of the machine. Additionally, they can leave splinters if exposed to too much water or go through a heating cycle, which can be dangerous to anyone using them.
The best way to clean wooden cutting boards is with hot soapy water followed by an application of Mineral Oil. On the other hand, utensils such as spoons, spatulas, and wooden bowls should all be washed by hand in warm soapy water before being laid out to dry on a kitchen towel. This way, one can guarantee optimal care of both items, keeping them from being warped or cracked.
Silver Or China With Gold Accents
Silver and China with gold accents should always be hand washed as the heat from a dishwasher can damage the metal components. Putting these pieces in the dishwasher may cause some of the intricate detailing to wear down, fade or chip away.
This can also lead to increased oxidation, which is a rapid deterioration of the silver or gold plating, thus resulting in tarnishing and discoloration over time. Additionally, harsh detergents like those used in dishwashers may cause irreparable adverse effects on all types of precious metal utensils; hence it is best to play it safe and hand wash valuable items separately with soft sponges and mild soaps.
