Some people think the dishwasher is the best thing since sliced bread. I love mine, but I'm also a big fan of washing some items in the sink. There, I've said it. Unless you have a really upscale dishwasher, or you use really high grade soap, sometimes it's better to not just stick it in and forget about it. I've ruined many things in my dishwasher because of the heat, or dollar store soap, so...lesson learned.

Food Network is telling us about some things that absolutely don't go in the dishwasher. Passing them along, because I wouldn't have known if I hadn't seen this!

  • Anything with Wood. Utensils, cutting boards, anything with a wooden handle. The heat in the drying cycle can cause warping or cracking.
  • Cast Iron. You don't want rust, and you don't want all the seasoning you worked so hard on to come off, right?
  • Aluminum Cookware or Utensils. Dishwasher soap oxidizes and will take the shiny finish right off. Dull and unattractive is what it will look like.
  • Copper or other Metal Pots. Gold, silver or bronze will also become dull and tarnished if put in the dishwasher.
  • Nonstick Cookware - the finish usually will not hold up to the heat or the churning water
  • Plastic. Not all plastic, but some of the softer items. You don't want a meltdown, for sure! And make sure you put them on the top shelf, which is further away from the heat.
  • Kitchen Knives. I know you might be tempted, but the finish on your good knife set will be ruined if you put them through the heat in the dishwasher. Always hand wash.
  • Crystal, China, or Painted Plates. Don't risk chipping or fading on something that is already fragile. And yes, the paint could wash off those plates you kids made, or the ones your grandmother passed down to you.

 

More From Hot 107.9