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.
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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.
Non-Stick Cookware
Non-Stick Cookware should never be put in the dishwasher because of the damage that can occur. The dishwasher’s extreme heat and high pressure can wear away at the non-stick coating, which eventually causes it to separate from the metal underneath. This can cause pieces of the coating to come off into dishes and food, creating a potentially dangerous scenario.
Even if tiny pieces aren’t ingested, they could end up in someone’s eye, which could cause irritation or worse. To ensure that your Non-Stick Cookware is safe for you and your family, stick with hand-washing for this type of cookware. Regular care and attention allow you to keep these surfaces in good condition for years.
Sharp Knives
Sharp knives are an essential tool for many kinds of cooking; however, it is important to remember never to put them in the dishwasher. Not only can knives warp and become dull due to exposure to high temperatures, but they can also damage plates and other items in the dishwasher and pose a safety hazard if you ‘grab in the dark’ when unloading.
To help keep your knives sharp and clean, it is best to hand wash carefully using mild soap and water. Ensure that all cleaning products used will not rust or corrode the blade in any way before use, as this could cause damage to the knife and any food it comes into contact with later on. Cleaning knives by hand requires a little extra effort, but it is ultimately worth it for superior performance in your kitchen.
Copper Pots And Pans
Although throwing your favorite copper pots and pans into the dishwasher might seem convenient, this is a surefire way to damage them. Copper is a particularly soft material that can quickly lose shape and luster when exposed to high temperatures, like in a dishwasher.
Not only will this reduce the life of your cookware by dulling their appearance, but it could also make them unsafe to use, as the heat may warp them and make them uneven. Instead of attempting to clean copper cookware in the dishwasher, opt for hand-washing – simply soak them in warm soapy water and clean with a mild detergent or baking soda using a soft cloth, and they’ll maintain their vibrant luster far longer.
Crystal
Crystal is a type of precious glassware that consists of lead oxide, which helps make the glass strong and durable. Unfortunately, putting Crystal in a dishwasher can greatly damage the delicate glassware over time. The combination of excessive heat, detergents, and the intense cycle of a dishwasher can be very hard on Crystal and cause it to break or scratch.
Crystal also has an even higher risk of cracking when exposed to changing temperatures, so it’s best not to place it near hot and cold sources. Even if your Crystal is labeled as dishwasher safe, it is still far better to hand wash it as that is much less trying on the beautiful glass. In short, when washing and protecting your Crystal, take extra caution; hand washing is always best.
Pressure Cooker Lids
Pressure cookers are a great way to save time and energy when cooking, but the lid should never be put in the dishwasher. Running the lid through a hot water cycle in the dishwasher can cause deformation, affecting its ability to close properly. This is because pressure cooker lids must fit perfectly to create a good seal, allowing the food to cook correctly under high pressure.
Additionally, certain materials of pressure cooker lids will also erode much faster if they’re exposed to detergents or extreme temperature changes regularly. For these reasons, it’s best to hand wash all pressure cooker lids using warm water and non-abrasive soap. That way, you don’t have to worry about any adverse effects on your equipment, and you can still ensure that your food is cooked correctly every time!
Stop Putting These Items In Your Dishwasher Today!
It is important to remember that not all items are suited for the dishwasher. Hand washing should always be the preferred method of cleaning when it comes to protecting your cookware, cutlery, and crystal glassware. That way, you can ensure that these delicate items last as long as possible and maintain their quality over time.
With a little extra effort, you can keep your most essential kitchen items in pristine condition for years to come. So don’t put these items in the dishwasher; start washing them by hand today!
