5 Kitchenware Items You Should Never Clean in the Dishwasher
Five kitchen items to keep out of the dishwasher for better safety and improved kitchenware durability.
Wooden utensils and cutting boards
Nonstick pans
Sharp knives
Cast iron cookware
Crystal and delicate glassware
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Keeping your kitchen clean and organized is essential—but not everything belongs in the dishwasher. While the dishwasher saves time, effort, and energy, certain tools and materials simply cannot withstand the high heat, strong detergents, or aggressive water pressure inside.
Cleaning the wrong items in the dishwasher can lead to warping, dulling, cracking, rusting, or even releasing toxins into your food. To protect your cookware, extend its lifespan, and maintain proper hygiene, here are five kitchen items you should never put in the dishwasher—no matter how tempting it may be.
1. Wooden Utensils and Cutting Boards
Wood is sensitive, porous, and easily damaged by the dishwasher’s extreme heat and moisture.
Why You Should Avoid the Dishwasher:
High temperatures cause wood to dry out, warp, split, or crack. The powerful detergents strip its natural oils, making it more prone to absorbing bacteria.
How to Clean It Safely:
Wash wooden boards and spoons by hand with warm water and mild soap. Dry immediately, then apply a thin layer of mineral oil once a month to keep the wood hydrated.
Long-Term Risk:
Warped or cracked wooden surfaces become unsafe to use because bacteria can settle into the tiny crevices.
2. Nonstick Pans and Coated Cookware
Even the highest-quality nonstick pans react poorly to dishwasher cycles.
Why You Should Avoid the Dishwasher:
Dishwasher detergents are abrasive and break down the nonstick coating over time. High heat also causes the coating to peel, reducing the pan’s lifespan and performance. In some cases, damaged coatings may release chemicals into food.
How to Clean It Safely:
Wash gently by hand using a soft sponge and mild detergent. Avoid metal scrubbers, as they scratch the coating.
Long-Term Risk:
A ruined coating makes food stick, burns easily, and creates an uneven cooking surface.
3. Sharp Knives (Chef’s Knives and Specialty Blades)
Professional chefs never wash knives in the dishwasher—and for good reason.
Why You Should Avoid the Dishwasher:
The dishwasher dulls blades quickly due to water pressure, heat, and detergent. Blades may also chip if they hit other items. Handles—especially wooden ones—can loosen or crack.
How to Clean It Safely:
Wash knives immediately after use with warm water, soap, and a soft sponge. Dry thoroughly to prevent rust.
Long-Term Risk:
A dull knife is actually more dangerous than a sharp one because it requires more force to cut.
4. Cast Iron Skillets and Cookware
Cast iron is durable, but dishwashers are its worst enemy.
Why You Should Avoid the Dishwasher:
The dishwasher strips away the skillet’s seasoning—the natural nonstick protective layer you build over time. It also causes immediate rusting.
How to Clean It Safely:
Clean with hot water and a firm brush. Avoid soap when possible. Dry completely and apply a thin coat of oil after cleaning.
Long-Term Risk:
A damaged cast iron pan loses its nonstick abilities and becomes prone to rust.
5. Crystal, Fine Glassware, and Hand-Painted Items
Fragile glass and decorative items cannot tolerate the dishwasher’s intensity.
Why You Should Avoid the Dishwasher:
High heat causes cracking or cloudiness, while harsh detergents strip decorative paint or gold trim. The strong jets can cause delicate pieces to knock against other items and shatter.
How to Clean It Safely:
Wash gently by hand with mild soap and lukewarm water. Dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks.
Long-Term Risk:
Once crystal becomes cloudy or scratched, it is nearly impossible to restore.
Conclusion
The dishwasher is one of the greatest time-saving tools in any kitchen—but it’s important to use it wisely. Certain materials simply cannot survive the intense heat, water pressure, and abrasive detergents. Wooden items warp, nonstick coatings peel, sharp knives dull, cast iron rusts, and fine glass breaks easily.
By keeping these five items out of the dishwasher, you protect your kitchenware, improve safety, and ensure your tools last for years. Smart cleaning is just as important as smart cooking.