Experts have shared some "surprisingly wrong" uses for dishwashers.
Many households have one of the handy devices in their kitchens, ready to help clear up after meals. While they are used for plates, mugs and cutlery not everything in your kitchen can actually go into a dishwasher.
Certain items can be scratched or damaged in a dishwasher, so are best cleaned in a more traditional way - with good old soap and hot water.
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To help people identify what can be safely washed through the dishwasher and what should be avoided, consumer champions at Which? have rounded up some of the most important ones that you should know about.
Seven things you shouldn’t put in a dishwasher
1. Kitchen knives
While steel and ceramic knives are safe in the dishwasher and won't tarnish, the high heat can make them more prone to dullness. It's better to wash them by hand to avoid having to sharpen them more often – and it will ensure they last longer and stay in great condition. The same goes for blender blades, which can dull over time, meaning your drinks will be less smooth.
2. Wooden spoons and chopping boards
Anything wooden – spoons, boards, chopsticks or serving bowls – can't go in the dishwasher. Regardless of what type of wood it is, the high heat of a dishwasher will cause it to splinter and split. Instead, wash wooden items by hand and avoid submerging them in water for a long time. A quick rinse and scrub should be fine.
3. Non-stick anything and some baking trays
Non-stick pans should be washed and dried by hand, as the dishwasher can wear down the non-stick surface over time. Your next omelette could be stuck to the pan if you don't stick to this advice.
Many people put their baking trays in the dishwasher so they don't have to scrub them clean. But check what yours are made of: stainless steel and anodised aluminium are fine but cast iron or regular aluminium will need hand-washing.
You also don't want a load of grease in your dishwasher as it could clog the pipes. Wait for the tray to cool and for the fat to solidify. Then you can scrape it off with kitchen paper and put it in the bin, which is much better for your plumbing.
4. Crystal or milk glass
While you can wash crystal in a dishwasher if you take all the right precautions, we'd recommend against it. Over time, abrasive detergents can mark and scar the crystal. Full-lead crystal is less dense than glass and scratches easily.
If you're adamant, choose a very mild detergent or look for one approved for crystal or cut-glass use. Place the crystal in the top rack of the dishwasher and make sure that the glasses do not touch one another. Then use a delicate cycle, which washes at a lower temperature to protect items.
As for milk glass, it can be chipped by knocking against other plates in the wash. The dishwasher may also cause discoloration, turning it slightly yellow over time.
5. Copper, aluminium or cast-iron cookware
Stylish copper pots and pans can make for a statement piece in your kitchen, but to make sure your prized cookware keeps on shining, wash it by hand. The harshness of the dishwasher can cause any copper surfaces to dull.
Only anodised aluminium is dishwasher-safe, as it has a protective layer of oxide. Without this layer, the harsh detergent can cause aluminium to tarnish and turn black. All cast iron will have a layer of protective, non-stick layer of baked-on oil known as seasoning. In the dishwasher this will be washed away, and the iron beneath will rust.
Many cast iron pots and pans have a layer of enamel to make it easier for you to take care of them. But this can wear down and dull in the dishwasher. Hob burners and grates are often made of cast iron, so avoid throwing these in. That means you should keep your Le Creuset out of the dishwasher if you want it to last and stay bright and vibrant for a long time. If you're not sure, it's better to be safe than sorry and wash by hand.
6. Insulated coffee mugs or water bottles
The sustained high temperature of a dishwasher could damage the vacuum seal on insulated pitchers or reusable water bottles. This will make the insulation worse, preventing them from keeping your drinks hot or cool. It could also make them prone to leaking.
7. Your pressure cooker lid
While the actual pot of your pressure cooker can go in the dishwasher, never put the lid in. The high heat and water jets could damage the seal mechanism, making the actual pressure part of your pressure cooker obsolete. It could even make using your pressure cooker dangerous if the safety mechanisms are faulty.
Five surprising things you can put in your dishwasher
As well as what you can't do, here are a few things you might be surprised to learn can be put through the appliance.
- Makeup brushes and combs
- Plastic baby toys, bottles and dummies
- Fridge drawers and shelves
- Toothbrush holders and soap trays
- Vacuum cleaner attachments
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