10 Things You Should Absolutely Never Put In Your Dishwasher

As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for ways to cut down on chores and save a bit of time. That’s why it was tempting to toss just about everything into the dishwasher and hope for the best. But I quickly learned that this approach doesn’t always end well. Some things just aren’t meant to withstand the high heat and powerful detergents of a dishwasher cycle.

From precious cooking tools to everyday utensils, I’ve put together a cautionary list based on my own kitchen mistakes. Here are 10 things you should absolutely keep out of your dishwasher if you want to avoid damage and disappointment.

Air Fryer Basket

I learned a kitchen lesson the hard way: despite what the manual might claim, the dishwasher is no friend to your air fryer basket. Sure, it’s tempting to toss it in there and forget about it, especially after a busy day.

But trust me, the dishwasher can be rough on that non-stick coating. Plus, because the basket’s bulky and full of tricky corners, it never really gets completely dry, leaving you with damp, gunky spots.

Now, I just give mine a good scrub by hand—it’s not as much of a hassle as it sounds, and it keeps everything crispy and clean for the next use.

Copper or Other Precious Metals

If you adore your shiny copper pots as much as I do, keep them out of the dishwasher. The same goes for any silver, gold, or bronze treasures in your kitchen. Dishwasher detergents are too harsh and can make them lose their sparkle and charm.

I used to regret the extra polish time until I saw how quickly they tarnished after a dishwasher cycle. Now, handwashing these beauties doesn’t seem so bad. It keeps them gleaming and guest-ready, which is always worth the effort.

Pressure Cooker Lids

After a few failed attempts and a nearly ruined meal, I realized the hard way that pressure cooker lids should never meet the inside of a dishwasher. It’s tempting to chuck them in after a successful batch of stew, but even tiny bits of food or detergent can get stuck in the regulator or safety valves, which is a real mess to fix.

Now, I wash the lid, gasket, and pot by hand in warm, soapy water. Always remember to dry them thoroughly and store the lid off the pot to avoid any gasket issues. It’s a little extra work, but it beats having your pressure cooker out of commission.

Many Types of Plastic

Plastic items are tricky. Even though they might seem sturdy, the dishwasher can be too harsh for them unless they’re clearly marked as “dishwasher safe.” I’ve had containers warp and melt from the heat, especially if they end up near the heating element at the bottom.

If you do have plastics that are dishwasher-safe, always place them on the top rack to keep them away from the intense heat. This way, they’ll last much longer and you won’t have to deal with the headache of reshaping your storage containers!

Hollow-handled Knives

That fancy knife set was a splurge, and while it might seem quicker to toss those hollow-handled knives in the dishwasher, I’ve learned it’s a shortcut that could cost you. The heat from the dishwasher can weaken the adhesive in the handles, and before you know it, you’re holding just the blade. Not exactly ideal when you’re chopping veggies!

Now, I take the extra minute to wash these by hand. It keeps the handles tight and the knives in good shape for all my slicing and dicing adventures.

Nonstick Pots and Pans

Nonstick pans are a kitchen staple for easy cooking and even easier cleanup. However, I’ve found that the dishwasher is not the place for them unless you’re looking to replace them soon.

Dishwasher detergent and high heat can degrade that slick nonstick coating, leading to flaking and food sticking—exactly what you bought nonstick to avoid!

Cast Iron

I learned the hard way that my dishwasher is no friend to my beloved cast iron skillet. After spending so much time getting it seasoned just right, I made the mistake of thinking the dishwasher would be a shortcut on a particularly lazy evening. Big mistake. The harsh soap and heat didn’t just clean it; they started stripping that perfect seasoning I’d worked so hard on.

Now, I stick to a simple method: rinse it with hot water, give it a scrub with a stiff brush, and if it’s really messy, a tiny bit of soap does the trick. After cleaning, I dry it immediately and give it a little love with a swipe of vegetable oil.

Insulated Mugs & Cups

Every morning, my trusty travel mug keeps my coffee hot for hours, but the dishwasher can do a number on it. After a couple of cycles, I noticed it just wasn’t keeping things as hot as before. Turns out, the heat in the dishwasher can mess with the insulation.

Now, even if I find my favorite mug rolling around under the car seat after a hot day, I clean it gently. I put it on the top rack, skip the heat dry, and hope for the best. It’s a small thing, but it lets me hang onto that perfect mug a bit longer.

Anything Wood

Tossing your wooden spoons, cutting boards, and any utensils with wooden handles into the dishwasher might seem like a timesaver, but trust me, it’s a shortcut you’ll regret. Dishwasher detergent isn’t just tough on grease; it’s harsh enough to scratch and degrade wood over time. The high heat from the drying cycle? Even worse. It can cause wood to warp or split.

So save yourself the heartache. Keep those wooden beauties looking great by rinsing them right after use and giving them a gentle hand wash. If you encounter tough stains, a sprinkle of baking soda works wonders.

Knives You Want to Keep Sharp

Here’s a tip from one home cook to another: keep your cherished kitchen knives out of the dishwasher. It might seem convenient, but dishwasher detergent can quickly dull the blades, making chopping a chore and frankly, a bit risky. A dull knife can slip, increasing the chance of an accident. Not to mention, the intense heat and water action can weaken the handles.

Instead, take the time to wash them by hand with some warm, soapy water. Your knives will stay sharp, and your prep work will be safer and more enjoyable.