12 Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher

Maintain the integrity of your cookware by washing these specific items by hand.

Dishwashers have been a common household feature since the 1970s, saving water, time, and effort over manual handwashing. This convenient kitchen appliance is definitely worth having, especially for larger households. In fact, a rising trend among busy families is including not one, but two dishwashers in a kitchen remodel to keep things running even more efficiently.

While there are some things you can clean in the dishwasher that may surprise you—you can use it to sanitize toys and clean vacuum parts—there are quite a few items that can cause damage when placed in the dishwasher. The following list details kitchen items you should never put in the dishwasher.

Related: The 8 Best Dishwashers to Cut Down on After-Dinner Cleanup

Anything Not Marked Dishwasher-Safe

An easy rule of thumb is to look for a dishwasher-safe indication somewhere on the item. Usually located on the bottom, it might include the word itself or an icon, which can be a bit ambiguous since there’s no official symbol. In general, you’ll notice a square with a plate, glass, or both and a version of water. Lines striking across the top half of the square can mean that something is safe to go in the dishwasher but only on the top rack.

If you’re still unsure, always check with the brand for clarification. It’s important to note, however, that while some manufacturers dub their product as dishwasher-safe, you’re still better off hand-washing it (like non-stick cookware).

Select Plastics

This is one item you should scan before tossing it in the dishwasher because some heavier plastics will hold up well. On the other hand, flimsier or softer plastics can melt or become misshapen thanks to the hot water during a wash cycle. This includes food storage containers (specifically the takeout kind) and bins used to organize your fridge or pantry.

Think your plastic mixing bowl will withstand regular dishwashing cycles? Stick to storing it on the top rack so it will be farther away from the heat source. Otherwise, wash plastic items by hand with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. To battle stubborn stains inside food containers, make a balanced mixture of baking soda and either water or vinegar and let it soak for an hour or so before rinsing.

Sharp Knives

Generally speaking, everyday dinner or butter knives are fine to place in the dishwasher. But think twice before adding in that expensive knife set you use for dicing and slicing. The high temperatures can loosen their handles and dishwashing detergent will dull blades over time. While you’re at it, avoid placing any cheese graters or vegetable peelers in the dishwasher for the same reason.

A sharp knife in the dishwasher can also become a hazard if it shifts during the cycle or if you’re being extra hasty when unloading the dishes. So, play it safe and carefully hand wash your knives using a non-abrasive sponge and dish soap. Let it dry and then store it away in its block or any other type of knife storage.

Related: Why You Should Clean Your Knife Block ASAP—Plus How to Do It

Delicate Drinkware

You know how easy it is to break fragile stemware in social settings, so just imagine the wear and tear it goes through during a dishwashing cycle. Fancy wine glasses and champagne flutes, crystal glassware, and anything hand-painted or hand-blown should never go in the dishwasher.

Instead, gently wash each piece by hand using a mild soap and warm (but not hot) water. If they need to be polished, rub with a microfiber cloth after they’re dry, and learn how to store your glassware to keep them protected.

Fine China

It’s simply not worth the risk to place anything sentimental or costly in the dishwasher as they can break due to strong water forces. Similar to glassware, any hand-painted details on plates, platters, or bowls can easily be nicked or chipped in the dishwasher. If it’s an antique or family heirloom, your best bet is to steer clear of the dishwasher altogether.

In order to wash china, first determine if there are any special cleaning instructions for the item or brand. By and large though, you can follow the same method as you would with glassware, including finding proper storage for the china once they’re clean.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

You’ve most likely thrown these small kitchen tools in the dishwasher in the past without noticing an issue, especially if they’re glass or metal. However, the high pressure and heat will eventually flake away at the labels, making it hard to read the numbers over time.

It’s better to not take the chance and, instead, spend a few seconds washing measuring cups and spoons by hand, using a sponge and splash of dishwashing liquid.

Non-Stick Cookware

As mentioned earlier, many manufacturers state that their non-stick pans, pots, or other kitchen products are deemed dishwasher safe. Nevertheless, dishwashing detergents and high temperatures can strip the coating. This also includes many air fryer baskets, so resist the temptation to load them in as well.

Alternatively, use the usual combination of soapy water and a soft sponge to wash all non-stick items. To battle stuck-on remnants, apply a bit of baking soda and water to form a paste, then lightly scrub, rinse, and swipe with cooking oil.

Related: How to Clean Nonstick Pans So They Last for Years

Anything Made of Aluminum, Copper, or Cast Iron

Running aluminum, copper, or cast iron through the dishwasher can result in a slew of problems. Aluminum pots and pans will become pitted, or corroded, while copper cookware is subject to discoloration and dullness. And, for the record, that includes your favorite set of Moscow mule mugs. If you own a cast iron skillet, you know how long it can take to perfectly season it. Putting one in the dishwasher can instantly reverse your hard work by causing rust.

After cooking and eating a meal, the last thing you want to do is stand over the sink to clean dirty dishes. But, the reality is that it’s the better option to maintain them. Aluminum is the easiest to wash by hand since you can employ the common dish soap and soft sponge method. You can look into various methods to keep copper and cast iron cookware clean. Or, you can always choose a stainless steel set, which is known to hold up best in the dishwasher, so you can save time on busy nights.

Related: How to Clean Stainless-Steel Pans to Keep Them Looking Brand-New

Gold Flatware

Silver cutlery has long reigned supreme in most homes. And, for the most part, it’s completely fine to run them through the dishwasher. With the popularity of gold housewares on the rise, though, it’s good to note that any utensils plated in the color can fade or tarnish from the heat and harsh detergents. Like other items on this list, many times these will be dubbed as dishwasher safe by the manufacturer. If you’re in a rush, a cycle here or there shouldn’t cause immediate harm. But regularly running them through the dishwasher will cause premature wear and tear.

Wash gold forks, knives, and spoons as soon as you’re done using them and never submerge them in water, especially for an extended period of time. Also, remember to keep your favorite flatware sorted and stored appropriately.

Related: Should You Put Silverware in Your Dishwasher’s Utensil Basket or Rack?

Wooden Utensils

A dishwasher plus wooden cooking tools create a recipe for disaster. The combination of high heat and water will warp the wood while detergents can scratch it. The same goes for your wooden cutting boards and serving bowls.

To deep clean your wooden spoons, you can try the boiling method or, perhaps even better, the baking soda method. Regular cleaning should consist of washing the utensils by hand with soapy water before letting them air dry. Wood cutting boards can be cleaned with salt and lemon and should be regularly oiled to keep in top condition.

Related: How to Clean Wooden Spoons and Utensils

Travel Mugs

It’s tempting to toss the mug you took to work into the dishwasher after a long day, but it’s not ideal. Many travel mugs and thermoses are designed with vacuum-like suction that keeps drinks hot or cold, and also prevents leaking. Too many rounds in the dishwasher will cause the seals to loosen and, eventually, no longer work.

As you probably already suspected, you can wash your to-go cups with basic dish soap and water, using a bit of baking soda or vinegar to remove stubborn stains.

Food

While it might seem odd to include food on this list, a Tiktok hack demonstrating how to use the dishwasher to clean potatoes before cooking them went viral recently. The main problem with it? Even if no detergent is used, there’s often soapy residue left over between cycles which is safe when you’re using the dishwasher as intended. But, potatoes, like most foods, are porous and can absorb the soap which means you'll be ingesting that when you eat the potatoes.

The bottom line is to stick to the traditional technique of soaking and scrubbing potatoes before peeling and cooking them. And always be wary of social media trends or kitchen hacks that seem a little too good to be true.

Related: How to Wash Fruits and Vegetables Effectively So They’re Safe to Eat

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