The dishwasher is an essential piece of equipment to facilitate our daily tasks. However, some items may be damaged or damage your appliance if washed in the dishwasher. In this article, we present to you 7 things you should never put in the dishwasher.
1. Wooden kitchen utensils
Cutting boards, spatulas, spoons and other accessories made from wood should be hand washed. Hot water and dishwasher detergents can cause the wood to swell, warp and crack. In addition, intensive drying cycles can weaken and eventually break the fibers of the wood.
Care advice:
Wash wooden utensils with a damp sponge and a little liquid soap. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them immediately with a clean towel.
2. Sharp knives and professional knives
Chef’s knives, bread knives and other sharp blades can dull quickly when washed in the dishwasher. Contact with other objects during the wash cycle may result in chipping or scratching the blade. Additionally, knives can also cause damage to the interior of your dishwasher.
Care advice:
Wash your sharp knives by hand with soap and warm water. Wipe the blade gently to avoid cutting yourself and immediately dry the knife with a clean cloth.
3. Cast iron pots and pans
Cast iron is a sturdy and durable material, but it does not hold up well to cleaning in the dishwasher. Indeed, this can cause the appearance of rust and damage the protective coating of the surface.
Care advice:
Wash cast iron utensils by hand with a soft brush and a little soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately with a clean towel. To prevent rusting, then apply a thin layer of vegetable oil before storing the pot or pan.
4. Plastic storage boxes
Even though some plastic storage boxes are designed to be washed in the dishwasher, it is best not to. Heat and detergent can, in some cases, alter the plastic and lead to the formation of potentially harmful substances. Additionally, lightweight boxes can be knocked over during the wash cycle, limiting their cleaning effectiveness.
Care advice:
Wash the plastic boxes by hand with a sponge and liquid soap. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel before storing them.
5. Crystal objects
Glasses and other crystal objects are too fragile to be washed in the dishwasher. Heat and strong jets of water can cause these delicate items to crack or even break completely.
Care advice:
Hand wash crystal items with a soft sponge and liquid soap. Rinse them with warm water, then dry them with a lint-free cloth to avoid streaks.
6. Aluminum utensils
Some aluminum cookware, such as pans, pans and cake pans, should not be washed in the dishwasher. Indeed, the chemical reaction between aluminum and detergents can lead to the loss of their protective coating and cause their oxidation.
Care advice:
Wash the aluminum parts with a soft sponge and liquid soap. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them immediately with a clean towel.
7. Painted or gilded decorative objects
Plates, cups and other tableware with hand-painted designs or gold details may lose their shine when washed in the dishwasher. Indeed, chemicals and heat can deteriorate colors and finishes.
Care advice:
Wash delicate decorative objects by hand with a soft sponge and liquid soap. Rinse them thoroughly and dry them with a lint-free cloth to preserve their appearance.
By taking care to wash these items by hand and by following our maintenance advice, you will prolong the life of your kitchen utensils and avoid damaging your dishwasher. Do not hesitate to consult the user manual of your device to know the additional precautions to be taken.
