Say goodbye to ruined cookware: Simple dishwasher errors to avoid

The dishwasher, a modern marvel that has revolutionised the way we clean our dishes, is a staple in many Australian homes. It’s a time-saver, a convenience, and, for some, an absolute necessity. But as much as we love the ease with which it scrubs our plates and cutlery, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution for kitchen cleanup. In fact, certain items should never see the inside of a dishwasher if you want to preserve their quality and extend their lifespan. 

Anita Birges, a professional organiser and home hacks guru, offers practical advice on how to avoid common dishwasher mistakes that could be ruining your beloved kitchen tools. Let’s explore some of the key items you should never place in the dishwasher and how to keep them in top shape for years to come.

Firstly, let’s talk about chef knives. These culinary companions can be quite an investment, and they deserve to be treated with care. Dishwasher detergents and the jostling of a wash cycle can dull the blades, leading to a less efficient cut and a shorter life for your knife. Not to mention, the harsh environment inside a dishwasher can lead to discolouration and rust. Plus, placing sharp knives in the dishwasher poses a safety risk when unloading. The best practice? Gently hand wash your chef knives and dry them immediately to maintain their sharpness and sheen.

Moving on to wooden items, such as chopping boards and spoons, these too should be kept far from your dishwasher. Wood is a natural, porous material that doesn’t take kindly to the intense heat and moisture of a dishwasher cycle. The result? Splintering, warping, and ultimately, a compromised kitchen tool. To keep your wooden cookware in top shape, hand wash with mild soap and water and dry them promptly.

Now, let’s talk about resin. Those beautiful resin bowls and serving platters may look sturdy, but they’re quite vulnerable to the high temperatures of a dishwasher. The heat can soften and warp the resin, leaving you with a misshapen mess rather than an elegant serving piece. The rule of thumb here is simple: always hand wash resin items in warm, soapy water.

When it comes to metal, not all types are dishwasher-safe. Cast iron, for example, should never be placed in a dishwasher. The detergents can strip away the seasoning that gives cast iron its non-stick properties, and the moisture can lead to rust. Similarly, aluminium reacts poorly to the dishwasher’s environment, often becoming discoloured and damaged. Stick to hand washing these items to preserve their functionality.

Lastly, natural stone, including marble, is another material to handle with care. The abrasive nature of dishwasher detergents can etch and dull the surface of these porous stones, leaving them looking lacklustre. Hand washing with a gentle cleaner is the way to go to keep your stone cookware looking pristine.

But it’s not all doom and gloom! There are items you might not have considered dishwasher-safe that can actually withstand a cycle. Items like microwave turntable plates, fridge shelves, and rangehood filters can all take a spin in the dishwasher. This can be a great way to keep these often-overlooked items clean and hygienic.

While the dishwasher is a fantastic tool, it’s important to recognise its limitations. By avoiding these simple mistakes, you can ensure your cookware remains in excellent condition for years to come. And remember, if you’re ever in doubt about whether an item is dishwasher-safe, it’s best to err on the side of caution and hand wash it instead.

Have you ever ruined a beloved kitchen item in the dishwasher? Or perhaps you’ve discovered a dishwasher-safe gem? Share your experiences in the comments below and let’s learn from each other’s kitchen adventures!

Also read: 8 genius ways to use dishwasher tablets for a sparkling home