Watch Out! These Are The Things You Should NEVER Put In Your Dishwasher!
🚫🧽 Discover the surprising items that should NEVER go in your dishwasher! Keep your kitchen running smoothly with these helpful tips. 😉 #DishwasherDont’s #KitchenHacks #CleanLiving
🧽 Hand-Wash Only Items
Edina, MN – Some things just don’t belong in the dishwasher, no matter how tempting it may be to toss them in and let the machine do the work.
Family heirlooms, like that treasured casserole dish from your great second auntie, should always be washed by hand. The high temperatures and jostling in the dishwasher could cause it to chip, break, or even explode! The same goes for any dishes with gold rims or delicate patterns – the fancy china you got for your wedding should be treated with extra care and washed by hand to preserve its shine and sparkle.
☕ Insulate Your Insulated Drinkware
Reusable coffee cups and insulated mugs are fantastic for keeping your beverages hot on the go, but they don’t belong in the dishwasher. The high heat can damage the vacuum seal that keeps your drinks insulated. Stick to hand-washing these items with warm, soapy water and allow them to air-dry.
🐶 Keep Pet Bowls Separate
While your furry friend may be part of the family, their germs shouldn’t mix with yours. A dog’s mouth can contain bacteria that could make you and your loved ones sick, so it’s best to wash pet bowls and feeders by hand and let them air-dry.
🧴 Keep Dishwashing Liquid Out
It might seem logical to put dishwashing liquid in the dishwasher, but trust us, you don’t want to turn your kitchen into a giant bubble bath! Stick to using dishwashing liquid for hand-washing only, and use a special detergent labeled “dishwasher detergent” for your machine.
🥡 Beware of Takeout Containers
Those plastic takeout containers are great for bringing lunch to work or packing snacks on the go, but they don’t always play nice with the dishwasher. If the container doesn’t clearly say “dishwasher friendly,” it’s best to avoid putting it in the machine. The high heat can melt or change the chemical makeup of the plastic, making it unsafe to use for food storage. It’s recommended to avoid reusing takeout containers altogether and opt for plastic containers specifically designed for the dishwasher.
🧀 Grate Expectations
Cheese graters may seem like a dishwasher’s dream, but the machine often misses the tiny bits of cheese stuck in the crevices. For the best results, take a few extra minutes to hand-wash your grater and ensure it’s completely clean.
🍳 Protect Your Pots and Pans
Copper pans and nonstick cookware may seem dishwasher-friendly, but the high temperatures can alter their appearance and functionality. Copper pans can turn a rusty color, losing their signature shine, while the coating on nonstick pots and pans can break down over time. To keep your cookware looking and performing its best, stick to hand-washing with hot, soapy water.
✨ Handle Crystal with Caution
Your delicate crystal glasses and dishware deserve a gentle touch. While it may seem scary to wash them by hand, the dishwasher can actually cause more damage over time. The high temperature, cleaning cycle, and proximity to other items can lead to cracks, chips, or a loss of shine. For a perfect sparkle, try soaking crystal in warm vinegar for a few minutes, then rinse with clear water and dry with a lint-free towel.
🧈 Wash Wooden Items with Care
Wooden utensils and cutting boards don’t fare well in the dishwasher either. The hot water can dissolve or alter the wood, potentially leading to splinters. To clean wooden items properly, experts recommend using a nylon scrubbing pad and warm, soapy water, then rinsing and drying thoroughly. For extra protection, oil your wooden utensils and boards once a month.
Conclusion
By taking a few extra minutes to hand-wash these items, you can keep your dishwasher running smoothly and your belongings looking their best for years to come. Remember, when in doubt, always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before tossing something in the dishwasher!
🗣 Have any household hints of your own you’d like to share? We’re all ears for some new tips and tricks! We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
