8 Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher
The dishwasher can save time, but not everything in your kitchen belongs inside it. High heat, strong detergents, and powerful water jets can damage certain materials.
1. Wooden Utensils 🪵
Wooden spoons, cutting boards, and other wooden tools can warp, crack, or split after repeated exposure to hot water and heat.
Better: Wash them by hand and dry them promptly.
2. Cast-Iron Cookware
Dishwasher detergent and prolonged exposure to water can strip away the seasoning and encourage rust.
Better: Clean cast iron by hand and dry it thoroughly.
3. Sharp Knives 🔪
Repeated dishwasher cycles can dull knife edges, and loose knives can damage racks or pose a handling hazard when unloading.
Better: Hand-wash quality knives and dry them immediately.
4. Certain Nonstick Cookware
Some nonstick coatings can deteriorate over time from high heat and harsh detergents.
Better: Check the manufacturer’s instructions and hand-wash when recommended.
5. Copper Cookware
Dishwasher detergents can cause copper to become dull, discolored, or damaged.
Better: Wash copper pieces by hand using the care method recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Delicate Crystal or Glassware
Some delicate glass and crystal can become cloudy, scratched, or cracked in a dishwasher.
Better: Hand-wash valuable or especially delicate pieces.
7. Hand-Painted or Antique Items
Decorative finishes, old dishes, and hand-painted patterns may fade or deteriorate during repeated dishwasher cycles.
Better: Wash these pieces gently by hand.
8. Items Marked “Hand Wash Only”
This may sound obvious, but the care label is one of the best guides you have. If the manufacturer specifically says hand wash only, don’t assume the item can handle a dishwasher cycle.
One Important Exception
Not every wooden, nonstick, glass, or plastic item is automatically unsafe for the dishwasher. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions. Some modern products are specifically designed to be dishwasher-safe.
