Some people find washing dishes such a chore, which is why they would invest in a handy appliance like a dishwasher. But despite its usefulness, there are still some things that you can’t put in your dishwasher because it poses a risk of damaging it.
To help you better understand, these are some of the things you should avoid putting in your dishwasher at all costs:
Wood: Hot water and heat from the drying cycle can cause wood items to warp and bend out of shape. Hot water can also dull the finish of wood kitchen items. Do you have wooden utensils, bowls, or cutting boards? Be sure to hand-wash and air-dry them to maintain their beauty and function.
Crystal: When it comes to washing crystal dishware, do it by hand! The material doesn’t play nice with dishwashers because of the intense heat during the water cycle. The hot water has the power to chip, crack, and even break fragile crystal. Take the time to lightly wash your crystal dishes and glasses by hand, otherwise you may end up only having pieces of them left. Source: Appliance World
Insulated Mugs: Unless it’s labeled as dishwasher-safe, water can get inside the seal between the inner and outer layers of the mug, which might affect the mug’s ability to retain heat or keep drinks cold.
Nonstick Pans: If the manufacturer doesn’t say it’s dishwasher-safe, avoid putting these in the dishwasher because it could wear away the coating, Larry says.
Sharp Knives: Even if they’re labeled dishwasher-safe, you should wash them by hand because the knives can get dull after rubbing against other cutlery in the basket.
Cast Iron Cookware : Cast iron skillets and pans have been around for centuries and they can last nearly forever if they are cared for properly. To keep cast iron from rusting and food from sticking, it must be seasoned with oil. The oil penetrates the iron and leaves a near perfect cooking surface.
When the cast iron is placed in the dishwasher, the harsh detergent and excessive water strips away the oil and leaves the cast iron unusable. The seasoning process must be completely started over. This applies to cast iron pots and pans that have outer enamel coatings, as well.
Even if your pan is covered with black crud on the outside and you think the dishwasher is an easy way to get it clean, resist the urge. Use some old-fashioned elbow grease instead.
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