Kitchen Items You Shouldn't Put in the Dishwasher

Your dishwasher is a convenient appliance, but not everything should go in it. Items like sharp knives, cast iron cookware, wooden utensils, nonstick pans, insulated drinkware, and delicate dishware can be damaged by the hot water and strong detergents used in dishwashers.

What to avoid

• Sharp knives can be dulled by dishwasher jets and corroded by detergent.
• Cast iron loses its seasoning and can rust in the dishwasher.
• Wooden items may warp, crack, or sustain long-term damage from heat and moisture.

Nonstick pans, insulated drinkware, aluminum, copper cookware, fine china, crystal, and small gadgets like graters should also be washed by hand to prevent damage such as peeling, loss of vacuum seal, discoloration, and cloudiness. Checking labels or handwashing when in doubt can help maintain the quality of your kitchen tools.