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.
Why Some Kitchen Items Don't Belong in the Dishwasher
Dishwashers are designed to handle a wide range of everyday dishes, glasses, and utensils. However, the combination of heat, moisture, detergent, and repeated washing can be too harsh for certain materials.
Some items may become discolored, warped, chipped, or less effective over time. Others may be damaged in ways that aren't immediately obvious.
The tricky part? An item can survive several dishwasher cycles and still gradually deteriorate.
That's why it's always a good idea to check the manufacturer's care instructions before washing something new. When in doubt, a little hand-washing can save you the trouble of replacing a favorite kitchen item later.
1. Sharp Kitchen Knives
