A dishwasher is one of the most convenient appliances in the kitchen. It saves time, reduces the effort of cleaning up after meals, and makes everyday chores much easier. But as helpful as it is, your dishwasher isn't suitable for every kitchen item.
High temperatures, powerful water jets, and strong detergents can damage certain materials, dull sharp edges, strip protective coatings, or ruin delicate finishes. Putting the wrong items in the dishwasher repeatedly can shorten their lifespan and leave you with expensive replacements.
From your favorite kitchen knife to treasured family china, here are eight items you should think twice about before loading them into your dishwasher.
1. Sharp Knives and Wooden Utensils
Sharp kitchen knives are essential tools, but the dishwasher isn't usually the best place to clean them. Prolonged exposure to hot water and detergent can dull some knife edges, while contact with other utensils or racks can cause damage. High-quality knives may also have handles that are vulnerable to heat and moisture.
Wooden spoons, cutting boards, and utensils with wooden handles have their own problems. Repeated dishwasher cycles can cause wood to dry out, swell, crack, or warp.
What to do instead: Wash sharp knives individually by hand with warm water and mild dish soap, keeping your fingers away from the blade. Dry them promptly with a clean towel. Hand-wash wooden utensils as well, and avoid soaking them for long periods.
2. Delicate Crystal and Fine China
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