Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher
Wondering what can't go in the dishwasher? Cleaning experts share the cookware, utensils, and household items you should always wash by hand.
The dishwasher is one of the hardest-working appliances in the kitchen, saving time and effort on cleaning everything from dinner plates to cookware. But despite its convenience, not every household item is built to withstand the high heat, powerful water jets, and harsh detergents used during a wash cycle.
Putting the wrong items in the dishwasher can lead to warping, rust, dull finishes, cracked surfaces, and even permanent damage. Below, experts share which items you should never put in the dishwasher.
Things You Should Not Put in Your Dishwasher
Acrylic dishware or accessories: Crazing (small cracks through the acrylic) might occur.
Brass, bronze, copper, and pewter items: High-temperature water and detergent can cause discoloration, says Larry Ciufo, who has tested hundreds of dishwashers at CR over the past 20 years.
Things That Are Generally Safe, but With Caveats
Aluminum: Products made with aluminum are usually dishwasher-safe, but minerals in the water might cause spots or darkening. To remove those, scour with a soap-filled steel wool pad.
China, crystal, and stoneware: These are mostly safe, but if the pieces are hand-painted or fragile, wash them by hand. It’s also better to hand-wash glasses or dishes with gold leaf.
Milk-glass items: These may yellow after repeated dishwasher washings.
Plastic: These items vary in their ability to withstand heat and detergents, so check whether they’re dishwasher-safe and make sure to place them on the top rack—away from the heating element—and don’t select cycles that use higher wash or dry temperatures.
Stainless steel and silver: It’s generally okay to put these in the dishwasher, but make sure you run your rinse cycle if you’re not running the wash cycle immediately, because prolonged contact with food can damage their finish.
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