Stop Putting These 7 Things in the Dishwasher, Appliance Pros Warn – Avoid Damage and Costly Breakages by Handwashing
Washing these kitchen staples by hand will improve longevity
Chiana Dickson
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Dishwashers earn their place in your kitchen by saving time and simplifying cleanup, but experts say they are not the right solution for every item.
Knowing what should stay out of your dishwasher can help ensure this investment continues to serve your home for years to come. Loading the wrong items can mean damage to vintage or expensive cookware, and unexpected breakages or loss of function if your kitchenware or the dishwasher itself ends up damaged.
Don't Swap Dishwasher Convenience for Costly Damage
When weighing up using your dishwasher vs washing by hand, the cost to run the appliance and the time spent loading it are often key factors. But understanding which items actually belong in this appliance can be just as important for protecting and extending its life.
‘Dishwashers are a helpful addition to everyday living, but what often gets missed is that they are not meant for every kitchen item,’ explains Joe Authbert, a manager at ProCook. ‘Despite saving on time spent washing up, dishwashers can cause damage to some kitchen essentials.’
To make this easier to navigate, we have grouped the most commonly damaged items into seven practical categories based on material, construction, and how they respond to heat, water pressure, and detergent.
This approach helps explain not just what to keep out of your dishwasher, but why it matters, so you can make informed choices that protect both your best cookware and your appliance.
1. Insulated Drinkware and Travel Mugs
This gorgeous lidded glass cherry cup from the Anthropologie Icons collection is great for taking your cold morning smoothie to go, but handwashing is necessary to prevent cracks and chips.
Reusable water bottles, stainless steel tumblers, and travel coffee mugs have become everyday staples, whether they are heading to work, the gym, or riding along in a car cup holder.
While many brands advertise durability, experts say insulated drinkware is one of the most common categories to suffer hidden damage in the dishwasher, as they are not dishwasher safe.
‘After a wash in the dishwasher, travel mugs can lose their airtight properties in both plastic and metal insulated cups,’ ProCook’s Joe Authbert warns. ‘The insulated airspace keeping both cold and hot liquids at a consistent temperature can become compromised and lose efficiency.’
High dishwasher heat can weaken the vacuum seal that gives these mugs their temperature control, while powerful spray cycles may force water into lids and closures, where moisture can become trapped. Over time, this can lead to reduced insulation performance, lingering odors, or leaks.
That can turn your seemingly helpful cycle into a dishwashing mistake. I made this mistake recently with a gorgeous glass coffee cup with double-layered vacuum insulation, and though the damage wasn't immediate, just one cycle through the dishwasher caused a slow leak that only 'hissed' and made itself apparent when I next poured a hot drink in.
Detergent is another factor, as dishwasher formulas are more abrasive than hand soap and can strip exterior finishes, fade printed designs, and cloud clear lids. Rubber gaskets and silicone seals are especially vulnerable to repeated exposure and may dry out or warp, increasing the risk of spills.
Boroscilicate glass is known for its heat-retaining qualities, but even the prettiest of travel cups, such as the cherry Icon cup from Anthropologie, pictured above, is recommended by the manufacturer to be hand-washed. This will avoid it chipping or cracking if other items in the dishwasher move during a regular cycle.
If using the dishwasher is unavoidable, Joe offers a safer approach. ‘If you must, place them on the top rack of the dishwasher and put the machine on low heat without a drying cycle,’ he recommends.
Washing by hand with mild dish soap such as Dawn, available in bulk from Amazon, is usually the safest option, however.
2. Kitchen Knives Are at Risk in the Dishwasher
Don't spend serious money on great knives, such as the HexClad Japanese Damascus Steel Knives, only to blunt and damange them in your dishwasher.
The best kitchen knives are essential tools in any kitchen, but experts say the dishwasher is not their friend. People might assume that placing knives on the top rack protects them, but in reality, dishwashers can significantly shorten the lifespan of quality blades.
‘Dishwashers can have a devastating effect on the quality of kitchen knives,’ says Joe Authbert of ProCook. ‘They are abrasive, and depending on the type of detergent used, the washing process can lead to rust or corrosion on the knife’s blade.’
The high heat, strong water jets, and repeated contact with other utensils or metal racks can also dull edges over time. Even stainless steel knives, which are resistant to rust, can develop discoloration or tiny nicks if repeatedly washed in a dishwasher.
I will hold my hands up and admit my guilt, as I bought a great value set of five stainless steel knives from Amazon last year, only for them to end up with spots of rust from the dishwasher. Lesson learned, albeit the hard way.
The safest approachfor cleaning your knives is simple: Wash them carefully by hand with warm, soapy water and dry them immediately after rinsing. This prevents corrosion, maintains sharpness, and extends the life of both the blade and the handle.
Hand-washing knives with the Joseph Joseph BladeBrush, available at Amazon, is much safer and will help you avoid nicks and cuts whilst cleaning.
Not only does handwashing knives help protect the investment in your high-quality kitchen tools, but it also ensures that your knives continue to perform safely and efficiently for years.
Learn more about the best knives chefs use.
3. Wood, Bamboo and Natural Fiber Items
This beautiful beech wood spoon set by Daniel Humm at Crate & Barrel should be hand-washed only, to retain the wood's natural oils and antibacterial properties.
Whether it's mango wood kitchenware, beautiful non-toxic wooden cutting boards, or wooden utensils, these beautiful kitchen essentials that are made from natural fibers do not belong in the dishwasher.
Prolonged exposure to water, combined with the high heat and powerful jets of a dishwasher, can erode the protective finish when cleaning or caring for a wooden cutting board, spoons, and salad servers. Over time, this can lead to cracking, warping, or even rot.
‘The dishwasher is a perfect storm for warping or cracking wooden kitchen utensils and cutting boards thanks to its hot water and dry heat settings,’ says Joe Authbert of ProCook. ‘This can completely ruin a wooden kitchen product, and also make the wood appear dull.’
Visible or microscopic cracks can also harbor bacteria, which is a big no-no in food prep.
The safest approach is to wash them by hand with warm water and mild soap, then dry them immediately. This helps preserve both the structure and appearance of the wood, keeping utensils and cutting boards in top condition for years and cutting the risk of any mold or germs.
4. Non-Stick Cookware and Bakeware
Non-stick pots and pans are a staple in most kitchens and usually a pricey investment. Keep them out of your dishwasher to preserve their coating.
The best non-stick pans and bakeware, alongside the best non-toxic cookware, make everyday cooking easier, but most are not suited for the dishwasher unless the manufacturer explicitly states so.
Dishwashers are designed for heavy-duty cleaning: Removing stuck-on food from plates and utensils. But this intensity can damage the delicate nonstick coating, causing it to erode or flake over time. This can affect cooking performance and shorten the life of your pans.
It can also release potentially harmful chemicals into your food. I've learned the hard way that even my safe-for-dishwasher non-stick pans begin chipping over time. The dishwasher puts extra strain on their surfaces, whether or not they're supposed to withstand it.
The safest approach is hand washing with warm water and gentle dish detergent. If the coating is intact, nonstick cookware (such as our favorite, the HEXCLAD Hybrid Fry Pan) should clean easily with minimal scrubbing, as the whole point of its clever engineering is to make sure ingredients do not stubbornly bind to the surface.
A Scrub Daddy sponge is beloved by our cleaning editors, as running it under hard water makes it stiff and easier to tackle tough stains, without additional abrasion that could scratch pan surfaces. Running a Scrub Daddy, available at Walmart in a multipack, under warm water will make it more malleable for easily cleaning rounded or sharp corners and grooves.
The bottom line is that unless the label specifically says ‘dishwasher safe,’ wash nonstick pans and bakeware by hand. Proper hand washing preserves the coating, maintains cooking performance, and helps your pans last longer. If you need to leave it to soak overnight, do so, rather than risking it in the dishwasher.
5. Cast Iron and Carbon Steel Pans
Cast-iron Dutch ovens like this beautiful cerise 5.5-quart one from heritage cookware brand Le Creuset, available on Amazon, will last you decades if you wash and care for them properly.
The best cast iron cookware and carbon steel items are prized for their heat retention, durability, and ability to develop a natural non-stick patina over time. However, these pans require careful maintenance, and dishwashers are not part of the equation.
‘Cast iron pans can’t go in the dishwasher or be soaked for a long time,’ explains chef and nutrition coach, Lisa Marley. Harsh dishwasher detergents and strong water jets can strip away the carefully built seasoning on a cast-iron pan, leaving it vulnerable to rust and damaging its cooking surface.
Lisa emphasizes the proper cleaning approach, adding, ‘Always allow the pan to cool before trying to clean it. You can use a very small amount of washing-up liquid, warm water, and a non-abrasive sponge. If food is really stuck, then place the pan on the hob and add just under a cup of water, bring to a boil, and it should start to loosen.’
Hand washing cast iron and carbon steel with minimal soap and immediate drying is essential for preserving the non-stick patina and preventing rust. Caring for your best cast-iron skillets will also ensure your pans stay durable and perform at their best for years. Don't forget to season cast-iron pans to help maintain them.
6. Fine Glassware, Crystal and Decorative Pieces
Keep decorative pieces or fine glass and china to one side after use, and wash with soft, non-abrasive sponges or clothes, and dish soap to avoid damage or loss of design or color.
Antique kitchenware or delicate cookware adds character and elegance to any home, but these items require extra care that a dishwasher simply cannot provide. Even the latest dishwashers can damage fragile materials, from hand-blown glasses to hand-painted ceramics.
‘Hand-blown or hand-painted glasses should not be placed in the dishwasher as they may be ruined,’ advises cleaning expert Sarah Dempsey. ‘Crystal glasses should also be hand-washed to avoid breakages.’
The high heat, strong jets, and concentrated detergents in dishwashers can cause fading, cracking, or complete breakage. My Persian grandmother brought me a hand-painted set of colorful red glass tea cups from Iran as a housewarming present, and without my husband realizing the delicate nature of them, put them through the dishwasher. The damage to the design on the cups was total.
Old ceramics, fine china, and delicate glass, such as my collection, should instead be rinsed gently in the sink using a soft, nonabrasive brush or cloth. I particularly like the soft and easy-wash cellulose Swedish Cloths from Amazon which can be composted after use.
Once hand-washed, leave them to dry somewhere safe. Avoid stacking fragile items or placing them near heavier objects that could knock or chip them.
By taking a few extra minutes, you can protect fine glass, crystal, and decorative items, ensuring they stay beautiful and functional for years to come.
7. Items with Adhesives, Electronics, or Delicate Parts
Once you've finished cooking, it can be tempted to stick your air fryer tray in the dishwasher, but this can damange the components. Always hand wash unless the manufacturer states it's safe to load yours up.
Some kitchen tools and gadgets, such as the trays in your top non-toxic air fryer, simply aren’t built to survive the intense heat and water pressure of a dishwasher. Items with adhesives, small electronics, or intricate parts can be permanently damaged if washed incorrectly.
This includes the base from your best blender, garlic presses, food processor attachments, air fryer baskets with removable inserts, and anything with stickers or labels.
Home Tech Editor at Homes & Gardens, Dan Fauzi, explains, 'Dishwasher detergents can break down glue or adhesive, causing labels or assembled components to come apart. Electrical components can short-circuit or corrode if exposed to water, while small moving parts may jam or wear unevenly due to high-pressure jets.'
For these items, Dan recommends hand washing with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
'Take extra care to fully dry parts before reassembling or storing them,' Dan adds. 'If possible, consult the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, as some removable components may be dishwasher safe while the main body is not.'
What to Shop
Certified by the EPA, Affresh dishwasher cleaning tablets help to break down machine grease, kill bacteria, and fight odors without leaving contaminants behind.
These dishwasher tablets are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, chlorine bleach, and phosphates for a healthier clean when you do run your machine.
This plant-based rinse aid fights spots and streaks without Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), fragrances, or dyes, helping keep toxins that can harm your health off your dishes.
Our editors love using Scrub Daddy sponges as they resist odors and mold buildup for up to three months, rinse clean under tap water, and scrub well when handwashing without damaging cookware.
These Scrub Daddy pads are stronger and thicker than ordinary scouring pads, making them the ideal sponge and scrubber for tackling particularly tough dirt and grime.
This versatile paste can be used on surfaces all over the home, including cookware, tough on dirt but gentle on surfaces. It cleans without scratching or damaging, leaving surfaces spotless and shiny.
FAQs
Should you pre-rinse items before they go in the dishwasher?
When loading a dishwasher, make sure that no large chunks of food or leftovers remain on the plates; otherwise, this can cause blockages and make it difficult to clean your dishwasher. Scrape the plates off into the trash if needed before putting them into the machine to be cleaned thoroughly.
But this comes with a caveat, pros say.
‘One tip, and one that often shocks, is don’t rinse your plates before they go in,’ confirms Tor Rydder, a cleaning and home organizing expert and the founder of Organizing TV. ‘Most dishwashers and dishwasher tablets are designed to work with food particles to make sure your dishes are as clean as can be, rinsing beforehand could hinder this.’
Should you put a ball of aluminum foil in the dishwasher?
Using aluminum foil in the dishwasher can get flatware sparkling as the foil ball interacts with the dish detergent, lifting the tarnish off the cutlery and making it look new once again.
For silver cutlery, warm-toned metals are likely to tarnish or become dull. To maintain the beauty of special pieces like these, hand-wash and polish instead, using a specialised solution, such as Wrights by Weinman Silver Polish from Amazon, which comes with an ammonia-free cloth for the best results.
Finally, make sure you clean your dishwasher regularly and top up salt and rinsing agents to keep it functioning well for as long as possible.
If you still find spots on your glassware, try popping a clean towel over the door. Adding lemon halves to your dishwasher will also give it a natural cleaning boost.
