You finish dinner, look at a sink full of plates, cups, utensils, and cooking tools, and think:
Why would I wash all of this by hand when I have a dishwasher sitting right there?
Honestly, I get it.
The dishwasher is one of those kitchen appliances that can feel like a tiny miracle.
Load it.
Add detergent.
Press a button.
Walk away.
But here's the catch: not everything in your kitchen belongs in that machine.
Some items can become damaged by the high heat, strong water jets, harsh detergent, or long wash cycle. Others can damage the dishwasher itself. And then there are those poor kitchen treasures that may come out looking completely different from when they went in!
So before you toss that next questionable item onto the top rack, let's go through the things you should generally keep out of the dishwasher.
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Why You Should Be Careful About What Goes in the Dishwasher
Dishwashers are designed to clean dishes efficiently, but the environment inside one can be surprisingly rough.
You've got:
- Hot water
- High temperatures during drying
- Powerful water jets
- Concentrated detergent
- Repeated exposure to moisture
- Long cleaning cycles
That's fantastic for a sturdy dinner plate.
It's not necessarily fantastic for a delicate wooden spoon.
Or a beautiful vintage serving dish.
Or your favorite insulated travel mug that suddenly comes out looking like it went through a chemistry experiment.
The safest rule is simple:
When in doubt, check the manufacturer's instructions.
A "hand wash only" label should be taken seriously, while an item specifically marked dishwasher-safe can generally go in according to those instructions.
1. Wooden Cutting Boards
Wood and dishwashers aren't a great combination.
The prolonged exposure to hot water and heat can cause wood to swell, warp, crack, or split.
Glue joints can also weaken over time.
And once a wooden cutting board starts developing cracks or deep splits, cleaning and maintaining it becomes more difficult.
How to Clean Wooden Cutting Boards
For everyday cleaning, wash a wooden cutting board by hand with warm water and dish soap.
Don't leave it soaking in the sink.
After washing, dry it thoroughly and allow it to air-dry completely before storing it.
For boards that need additional care, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for conditioning and maintenance.
2. Wooden Spoons and Utensils
Your favorite wooden spoon may look tough.
But inside a dishwasher, it can be exposed to exactly the conditions that cause wooden items to deteriorate.
Repeated dishwasher cycles can leave wooden utensils dry, rough, cracked, or warped.
And if the utensil is glued or laminated, repeated heat and moisture can eventually weaken those joints.
The Better Approach
Wash wooden utensils by hand and dry them promptly.
If the wood starts looking dry or rough, use a food-safe wood conditioner appropriate for kitchen utensils.
3. Cast-Iron Cookware
This is one of the big ones.
Traditional cast iron generally shouldn't go in the dishwasher.
The combination of water and detergent can strip away the seasoning that gives the pan its useful cooking surface.
Prolonged moisture can also encourage rust.
And after all the work you've put into building up a beautifully seasoned skillet, you probably don't want one dishwasher cycle undoing it.
How to Clean Cast Iron
