Ohhh yes—this one saves money and heartbreak 😅 Not everything that fits in a dishwasher belongs there. Here’s a clear, practical list of things you should absolutely NOT put in a dishwasher, and why.
🚫 Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher
🧲 1. Cast Iron
- Strips seasoning
- Causes rust
- Ruins nonstick surface
➡️ Hand-wash only, dry immediately
🔪 2. Sharp Knives
- Dulls blades fast
- Heat + detergent damage handles
➡️ Hand-wash and dry
🍳 3. Nonstick Cookware
- Dishwasher detergent breaks down nonstick coating
- Shortens lifespan dramatically
➡️ Gentle hand-washing only
🪵 4. Wooden Items
- Cutting boards, spoons, rolling pins
- Water + heat cause warping and cracking
➡️ Hand-wash, air-dry upright
🥤 5. Insulated Travel Mugs & Thermoses
- Can break vacuum seal
- Loses heat retention
➡️ Hand-wash lids and body
🥄 6. Aluminum
- Can discolor, pit, or corrode
- Leaves chalky residue
➡️ Hand-wash immediately after use
🍷 7. Crystal & Delicate Glassware
- High heat causes clouding or cracking
- Etching is permanent
➡️ Hand-wash gently
🥣 8. Plastic Not Labeled “Dishwasher-Safe”
- Can melt or warp
- Releases microplastics
➡️ Check bottom label first
🔌 9. Items With Electrical Parts
- Blender bases, electric kettle lids
- Water damage risk
➡️ Wipe clean only
🍶 10. Gold-Trimmed or Hand-Painted Dishes
- Dishwasher fades or peels decoration
➡️ Hand-wash to preserve finish
⚠️ Bonus: Items That Are Technically Dishwasher-Safe… but Shouldn’t Be
- Cheese graters (food gets stuck)
- Pressure cooker lids
- Garlic presses
- Measuring cups with printed markings (fades fast)
✅ Dishwasher Rule of Thumb
If it’s:
- Wood
- Sharp
- Hand-painted
- Nonstick
- Insulated
👉 Keep it out of the dishwasher.
If you want, I can also share:
- 🧼 What rack to use for what items
- ❌ Why dishwashers cloud glass over time
- 🔥 The single worst detergent mistake people make
Just say the word 👇
