At 858 Appliance, we install and repair dishwashers and other appliances that are easy to operate. However, we know that loading the dishwasher after meals can sometimes be a pain. Not knowing which dishes or utensils can be loaded and washed in the dishwasher is a common issue many people face daily. It is crucial to protect both your dishwasher and your dishes when loading items, especially if you are unsure whether or not they belong in your dishwasher. Here’s a quick look at eight different items that you should not place in your dishwasher.
1. Crystal Dishware
It would be best if you always washed your crystal dishes by hand and never run them through a dishwasher. The dishwasher gets extremely hot while running and washing the dishes, which doesn’t react well with crystal dish items. Crystal items can easily chip, crack, or even shatter if placed in an area with high heat.
2. Wooden Items
You also should not place wooden items in your dishwasher due to the hot water and heat. If you put a wooden item into your dishwasher, it can quickly fade, break apart or even lose shape. Wood items are aesthetically appealing, so if you want to maintain the rustic, wood look of your dishes and utensils, make sure to hand wash your wooden dishware.
3. Copper Pots and Pans
Copper pots and pans are great for cooking because they let in and release heat evenly. However, they should be washed by hand with mild soap to maintain the copper look. If you wash your copper pots and pans in a dishwasher, they can quickly turn black within a few washes and are highly prone to discoloration, fading, and rust.
4. Vintage Items
Vintage dishware and silverware can be very valuable and fragile. Vintage items that are gold, silver, colored, patterned, and so on can quickly fade or break when placed in a dishwasher. The dishwasher’s harsh cleaning and hot water are too excessive for these delicate items. Modern-day detergents also easily scrape off colorful patterns and designs. If you are using your vintage dishes for a special occasion or other events, you should hand wash them after use.
5. Cast Iron Skillets
Cast iron skillets are very beneficial for chefs and cooking overall. Although cast iron skillets are pretty durable and robust, they aren’t meant for the dishwasher. The running water during the dishwasher cycle can potentially rust the skillet and strip off the pan’s seasoning. This process can ruin your cooking and decrease your skillet’s lifespan. Always scrub these pans by hand and dry them quickly after. Avoid using soap to maintain the coating and create less of a risk for rust.
6. Non-stick pans
Modern non-stick pans will usually have instructions on them for how you need to wash them. You can place specific non-stick pans in the dishwasher and others you can’t. If you have any doubts about cleaning them in the dishwasher, we advise you to hand wash your non-stick pans.
7. Knives
Kitchen knives are made to be sharp, so when they are placed into the dishwasher, they can turn dull and become less firm. To maintain their sharpness, hand wash your kitchen knives and dry them off immediately after.
8. Graters
Graters are filled with tiny holes where food can stay trapped even after multiple dishwashing cycles. Scrubbing these holes with a soft brush and handwashing them is the most efficient way to clean graters and ensure that the food is out of the holes.
How We Can Help
Suppose you’re having issues with your dishwasher and need fast maintenance or repairs. In that case, our team at 858 Appliance can happily help and is eager to assist our customers with any dishwasher or other home appliance needs. To schedule a service appointment, go online to our website 858appliance.com or email us at 858appliance@gmail.com today! If you have any questions or concerns about your dishwasher or other appliances, feel free to give us a call at (858) 277-5426 to speak to one of our technicians!
