The dishwasher is a time-saving hero in the kitchen, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all cleaning solution. There are plenty of items that simply don’t belong in the top rack—or even in the dishwasher at all. From fragile glassware to trusty non-stick pans, certain kitchen tools need more gentle care to avoid disaster. Let’s take a look at seven things you should definitely keep out of the top rack and why.
1. Sharp Knives: Protect Your Blades and Your Fingers
Throwing your sharp kitchen knives into the dishwasher’s top rack is a fast track to dull, damaged blades. The intense water pressure, along with clanking against other utensils or dishes, can leave your knives dull or chipped in no time. Plus, the moisture can cause wooden handles to warp or crack. For any serious home cook, knives are an investment worth protecting.
But it’s not just about keeping your knives sharp. There’s a real safety concern too. It’s easy to forget a knife’s location in the dishwasher and accidentally graze it when unloading. To keep your fingers safe and your knives in top shape, opt for hand-washing and immediate drying.
2. Delicate Glassware: Avoid Cloudy and Cracked Surfaces
Ever notice that your once-sparkling glassware comes out of the dishwasher looking cloudy or, worse, with tiny chips? The intense heat and strong detergents can cause fine crystal and delicate glasses to etch or crack. Even sturdy-looking wine glasses can suffer from thermal shock due to the rapid heating and cooling cycle in dishwashers.
Over time, dishwashers can also weaken the structure of delicate glassware, causing tiny fractures that lead to sudden breakages later on. Hand-washing with a soft cloth keeps your fragile items gleaming and intact.
3. Non-Stick Cookware: Prolong the Life of Your Pans
Non-stick cookware might seem indestructible, but dishwashers are its worst enemy. The powerful jets of water and harsh detergents can break down the non-stick coating, leaving your pans with spots and scratches. Before long, you’ll find yourself scraping burnt food off what was once a smooth cooking surface.
If you want your non-stick pans to last, hand-wash them with warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge. The dishwasher might be convenient, but nothing’s worth ruining your favorite frying pan’s non-stick magic.
4. Wooden Utensils and Cutting Boards: Warped and Splitting Woes
Dishwashers and wooden kitchen tools just don’t mix. The prolonged exposure to water and heat can cause wooden utensils and cutting boards to crack, split, and warp. Wooden items are also porous, meaning they’ll absorb water and detergent, which can lead to bacteria buildup and lingering food smells.
Hand-washing your wooden tools keeps them in good shape and helps prevent any unwanted bacterial growth. Make sure to dry them immediately after washing to avoid warping.
5. Cast Iron Cookware: Don’t Let Rust Ruin Your Skillet
Cast iron is known for its longevity, but only when it’s properly cared for. Putting your cast iron skillet in the dishwasher is a surefire way to strip away its seasoning and invite rust to the party. Cast iron needs special attention, and the high heat and water exposure in dishwashers are the enemies of this classic cookware.
Instead of relying on the dishwasher, clean your cast iron skillet with hot water and a scrub brush. Dry it thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil to keep it well-seasoned and rust-free for years to come.
6. Insulated Travel Mugs: Keep the Heat in and the Damage Out
Insulated travel mugs are designed to keep your beverages at just the right temperature, but dishwashers can wreak havoc on their effectiveness. The heat and water from the dishwasher can damage the vacuum seal that makes these mugs so effective. Not to mention, water can get trapped between the layers of the mug, leading to mold or poor insulation.
If you want to enjoy a hot coffee hours after you’ve poured it, stick to hand-washing your insulated travel mugs. Pay special attention to the lids, which can trap residue and become breeding grounds for bacteria if not properly cleaned.
7. Aluminum Cookware: Preserve Its Shine and Strength
Aluminum cookware is lightweight and efficient, but it’s not made for the dishwasher. The harsh detergents can cause a chemical reaction, leaving your once-shiny pots and pans looking dull, pitted, and covered in dark spots. Over time, the aluminum can weaken, making it less effective for cooking and potentially unsafe to use.
To keep your aluminum pots and pans looking their best, hand-wash them with gentle soap and water. This will help preserve their shine and keep them functioning for many years to come.
8. Copper and Brass Utensils: Tarnished by the Dishwasher
Copper and brass kitchen items, while beautiful and functional, don’t hold up well in the dishwasher. The harsh detergents and high heat can cause these metals to tarnish or lose their luster over time, leaving them looking dull and discolored. Worse still, if your copper cookware has a tin or stainless steel lining, the dishwasher can cause these layers to weaken, affecting the performance of your pots and pans.
To keep your copper and brass utensils shining and functional, always opt for gentle hand-washing with mild soap and water, followed by a thorough drying to prevent water spots and tarnish.
Keep Your Kitchen Items Safe and Sparkling
It’s tempting to throw everything in the dishwasher, but taking a few moments to consider what doesn’t belong there can save you a lot of trouble. By hand-washing certain items like sharp knives, delicate glassware, non-stick pans, and cast iron, you’ll extend their lifespan and avoid the frustration of damaged kitchen tools. Taking care of your kitchen gear means you’ll enjoy cleaner, safer cooking—and fewer dishwasher disasters.
Hand-washing Certain Items
What are your thoughts? Have you ever considered how the dishwasher might be damaging some of your favorite kitchen items over time? Do you think it’s better to hand-wash certain items to ensure they last longer, even if it takes a little more effort?