Five Kitchen Items to Avoid Cleaning in the Dishwasher - Or Risk Ruining Your Appliance
Dishwashers are incredibly convenient appliances that significantly reduce washing-up time and ensure dishes are thoroughly cleaned. However, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines when loading the dishwasher to maintain both the appliance and your kitchenware. This includes proper stacking techniques and a clear understanding of which items are suitable and unsuitable for the machine.
According to appliance specialists at Ninja Kitchen, there are five common items that households should never place into the dishwasher. These include objects that many Brits frequently pop into the machine, such as chopping boards and graters, which can suffer damage over time.
Kitchen Knives
The specialists explained: "While many kitchen knives may be labelled 'dishwasher safe', the high temperatures and strong detergents during a dishwasher cycle can actually cause damage to your kitchen knives.
"Over time, repeatedly dishwashing kitchen knives can lead to dull knife blades, reduced performance and, in extreme cases, cause rust."
Instead, the specialists advise washing them by hand with warm water and dish soap to preserve their sharpness and longevity.
Wooden Spoons and Chopping Boards
It is strongly advised to avoid placing wooden utensils, such as spoons and chopping boards, in the dishwasher to prevent significant damage.
The professionals stated: "High heat and prolonged exposure to moisture can cause wooden utensils and kitchenware to warp, crack, and split.
"Over time, this can also strip away the natural oils that protect the material, reducing durability and creating small crevices where bacteria may accumulate."
Similar to knives, wooden items should be washed by hand with warm, soapy water to maintain their integrity and hygiene.
Cast-Iron Cookware
Ninja Kitchen cautions that cast-iron cookware should never be cleaned in the dishwasher, as it removes the pan's essential seasoning.
Without this protective coating, the pan can rapidly rust and lose its naturally non-stick surface, sometimes within a matter of hours.
The appliance gurus further noted: "Repeated dishwasher use can cause long-term damage, often necessitating full re-seasoning and shortening the cookware's overall lifespan."
Thermal and Insulated Mugs
Travel mugs often feature a vacuum-sealed layer, the experts explain, which is intended to preserve beverage temperature effectively.
The professionals pointed out: "Repeated dishwasher cycles can weaken or rupture this seal, diminishing the mug's capacity to maintain drinks hot or cold.
"In some instances, water may also infiltrate concealed compartments if the seal becomes compromised. In certain cases, this trapped moisture may foster conditions where mould or unpleasant smells develop over time."
Instead, Ninja Kitchen's experts recommend washing thermal and insulated mugs by hand, using warm, soapy water to protect their insulating properties.
Cheese Graters and Garlic Presses
While kitchen tools such as cheese graters and garlic presses are generally considered dishwasher-safe, experts advise against using them in the dishwasher.
This is because they can often trap food particles during the cleaning cycle, which, if not removed, can pose hygiene issues over time. Instead, clean them by hand with a washing-up brush or sponge to ensure all residues are thoroughly removed.
