8. Old or Valuable China
If you have heirloom china or dishes with delicate, hand-painted patterns, keep them far away from the dishwasher.
Repeated exposure to hot water and harsh detergents will inevitably fade those beautiful designs. Older china is also much more brittle, making it highly prone to chipping under high water pressure. Furthermore, the thermal shock from rapid temperature changes can cause microscopic cracks in antique pieces.
How to care for them: Hand wash gently with mild soap and lukewarm water using a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasives, dry carefully with a soft towel, and store them securely to prevent accidental bumps.
Bonus: Common Dishwasher Mistakes to Avoid
Knowing what to wash by hand is only half the battle. To get the most out of your machine, avoid these common pitfalls:
Overloading: This blocks the water spray, leaving dishes dirty. Load according to guidelines and leave space between items.
Pre-rinsing too much: Modern detergents actually need food particles to activate properly. Just scrape off large chunks and let the detergent do the work.
Using the wrong detergent: Regular hand-washing dish soap will cause a sudsy overflow. Always use high-quality dishwasher pods or powder.
Ignoring the filter: A clogged filter ruins cleaning power. Clean it monthly according to your manual.
Skipping the rinse aid: This leads to spots and film on glassware. Keep the dispenser filled.
Pro Tip: Run an empty cycle with a cup of white vinegar placed on the top rack once a month to clean the interior and remove odors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put stainless steel in the dishwasher?
Yes, most stainless steel cookware and cutlery are perfectly safe. However, high-end chef’s knives should still be hand-washed to preserve their sharpness.
What about plastic containers?
Check the bottom for a “dishwasher safe” symbol. Always place them on the top rack to avoid melting from the bottom heating element, and avoid washing old or cracked plastics.
Is it okay to wash aluminum foil or trays?
Generally, no. Aluminum can discolor, pit, or react with detergents. It is best to hand wash aluminum bakeware.
Can I wash my blender jar in the dishwasher?
Many blender jars are top-rack safe, but always check the manual. The motorized base unit should never go in the dishwasher.
Why does my dishwasher smell bad?
This is usually caused by food debris trapped in the filter or spray arms. Clean the filter, wipe the door seal, and run a vinegar cleaning cycle.
Can I wash my cutting boards in the dishwasher?
Plastic cutting boards are usually safe. Wooden cutting boards should always be hand-washed to prevent warping, splitting, and cracking.
What if I accidentally washed something I shouldn’t have?
Assess the damage immediately. Re-season cast iron right away, oil wooden items, and sharpen dulled knives. If crystal has clouded, try a vinegar soak, though severe etching may be permanent.
Your Kitchen Care Action Plan
This Week: Audit Your Kitchen
Check your knives for dullness and start hand-washing them. Inspect your cast iron for rust and re-season if needed. Look at your travel mugs to ensure they aren’t losing insulation, and remove all adhesive labels from new dishes before loading them.
This Month: Optimize Your Dishwasher
Clean the filter and spray arms, and run a deep-cleaning vinegar cycle. Organize your loading strategy (heavy items on the bottom, delicate on top) and share this guide with family members who help with cleanup.
**8 Things You Absolutely Should Not Put in a Dishwasher **(And Why)
