If you are lucky enough to have a dishwasher, it comes with some responsibility.
Sure, there is plenty that can go into the dishwasher, but there are some things that should absolutely never go into it. Most of them are in your own kitchen at this very moment. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that you've put at least half of the items on this list through the dishwasher yourself!
Living in New York, it seems to me that having a dishwasher can be quite the luxury. Not every apartment comes with one, especially in older buildings. Washing dishes by hand becomes the norm for many folks that move to this city, making the dishwasher a mystical appliance. Consider yourself lucky if you do have one!
If you learn what is right and what is wrong when it comes to the ever elusive dishwasher, they can be like a tidying angel sent down from the heavens themselves!
Have you ever put any of these things in the dishwasher before?
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Thumbnail Photos: Pixabay, Wikmedia Commons / Myke2020
1. Hand-Painted Items
Your hand-painted ceramics will lose their colors over time if you expose them to the high heat of the dishwasher.
If you want to keep the memories you make with those hand-painted items from your kids and grandkids, or to keep the value on the pieces you purchase, just hand-wash them!
2. Pressure-Cooker Lids
While the silicone ring, inner pot, and steam rack can be put in the dishwasher, the lid can get ruined if you take the "easy" way out and toss it in the dishwasher, according to The Kitchn.
3. Wooden Utensils
Wooden spoons, forks, cutting boards, or any other utensils may very well crack when put in the dishwasher. Hot water, soap, and a bit of elbow grease will do.
4. Mended Dishes
If you've had to glue a plate together, you're going to want to keep it away from the high heat and harsh detergent.
Exposing it to the conditions of a dishwasher will most likely dissolve the adhesive and you'll be left with a re-broken plate. That is, unless you've used a dishwasher-safe adhesive.
5. Aluminum
If you've ever put aluminum in the dishwasher and found it looking black by the end of the cycle, you're not alone!
The heat leaves unsightly marks on the surface, and the material can even leave stains on other items in the washer.
6. Gold
While some actual silver can go in the dishwasher with no harm, you don't want to put any gold or gold-colored items into the dishwasher, because they may come out discolored, according to Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House.
If you're being careful with silverware of either sentimental or monetary value, though, you'd be better off washing that by hand as well.
7. Ivory
If you have any antique items with ivory detail, do not put them in the dishwasher! You will regret it when you go to unload and the precious ivory handle is ruined, again according to Home Comforts.
8. Metal Travel Mugs
There is often a lining on your metal travel mugs that seals the surface, and the dishwasher will erode that away. Unless your mug is marked "dishwasher safe," you should always wash it by hand!
9. Insulated Plastic Mugs
If you submerge insulated plastic mugs in water of any temperature for long enough, you risk water leaking in between the layers and causing unwanted mold to grow.
This can very well happen in the dishwasher, too, so wash your plastic travel mugs by hand, unless they are marked by the manufacturer!
10. Unmarked Acrylic Or Plastic
Beware: plastic and acrylic can melt if it is not made to withstand dishwasher conditions. Read. The. Label!
11. Items With Paper Labels
We all know that paper will disintegrate or become mushy in water, but you can easily clean up the mess later, right? Wrong.
The paper can end up clogging the drain and costing a pretty penny to fix. Always take the label off your glass peanut butter jar before placing it in the dishwasher (the plastic versions may not be dishwasher safe)!
12. Sharp Knives
Last but not least, sharp knives should never, ever go in the dishwasher. According to Cutting Edge Knives, the blade can get dull during the cycle, but more importantly, you might hurt yourself when unloading!
If you forget it is in there or if you are simply in a rush, you can seriously injure yourself on a sharp knife blade. Wash it in the sink immediately after you use it and put it in its safe spot as soon as you can.
Have you ever put any of these things in your dishwasher before? Please SHARE with family and friends on Facebook!
