What Can Go in the Dishwasher? 7 Surprising Items Revealed!
Items safe for the dishwasher include ceramic dishes, stainless steel cutlery, and glassware. Avoid placing wood, cast iron, and delicate china inside. Ensure plastics are dishwasher-safe.
Dishwasher-Safe Items
Dishes and Bowls
When loading your dishwasher, you can confidently place ceramic dishes, stoneware, and certain plastics inside. These materials are designed to withstand the heat and water pressure of a dishwasher cycle.
Be sure to stack them properly for optimal cleaning and to prevent any potential chipping or cracking. Remember, not all plastic dishes are created equal; look for the dishwasher-safe symbol before placing them in your machine.
Glassware
Gleaming glassware can come out of the dishwasher looking spotless. This includes robust wine glasses, sturdy tumblers, and other heat-resistant glasses.
However, take care to place them securely on the top rack to avoid any jostling that might cause breakage. When loading, ensure that pieces do not touch each other to prevent cracking or chipping during the wash cycle.
Cutlery
Stainless steel cutlery and utensils with some plastic handles are generally safe to clean in the dishwasher. It’s best to place them in the cutlery basket with the handles facing down so the water can reach the dirty surfaces.
However, be cautious with any pieces that have intricate designs or hollow handles, as these may not fare well in the dishwasher.
Cooking Utensils
Most silicone, nylon, and stainless steel cooking tools are dishwasher-safe. These materials can handle the heat and detergent used within your dishwasher.
Just be sure to place larger utensils so they do not block the spray arms from reaching all items in the dishwasher.
Pots and Pans
Several types of pots and pans can be washed in the dishwasher, including those made of stainless steel, anodized aluminum, and non-stick cookware that is marked as dishwasher-safe.
However, be mindful that over time, even dishwasher-safe pots and pans can experience wear. Place these items on the bottom rack and avoid overcrowding to ensure a thorough clean.
Plastic Containers
Many plastic containers can withstand a run through the dishwasher. Look for the dishwasher-safe symbol usually located on the bottom of the container.
To prevent warping or melting, place these on the top rack, away from the heating element.
Baby Bottles
Parents will be pleased to know that most plastic or glass baby bottles, along with nipples and rings, can be sanitized in the dishwasher. It’s a convenient way to ensure these items are thoroughly cleaned.
Place them on the top rack and use a basket for small parts to prevent them from falling through the rack.
Dishwasher-Safe Gadgets
A variety of kitchen gadgets can be placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. This includes items like measuring cups, can openers, and silicone baking molds.
Make sure these items are secured so they do not get tossed around during the wash cycle, which could lead to damage or the items not being cleaned properly.
Items Requiring Special Consideration
Insulated Mugs and Containers
Insulated mugs and containers may keep your drinks at the perfect temperature, but they should be washed by hand.
The dishwasher can force water between the insulation layers, ruining their effectiveness and potentially causing bacteria growth.
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before deciding to clean these items in the dishwasher.
Sharp Knives
While some knives may claim to be dishwasher-safe, it’s often best to wash them by hand. The dishwasher can dull the blades over time, and there’s a risk of injury when unloading.
Instead, carefully hand wash your knives and dry them immediately to maintain their sharpness and prevent rust.
Nonstick and Cast Iron Cookware
Nonstick and cast iron cookware require special attention. The dishwasher’s harsh environment can strip away the nonstick coating or cause rust on cast iron.
To preserve these cookware items, hand wash them with a gentle detergent and dry them thoroughly after each use.
Wooden Utensils and Boards
Wooden utensils and cutting boards should not go in the dishwasher. The heat and water can cause warping, cracking, and drying out of the wood.
Hand wash these items with mild soap and water, and regularly condition them with a food-safe mineral oil to maintain their integrity.
Fine China and Crystal
Fine china and crystal are too delicate for the dishwasher. These precious items can be easily chipped or cracked during a wash cycle. Protect your investment by gently washing them by hand and drying with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
Gold-Plated Utensils and Decorated Glassware
Gold-plated utensils and decorated glassware might add a touch of elegance to your table setting, but they can quickly lose their luster in the dishwasher.
The decorative elements can deteriorate under high heat and potent detergents. Preserve their beauty by hand washing only.
Pressure Cooker Lids
Pressure cooker lids often have complex mechanisms that may not fare well in the dishwasher.
It’s best to hand wash these items to prevent damage to their safety valves and sealing rings. Consistent hand washing will help maintain their functionality and longevity.
What Should Never Go in the Dishwasher
Copper Pans and Utensils
Copper pans and utensils are known for their excellent heat distribution but should always be kept out of the dishwasher.
The harsh detergents can cause tarnishing and damage, ruining their beautiful appearance. To keep them shining, wash copper items by hand and polish regularly.
Aluminum Cookware
Aluminum cookware is prone to oxidation and discoloration in the dishwasher. To avoid this, hand wash your aluminum pots and pans with a gentle detergent, and dry immediately to preserve their finish and prevent any potential reaction with dishwasher chemicals.
Hand-Painted Ceramics or Pottery
The unique charm of hand-painted ceramics or pottery can be quickly diminished by a dishwasher’s intense environment. The paint can fade or chip, so it’s best to carefully hand wash these items to protect their artistic designs.
Acrylic and Adhesive-Containing Items
Items made of acrylic or containing adhesives should never enter the dishwasher.
The high heat can cause melting or breaking down of the material, leading to a mess and potential damage to your dishwasher. Stick to hand washing to keep these items intact.
Disposable Plastic and Aluminum
Disposable plastic and aluminum items, such as takeout containers or pie pans, are not designed to withstand the high temperatures of a dishwasher.
These items can warp or melt, so it’s better to recycle them or reuse them in ways that do not involve the dishwasher.
Sponges and Brushes
While it might seem like a good idea to clean your sponges and brushes in the dishwasher, it’s actually counterproductive. These cleaning tools can harbor bacteria that may not be eliminated during the wash and can deteriorate quickly due to the heat. Replace them regularly instead.
Electronic Appliances and Knives with Hollow Handles
Any electronic appliance, no matter how small, should not be cleaned in the dishwasher. The risk of water damage is high, and the heat can cause components to warp or melt.
Similarly, knives with hollow handles can fill with water and separate, creating a hazard. Hand wash these items with care to ensure their longevity.
FAQs About Dishwasher-Safe Items
FAQ Question: Can ceramic dishes be washed in the dishwasher?
FAQ Answer: Yes, ceramic dishes are generally safe to wash in the dishwasher.
FAQ Question: Is it safe to put stainless steel cutlery in the dishwasher?
FAQ Answer: Yes, stainless steel cutlery can typically be placed in the dishwasher without any issues.
FAQ Question: Can I wash glassware in the dishwasher?
FAQ Answer: Glassware is usually dishwasher-safe, but you should check for any specific manufacturer recommendations.
FAQ Question: What materials should not be put in the dishwasher?
FAQ Answer: Avoid placing wood, cast iron, and delicate china in the dishwasher as they can be damaged during the washing process.
FAQ Question: How do I know if plastic items are safe for the dishwasher?
FAQ Answer: Look for a label or a marking on the plastic item that indicates it is dishwasher-safe before placing it in the dishwasher.
Final Thoughts
When loading your dishwasher, it’s safe to include ceramic dishes, stainless steel cutlery, and glassware. However, items made of wood, cast iron, and delicate china should not be placed in the machine.
Always check that plastics are marked as dishwasher-safe before adding them to the load to prevent damage.
